Trying to watch spring football practices is akin to watching a street magician with a ball and cups.

At WVU, there's offensive lineman Donny Barclay. See him? Got a fix? OK, now he's at right tackle. Now right guard. Now left tackle.

Just try and determine where he'll be in the fall.

Today, though, that's exactly what I'll attempt - with the help of a little insight and an almost totally useless depth chart.

The idea stems from the curiosity among Mountaineer fans in regard to their team's linebackers. West Virginia coach Bill Stewart has four very good ones - Pat Lazear, Reed Williams, Mortty Ivy and J.T. Thomas - and just three positions.

All, of course, will play in the fall. A bunch. But first Ivy was the weak-side linebacker, then ...

What's that? Get to the point? OK. The expectation from here is, when WVU lines up against Villanova on Aug. 30, your trio will be Ivy, Williams and Thomas. Ivy is the best strong-side linebacker, the biggest of the four, the most capable to help with run support. Thus, expect him to be the Sam.

Lazear, listed first at that position, is tough as nails and more suited for middle linebacker. That's undoubtedly where he'll play next season, when Williams has moved out. So expect Lazear to go ahead and move over later this spring or in the fall. Which leaves the athletic Thomas at the Will or weak-side position, where pass support is needed.

Otherwise?

Here are my projections for the depth chart four months and a couple weeks from today:

OFFENSE

At WVU, there's offensive lineman Donny Barclay. See him? Got a fix? OK, now he's at right tackle. Now right guard. Now left tackle.

Just try and determine where he'll be in the fall.

Today, though, that's exactly what I'll attempt - with the help of a little insight and an almost totally useless depth chart.

The idea stems from the curiosity among Mountaineer fans in regard to their team's linebackers. West Virginia coach Bill Stewart has four very good ones - Pat Lazear, Reed Williams, Mortty Ivy and J.T. Thomas - and just three positions.

All, of course, will play in the fall. A bunch. But first Ivy was the weak-side linebacker, then ...

What's that? Get to the point? OK. The expectation from here is, when WVU lines up against Villanova on Aug. 30, your trio will be Ivy, Williams and Thomas. Ivy is the best strong-side linebacker, the biggest of the four, the most capable to help with run support. Thus, expect him to be the Sam.

Lazear, listed first at that position, is tough as nails and more suited for middle linebacker. That's undoubtedly where he'll play next season, when Williams has moved out. So expect Lazear to go ahead and move over later this spring or in the fall. Which leaves the athletic Thomas at the Will or weak-side position, where pass support is needed.

Otherwise?

Here are my projections for the depth chart four months and a couple weeks from today:

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Hardcore WVU fans may have noticed a few players listed who aren't even practicing with the team yet. But I have to believe Devon Lyons wouldn't transfer from Ohio State, with one year of eligibility, to sit. If he's healthy and isn't a starter at the beginning of the season, look for him to become one as the year moves along.

Along the defensive line, expect junior-college transfers Shaw and Finau to immediately contribute. And Stewart loves Rodgers, the incoming tailback, and Sands, the 6-6 true freshman safety arriving from Miami.

Just remember to keep your eyes on the ball. And the Ivy. And the Barclay ...

To contact staff writer Mitch Vingle, call 348-4827 or send e-mail to mitchvin...@wvgazette.com.