Eastern’s spring game brought a smile to the Panthers’ coaching staff as it reconfirmed their belief that this team will rebound from its 5-6 record in 2004.

“This offseason has been outstanding for us and I was thrilled with the spring game results,” Eastern head coach Bob Spoo said.

The most important aspect of the scrimmage at O’Brien Stadium won by the grey team 23-13 early Saturday, morning was the fact that the training room was empty after the final gun. The Panthers are reporting no injuries were sustained during the 48 minutes of play (four 12 minute quarters).

“The players were excited to play Saturday but for the first time in a while, everybody is healthy this offseason so that is a positive,” Spoo said.

The competition at quarterback was ended on Friday when Spoo and offensive coordinator Mark Hutson named red-shirt sophomore Mike Donato as the starter for the opening game against Indiana State.

“In my mind, he solidified his naming of the number one spot,” Spoo said. “He has worked so hard that he deserves everything he’s earned.”

Donato was able to move the ball in the first two series, which included the Broadview native lining up in the shotgun and running bootlegs rollouts similar to Utah’s offense under the signal calling of 2005 number-one pick Alex Smith.

“In a game like that, you do a couple of new things that you think you can be successful with,” Spoo said. “With Mike, we believe he’s very good at moving out and throwing along with his skills in the pocket.”

Donato’s only flaw on the afternoon was a second quarter interception that nearly got returned the other way for a touchdown.

The question of who Donato will be primarily handing the ball off to might have been lengthened to the summer as red-shirt freshman Travarus Bess had the biggest play of the day on a 40-yard run that led to a 3-yard touchdown.

The freshman from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. was red-shirted along with high-touted freshman Norris Smith but was over-looked by Panther fans until his performance this spring.

“I can tell you I noticed that most of the big plays in the game were his,” Spoo said. “I think he has something that other running backs don’t have. I don’t know what that is though.”

Spoo said that basically the tailback depth chart hasn’t changed since last fall as junior Vincent Webb be number one back, followed by junior Ademola Adeniji, Bess and Smith. Spoo will attempt to get every member of that quartet on the field.

“I don’t think I’ll have a problem with any of those guys in my backfield,” Spoo said.

2005 Backfield Depth Chart

Quarterback –

1. Mike Donato, So.

2. Michael Keeling, Sr.

Tailback –

1. Vincent Webb, Jr.

2. Ademola Adeniji, So.

3. Taverus Bess, Fr.

4. Norris Smith, Fr.