Reporters' Notebooks

Lindsay Jones, Palm Beach Post: Florida receiver Deonte Thompson will be one of three football players racing students before Saturday's spring game. Thompson's reported time in the 40 is 4.28, which is faster than the best time ever clocked on a track — 4.38. That was done by Ben Johnson, who set a world record of 9.79 in winning the 100 meters at the 1988 Olympics. Johnson, of course, later tested positive for steroids.

Rick Kaipust, Omaha World-Herald: A record crowd of 80,000 is expected for Nebraska's spring game on April 19. Tickets are now being sold on StubHub!, with asking prices nearing $150 at last check. Thanks to Big Red Network.

Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star: Nebraska recruit Josh Williams is accused of robbing a man of $900 in beautiful Denton, Texas.

Sports by Brooks: Brooks gets stranded in Austin for 48 hours (thanks to American Airlines) and discovers that Earl Campbell's Heisman Trophy is stashed in the Austin airport.

Mike Baldwin, Oklahoman: Oklahoma State co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer says the new 40-second clock rule will result in fewer plays. "We've been working these rules this spring to make sure we get our plays in."

Jim Moore, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Meet Tripper Johnson, the 32nd pick of the first round of the 2000 baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Now he's about to turn 26 and is a walk-on defensive back for the Washington Huskies.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: The father of suspended quarterback Stephen Garcia said his son is committed to playing at South Carolina. Gary Garcia, along with his wife Debbie, were spotted Thursday at Augusta National, talking with Gamecock coach Steve Spurrier.

Ryan Wood, Lawrence Journal-World: With a forecast of crummy weather on Saturday, Kansas has moved its spring game to Monday night.

Mike DeArmond, Kansas City Star: Missouri linebacker Van Alexander will have surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

Jonathan Okanes, Contra Costa Times: California quarterback Nate Longshore, battling Kevin Riley for the starting job, could miss the rest of spring practice because of a pulled pectoral muscle.

Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland Plain Dealer: Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman on his new competition, incoming freshman Terrelle Pryor: "With all the hype, it's going to be tough to back that up. ... I hope he can turn out to be a great player."

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech receiver Edward Britton was arrested after a traffic stop. He was found to have a warrant stemming from an alleged incident two years ago. The player's father calls it a "misunderstanding" and says the issue will be resolved.

Teddy Feinberg, Las Cruces Sun-News: Despite numbers that suggest otherwise, New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook had a better junior than sophomore season, according coach Hal Mumme.

Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Former Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler acknowledged that his one-game suspension last fall was for marijuana use, but he denied online reports that "marijuana was part of his diet."

To bypass registration, go to Bug Me Not. Here is today's mystery link. Thanks to Ken.