Spring in the Mountain West Conference started out pretty routine.
BYU, TCU and San Diego State offered the obligatory quarterback battles. Air Force introduced a new coach, and New Mexico and UNLV changed offensive coordinators.
Then things got interesting. Third-team quarterbacks stole the show in Wyoming’s and BYU’s final scrimmages. Never mind those full stadiums for spring games in the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences. Everyone in the country with a computer or television saw George Hill’s catch-touchdown-pass, catch- 4-year-old-boy play in Colorado State’s spring finale.
Air Force
The biggest surprise on the post-spring depth chart was all-MWC second-team running back Chad Hall appearing as a wide receiver. The terminology is something of a misnomer because the senior will line up at a slot and be used as a ball carrier and receiver.
Other changes elevated Jared Marvin to starting nose guard; Aaron Shanor, who didn’t play last season, worked out well in the new system to earn top billing at inside linebacker; and the new staff was impressed with sophomore strong safety Chris Thomas.
There are two tributes on tap for retired coach Fisher DeBerry. The academy is hosting a dinner May 5 at The Broadmoor, and the Denver Athletic Club will give DeBerry a career achievement award May 17.
BYU
Cade Cooper, a junior-college transfer, had been running even with Arizona State transfer Max Hall. But Cooper tore a ligament in his foot, and now Hall will be backed up by Brenden Gaskins, who threw for 174 yards in the spring game despite little practice. The defending MWC champs drew 16,752 fans to the April 14 game.
Colorado State
Sonny Lubick didn’t anticipate any major depth chart changes after spring. Some offensive line and linebacker position battles could continue into the fall.
One change is certain: Administrators will have tighter security at next year’s spring game to avoid any more collisions between players and unattended children on the sideline.
New Mexico
The Lobos started late to give new offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin time to create a playbook. New Mexico has one of the latest spring games in the country, with the Cherry-Silver game Wednesday. Fans can watch it online on www.golobos.com.
Baldwin, who came from Michigan State, was the head coach at San Jose State from 1997-2000. Baldwin is looking at a wide-open multiple offense and has just the quarterback in sophomore Donovan Porterie.
Nevada-Las Vegas
The perennial last-place Rebels have the talent to escape the cellar this season, but much depends on how quarterback Rocky Hinds mends after ACL surgery. The USC transfer played most of last season with a partial tear in a previously reconstructed knee.
In his absence this spring, redshirt freshman Travis Dixon engineered the winning drive in the spring game. Junior-college transfer Frank Summers (5-feet-10, 240 pounds) took over as running back.
Rebels basketball coach Lon Kruger paid a visit to football practice, reminding the team how basketball took off in his third season. It’s also the third season for football coach Mike Sanford.
San Diego State
The only school in the league that can hold spring practice outside in February doesn’t finish until this weekend. Injuries forced the Aztecs to use three starting quarterbacks last season, and two remain in contention for the starting job.
Although senior Kevin O’Connell has the edge in experience, the race stayed close with sophomore Kevin Craft, son of former coach Tom Craft.
Running back Lynell Hamilton, whose career has been marred by injury, is sitting out the spring practices and will move to fullback in the fall.
TCU
The Horned Frogs will likely appear in most preseason top-25 lists on the strength of a defense returning almost everyone. Defensive end Tommy Chase has been named to the Playboy preseason All-America team.
TCU didn’t name a starting quarterback, and Marcus Jackson and Andy Dalton will continue their battle into the fall.
Utah
Brian Johnson, fourth nationally in total offense before he tore his ACL in the next to last game of 2005, is drawing “good as new” reviews.
Johnson and backup Tommy Grady combined to go 18-of-20 passing in the spring game with three TDs. Grady, the former Oklahoma transfer who struggled when given a chance last season, was also more comfortable in the offense.
Wyoming
After redshirt junior-college transfer Ian Hetrick completed 20-of-31 passes for 269 yards in the final scrimmage, he was elevated to backup quarterback behind Karsten Sween.
Although Sween was held out of contact during the spring following minor knee surgery, coach Joe Glenn said the sophomore made significant strides in 7-on-7 work.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
