Head coach Ralph Friedgen had a chance to assess some of the position battles after Thursday's practice.

Jamarr Robinson is vying for the starting quarterback job and remains atop the depth chart.

"(During Saturday's situational scrimmage) he made some plays and then he had some unforced error. Yet, he made some good throws and made some plays," Friedgen said. "I told him, 'Keep the good stuff in and keep the bad stuff out.'"

Despite being a junior in the fall, Robinson is still pretty raw. He saw the first significant action of his career at the end of last season, playing in each of the final four games, including a pair of starts for an injured Chris Turner.

"A lot of it is game management, he took a couple sacks he didn't need to take," Freidgen said. "'Throw the ball out of bounds.' He took a lot of time holding it but the best weapon he has is his feet. I think all of that will come. I'm not disappointed at all with that.'

Friedgen thinks he's improved his ability to dissect defenses.

"I think he's doing better at seeing coverage," Friedgen said." I think a lot of this is developing confidence. I'm hoping with his experience, that he will come on and do a good job for us."

Friedgen is also hoping to find some continuity along the offensive line, a unit where injuries to Lamar Young, Bennett Fulper and Justin Lewis have slowed progress.

"I'm looking for five guys that I can count on each and every week," Friedgen said. "Right now, the five guys that have shown up are Justin Gilbert, Andrew Gonnella, Paul Pinegar, Fulper most of the time and R.J. Dill, who is playing very well right now. "

Fulper had off-season shoulder surgery so he was limited in winter workouts. "I see [Fulper] getting a little bit better," Friedgen said. "What he has to do this summer is get his strength back in his arms and start punching. Some of his technique stuff is because of his lack of strength from his rehab."

On the defensive side of the ball, Friedgen has been impressed with the play of the defensive line. He has singled out sophomore defensive tackle Joe Vellano a number of times for his improved play. "He continues to make plays day in and day out," Friedgen said.

Some depth seems to be emerging at defensive end.

"I think Drew Gloster is really starting to come on playing defensive end," Friedgen said." I think we found a kid in Bradley Johnson. He is extremely quick and really gives us something in the twist game and the passing game. He's been another pleasant surprise."