Who's hot and who's not: Watch Lemon at middle linebacker

•Safety Lucien Antoine: The junior college transfer from Haiti played only one year of high school football and because of his lack of experience, he's raw. But Antoine's big hits have created a buzz this spring and helped bring a more aggressive mindset to the defense.

•Middle linebacker Orie Lemon: Before spring practice began, some speculated Donald Booker, a junior college transfer who won't arrive until this summer, would be the leading candidate to start at middle linebacker. Regardless of how quickly Booker adapts, Lemon is a good bet to start the season opener.

•Tight end Brandon Pettigrew: The Cowboys' most talented player, a possible first-round NFL draft pick in 2009, was arrested during the off-season for allegedly shoving a police officer.

Pettigrew, wearing a splint on his right ring finger, also has been held out of most spring drills. It's not serious and coach Mike Gundy said Pettigrew could have played if this was the regular season. Gundy also is confident Pettigrew learned from his arrest and is poised for a big senior season.