By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

Things are getting exciting around the Callaway football team.

With the Cavaliers in the midst of spring practice, head coach Pete Wiggins knows with solid play from certain positions his team will be able to compete at the same level as last season, when Callaway won its first-ever Region 5-AA championship.

One of the biggest differences will be at quarterback, where upcoming junior Quan Bray has stepped up to be the team’s leading signal-caller after two seasons of being the Cavaliers’ electric running back.

Bray already has offers from Clemson and Alabama as a running back, and could be one of the state’s most highly regarded prospects in the class of 2011.

While opposing defenses know Bray will be able to scamper for first downs, Wiggins has been pleasantly surprised with his throwing mechanics and ability to run offensive coordinator Matt Napier’s attack, which has led the region the past two seasons.

“(Bray) is doing extremely well,” said Wiggins, who is heading into his fifth year as head coach of Callaway. “He already knew the offense, and is picking up on his new responsibilities.”

Wiggins said Bray and Napier work every day to improve Bray’s “strong” arm and his ability to read defenses.

Of course, having a wide receiving corps that includes upcoming senior Quantavius Leslie, who has several Division 1 football scholarship offers, helps the new quarterback.

“(Bray) is learning where he’s able to throw to,” Wiggins said. “Our receivers are helping him get better, too.”

Replacing Bray in the backfield will be running backs Marquis Terrell and D.J. Rutledge, but their services could also be used elsewhere.

Rutledge recently received a scholarship offer from the University of South Alabama.

“Those guys are getting better every day,” Wiggins said. “But they could have different roles, and several other guys could see time there. That’s what spring ball is all about, trying to find who fits where.”

The backfield is also accompanied by an experienced line, which includes returning starters Chaz and Chase Bowles and Golden Sutton.

“Our O-line gives the backfield some confidence because they’re able to open up some holes,” Wiggins said. “The offense has great chemistry, and hopefully that will roll over into the fall.”

Plenty of talent returns on defense, including the 2008 Region 5-AA Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Randy Bailey.

A defensive front that includes LaMichael Fanning and Jamal Bruce, both of whom have scholarship offers, could be strength of the defense.

Fanning has offers from Georgia and Clemson, among others, and Bruce recently received an offer from Air Force Academy.

The cornerback position is getting a lot of focus from the coaches, as two slots need to be filled due to graduated seniors.

“We’ve got several folks competing at cornerback,” Wiggins said.

While every football coach wants to escape spring practice without injury, upcoming junior Dionte Rosser broke his fibula and tore several ankle ligaments, sidelining him for the rest of the spring.

Rosser was set to replace graduated full back Tharius Tigner and was a defensive end last season.

“He was a big part of what we were trying to do,” Wiggins said. “He’ll be back for the fall. We’re excited about how it’s going so far, though