By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

MOBILE, Ala. –

-It was another cold and dreary day in Mobile on Wednesday morning. But the action picked up in practice as there was clearly more spirit on the field.

-Rams coach Scott Linehan was scheduled to arrive back here sometime today, though I didn’t see him at the morning practice. I will try to catch up with him this afternoon and have an update later tonight on the offensive coordinator situation.

-As many of you know by now, it appears Cam Cameron is indeed on his way to be the coordinator in Baltimore. He was believed to be the Rams’ first choice, but never got to the formal interview stage with St. Louis.

-That leaves what appears to be a two-horse race between Hue Jackson and Ken Zampese. There’s conflicting information on who is the favorite. Really, it depends on who you talk to, but ultimately Linehan will have the say on who it will be. It could still end up being someone different entirely.

-Greg Olson is on his way to Tampa Bay to become the quarterbacks coach there. Best of luck to him. He’s a terrific guy and a very good coach who I believe will thrive in his new digs.

-Had a chance to chat with new running backs coach Art Valero, who also seems to be a friendly and knowledgeable guy. We’ll have to wait and see how his guys perform this year, but make no mistake, Valero has plenty of experience and he’s fired up to be working with Steven Jackson. I’ll have more on Valero this week.

-Also chatted with USC head coach Pete Carroll, who is like a proud papa down here this week with nine of his players participating and protégé Lane Kiffin of the Raiders leading the North team. Carroll was the subject of a number of coaching rumors this offseason, but had this to say when asked directly about his desire to get back to the NFL: “I’m doing great. I love where I am. In every year for seven straight years there has been stuff about all of that. I am happy to be where I am and have the job I got.” It’s easy to see why considering the talent that continues to come out of So Cal.

-On to the players. First, I promised one of you yesterday that I would take a longer look at Iowa cornerback Charles Godfrey today. I did just that this morning and came away fairly impressed with what I saw. He is playing cornerback and seemed very solid in coverage. He could be a free safety I suppose, but he looks perfectly comfortable at corner. He did miss an easy interception opportunity on a play that he has to make if he wants to have success at the next level.

-I don’t know how else I can praise USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, but I will have a feature story on him this evening. I am a big believer in this guy already and I’m not so sure he wouldn’t be worth the second pick in the draft. He’s that good. Here’s a prediction: If the Raiders don’t fall in love with Darren McFadden, they will take Ellis in a heartbeat. Oakland’s staff is coaching Ellis this week and every one of those coaches is already in love with Ellis. They can’t come close to containing their enthusiasm. Warren Sapp just retired. This kid could be the next Sapp, seriously.

-One note on injuries. Apparently, North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer suffered a knee injury and has bowed out of the festivities. Iowa’s Bryan Mattison has replaced him. He did not get off to much of a start Wednesday as he got planted into the ground repeatedly.

-So, I’ll just come right out and say it. I wanted to be a homer for my guy Martin Rucker, the tight end from Missouri, my alma mater. I love what Rucker brought to the table for the Tigers in his time there and believed he could be a difference maker in the NFL. Alas, I just can’t do it. Rucker never had to play with his hand in the dirt at Mizzou and it shows when he does put it down to block in drills here. He has a long way to go in that area which is to be expected. Unfortunately, he doesn’t look particularly explosive in pass catching drills, either. In fairness to Rucker, he looked much better in both areas during Wednesday’s morning session, but he has a lot of work to do to be much better than a third or fourth round pick.

-Michigan’s Chad Henne was the best quarterback on the field Wednesday morning. He gets happy feet every once in a while, but has a good arm. He’d be a nice young backup for Marc Bulger.

-Cal running back Justin Forsett is really quick with a lot of elusiveness. Reminds me of Darren Sproles as a scat back type capable of returning, catching and running the rock.

-USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson looked solid in pass rush drills. Perhaps he’s taking a cue from teammate Ellis. He is a solid second rounder with the potential to work his way into the first.

-The practice ended with 11 on 11 activity that was spirited to say the least. The offense had a much better day and came out on top with a Forsett touchdown run.

-The south practice in the afternoon was also quite spirited but in a different way. There were some serious scuffles including a full on fight between Newberry College OL Heath Bennett and Hampton DL Kendall Langford. It was the most either showed all day.

-Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams was also involved in a scuffle. Williams is a big, intimidating presence and I believe he has a chance to be one of the top tackles in this draft. He has good feet to go with his massive frame and is moving up in the eyes of scouts this week.

-LSU cornerback Chevis Jackson has been up and down in these practices, but there is something I like about him. He seems very fluid and he loves to compete. As a middle round guy, he could be interesting.

-That’s all for today. Be sure to send in your questions for the rest of the week about anything and everything Rams and Senior Bowl.