Today wasn't Opening Day, with the capital O and the capital D. That term is saved for the day when the first game is played, although in this year's case, it'll be Opening Night.

But today was the first time the 2007 Scarlet Knights took the field together, and every day from here on out they'll have to be a day closer to being game-ready for Buffalo on Aug. 30.

As you might expect, nothing really eye-opening took place today. No staring spots were won or lost, no linebackers unleashed vicious hits (in fact, since players wore helmets but no pads there were no hits), and no quarterbacks fired 45-yard passes down field.

But it was a chance for Greg Schiano to get his first look at his new team and to put his bull horn to good use, making sure that players had their heads up and their hands off their hips during end-of-practice sprints. And it was the day when some of the storylines of the season -- though in their infancy -- began to unfold.

A few things being talked about on Day One of Camp Rutgers:

^ Sophomore Jack Corcoran is the favorite to replace Brian Leanord as the starting fullback, but he'll be pushed hard in practice by true freshman Jourdan Brooks, who at a bruising 255 pounds would provide a big blocking presence out of the backfield.

^ Speaking of backs, Ray Rice isn't the only running back who hits holes in a hurry and looked impressive today in workouts. Schiano said yesterday that all Rice needs for motivation is to look behind him and see Kordell Young, who will likely play well enough to demand carries.

^ There are spots up for grabs on the offensive line, at middle linebacker, at tight end, and at punter. True freshmen Anthony Davis (O line) Manny Abreu (linebacker) and San San Te (punter) are all possibilities to crack the starting lineup.

Those stories and many more will continue to unfold tomorrow, when Day Two gets underway at 3:20 p.m. in Piscataway.

Look back for plenty more tomorrow.

- Ben