If Hoke had his way, an NCAA rule would allow him to invite another program to town for practice — without fans or reporters — for situational drills that both coaches want to use with tackling on perhaps one of the two days.
"I think it would be a great idea," Hoke said.
English would up for taking his Eagles on a 15-minute bus trip in the spring to share a field with the Wolverines.
"Spring ball gets long for coaches and players, so this rule change would add a little spice and a sense of urgency to get things done," English said.
North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams would be in favor of facing another other school — rather than his teammates — in a new-look spring game.
"Anytime you get an opportunity to hit somebody else is always better," Williams said. "Against your teammates, you want to be aggressive, but you don't want to be that aggressive because you never want to injure your own teammates."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney hopes programs, players and fans get a chance to enjoy a new-look spring in college football in the future.
"The NFL does it, why shouldn't we?" Swinney asked. "It doesn't have to be a game. We don't even have to turn the scoreboard on, but it lets us get a gauge. Plus, it'll create excitement for spring ball.
"Do I think we'll ever see it? You can never say never."
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AP Sports Writers John Zenor, Jeff Latzke, Eric Olson, Aaron Beard, Joedy McCreary and Pete Iacobelli contributed to this report.
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Follow Larry Lage on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/larrylage
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
















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