Grambling State coach Melvin Spears thinks so much of the athletic skills of former Vicksburg Gator Michael Rainey he had him change from one side of the ball to the other.

Rainey spent his freshman season as a red-shirt and was learning how to play defensive back. Then, when spring practice rolled around, Spears saw enough to move Rainey to offense.

&#8220Michael Rainey is a versatile guy. A great athlete with legit 4.4 speed (40-yard dash),” Spears said during his camp this week for area football players at Vicksburg High School.

&#8220We had him as a DB last year but now we’ve moved him to offense. We need to get the ball in his hands. Look for him to shuffle between running back and slot receiver.”

Rainey’s not complaining.

&#8220After being red-shirted last year, they’ve moved me back to offense. The way they had me in the spring, I lined up at running back and in the slot,” Rainey said. &#8220I probably won’t start, but I do think I’m going to get a good amount of playing time.”

The Tigers will have a revamped offense in 2006. Gone is All-America QB Bruce Eugene who passed for nearly 3,800 yards and led an offense that averaged 44 points per game in an 11-1 season.

&#8220Brandon Landers is coming back to start. He started the 10 games two years ago after Bruce went down with his knee injury. When Bruce came back, Brandon sat out and they gave him a red-shirt,” Rainey said. &#8220I didn’t mind playing defense, but I see playing on offense as a way to get on the field. I just want them to call my name and get in there.”