Post by cviller on Aug 20, 2008 11:03:04 GMT -5
Garrett Cullen
Morgantown
Months after having shoulder surgery, senior WVU linebacker Reed Williams will finally participate in full contact at practice. Williams said he will be replacing the green jersey (limited contact) with a blue (full contact) for Wednesday’s practice.
“It’s getting real close to game time. It’s about game week so I’m trying to work out some kinks, test it out a little bit and see where I am,” Williams said.
Even though the senior hasn’t been able to hit much in practice, Williams has taken a key leadership role on the team. Williams said it’s been awhile since he’s last hit and he’s ready for some contact. Williams had the shoulder surgery shortly after the 2008 Fiesta Bowl in January.
“I was out all spring and out through all camp, so (I’ll be) hesitant but excited, none the less. I want to hit these guys. I’ve been sitting out there and it’s been killing me, so I guess it’s about time to do it, strap it up,” he said.
Williams said there still is no definitive deadline for his return to an actual game. The senior isn’t expected to start the game versus Villanova, however, Williams said he’ll know more about his status after tomorrow’s practice.
“We’ll see what happens. If I’m not ready to go I’ve definitely got some guys behind me that can take care of the job,” he said.
Williams said doctors have told him the expected total rehab for his surgery is six months and then from there, another two or three months until his shoulders feel normal again.
“(The pain’s) still there. I think with any injury you’re going to have, coming back from surgery, you’re going to have that muscle fatigue. I don’t know if it’s necessarily the same pain that you had throughout the injury but you’re going to be tired and sore,” Williams said. “It’s something you’re not really used to before hand, but we’ve got great guys down in the training room to take care of ya and to walk you through the process.”
Even though Williams is still recovering from his surgery, the linebacker was still listed as the top linebacker on the WVU depth chart released Tuesday.
Sophomore Pat Lazear and Anthony Leonard followed Williams at the middle linebacker position on the chart.
The 2008 Mountaineers appear to be getting younger as there are 20 combined freshmen and sophomores on either the first or second positions on defense and offense throughout the depth chart. Assistant coach Doc Holliday says several young players will have to play this season.
“That’s not a good situation you’d like to be in. You’d rather have a situation where you can redshirt all your freshmen,” Holliday said. “Unfortunately, because of the depth situation, some of those guys are going to have to play so they’re going to have to learn quick and they’re going to have to step up and get the job done.”
Holliday said several of the freshmen have been impressive.
“Tyler Urban’s done an excellent job for us at Y. Robert Sands has kinda stood out out there in the secondary and there’s been a couple other kids that will probably end up having to play,” Holliday said.
Sands says he’s excited for the opportunity to play early in his career as a Mountaineer.
“I knew they lost players at safety and to get the opportunity to come in and perhaps get the opportunity to start, it’s amazing,” Sands said. “My whole mindset (was) that I would get redshirted and have a year to work,” he said.
Sands says he’s still adjusting to the game at the highest collegiate level.
“The speed. It’s all just the speed,” he said. “Coach Dunlap is taking it slow with me so I can really learn the position. Sometimes I think too much when I should just be reacting. The instinct thing will come with a lot of reps. I am trying to get comfortable, and I’m working with both the No. 1’s and No. 2’s.”
Urban says he’s been a little surprised at how he’s been able to play so far at tight end.
“I still have a lot of things to work on. I wasn’t expecting to come in like I did and make some type of impact,” he said. “I still have a lot of stuff to work on. It’s an exciting process.”
Fans will see just how big of an impact Sands and Urban will have on this year’s team on August 30th when Villanova visits Morgantown. Holliday says the team has already begun practicing against the Wildcats’ offensive and defensive styles.
“We’re kind of into our mode now this week. We started on Monday where we actually went (with) scout teams and actually lined up Villanova’s defense and the scouts ran Villanova’s offense for our defense,” Holliday said. “So we’re kind of into a game week mode.”
