College Top 25 Football Capsules: Ho hum. It's business as usual for No. 1 Tide
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Nick Saban didn't so much as raise his voice. The trademark scowl never made even a cameo appearance.
Sure seems like No. 1 Alabama's top ranking and elephant-sized expectations are becoming the status quo around here, judging by Monday's rather tame first game-week news conference.
The players dismissed the defending national champions' top preseason billing going into Saturday night's opener against San Jose State.
Saban didn't rail against the dangers of complacency. Instead, he praised the "great camps" of stars such as receiver Julio Jones, left tackle James Carpenter and running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. And the "very good" ones of linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Mark Barron.
"A lot of the players that have been there show no signs of not paying attention to detail, not working to improve," Saban said. "I think the bigger concern is the maturity of the guys who haven't had the responsibility to this point, how they're going to respond to it. I'm sure that there will be a maturing process that goes with their first game. How much they learn and grow from it is probably going to determine how quickly we can improve."
Well, sure. But how about all the pressure, the hype, that comes with being No. 1 — even if it is only August?
"We don't pay attention to that," said Ingram, the Heisman Trophy winner. "No. 1 doesn't mean anything, because everybody's 0-0. If you win games, you're going to be successful. You know? No. 1 really doesn't mean anything around here. We just focus on every single week, preparing the right way, getting our gameplan together."
Sounds kind of humdrum.
Even though Alabama enters a season atop the rankings for the first time since the Bear Bryant era in 1978, most of the current players have been here before. They spent all last season in the top five, and went 14-0.
They spent more than a month ranked No. 1 in 2008 before stumbling in the SEC championship game.
The Tide's record in those two seasons: 26-2.
"Our expectations for our own team are so high now," quarterback Greg McElroy said. "Obviously we just demand a lot of ourselves. We demand a lot in our preparation and we expect a lot from this team. I think for us to expect anything less than great things from this team obviously would be unimpressive. We're really looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and compete again. I think this team has made the improvements necessary to really be a complete football team and be able to dominate Saturdays like we know how to."
All that might also have something to do with opening against a San Jose State team coming off a 2-10 season. The Tide started the past two years against Clemson and Virginia Tech in nationally televised, much hyped games.
The big-game trappings will come in Game 2 this time, when Alabama hosts No. 19 Penn State.
"We play Penn State as the heavyweight, it just happens to fall on a day a week later in the season," Saban said. "I've always said in the past that when you open with a team that the players have a tremendous amount of respect for because of their national reputation, you get a little better attention to detail in the entire offseason, in spring practice and in fall camp because they are geared up for that game.
"I think in this case our players definitely respect the team that we're playing, they're showing good due-diligence in their preparation for the game."
The presumably easier opener will give a young defense some much needed seasoning.
The Tide has nine new defensive starters, including three sophomores. The depth chart released Monday also has junior college transfer DeQuan Menzie at right cornerback some five months after he tore his Achilles' tendon.
Starting linebacker Chavis Williams is a senior but has played almost exclusively on special teams his first three seasons. The defense could be even more youthful if end Marcell Dareus isn't cleared to play by the NCAA.
Dareus is listed as a first-teamer but is under scrutiny for a trip to Miami. Saban said he had nothing new to report on Dareus. Sophomore Undra Billingsley is his backup.
The coach said a game's the best way to test young players, not preseason practices.
"That's ultimately what you have to learn about them: How are they going to compete on game day?" he said. "Some guys play better when the game comes and some guys who practice very well don't complete nearly as well when the game comes. I don't think you can figure that out until the game comes.
"If hot peppers give you a bellyache, you can't figure it out until you eat hot peppers."
Finally, a spicy comment from Saban.
Moore directs show for No. 3 Boise St
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Kellen Moore is uniquely indistinguishable. He's modest and reserved, unlikely to draw attention to himself. At 6-feet tall and 186 pounds, he hardly looks the part of a football hero.
Yet much like the Boise State team he leads, Moore is so much more than the sum of his part, an undersized and overlooked small-town kid who has turned out to be Heisman Trophy contender.
"He's a very calm person who does his homework so when he gets into tough situations he goes back to his basics and keeps it simple," said his brother Kirby, a sophomore receiver for the third-ranked Broncos.
In two years as Boise State's starting quarterback, Kellen Moore has thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 64 touchdowns with just 13 interceptions. Last year, his 39 touchdowns to three interceptions was the best ratio in NCAA history. He was a third-team AP All-American.
Maybe the most impressive number Moore has racked up is this: 26-1. That's Boise State's record with Moore heading into Monday night's monumental opener against No. 10 Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
"Sometimes it feels like it's gone for ever. Other days it seems fast," Moore said. "you're watching tape and see a clip and it's two years ago and it feels like yesterday. Other times you think 'I've been here a while,' especially when you see the freshman."
It was back when Moore was a redshirting freshman, three years ago, that he started displaying the attributes that have made him maybe the most successful QB in Boise State history.
Offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin, the coach who fought to give Moore a scholarship when Idaho and Eastern Washington were his only other suitors, said Moore's performances during scrimmages that redshirt year convinced him the Broncos had unearthed a gem.
Harsin knew Moore's background — son of a coach, played in a pass-based offense in high school — gave the kid the football smarts needed to do the job.
But in his first few weeks on campus, during basic drills, Moore never stood out. It wasn't until Harsin threw Moore into a game setting, that the lackluster drills were forgotten.
"His freshman year we put him in a scrimmage and you see that's where he really shines is in that game environment and being in that situation," Harsin said.
For coach Chris Petersen, where Moore set himself apart was the film room, during hours of study. Even when it was certain Moore was never going to play, Petersen noticed he was paying the most attention.
"Here is this redshirt and he is engaged and maybe more engaged than some of the guys who are playing," Petersen recalled. "Just the focus he would bring to the meetings and when you do that day after day after day you start to really reap the benefits.
"That's a very simple concept that most can't do day after day, stay engaged for a full hour in a meeting, totally engaged, but he could."
For teammate Austin Pettis, it's Moore's knack for knowing what the receivers are about to do, even if a route is altered in the middle of a play, that makes the quarterback special.
"He just knows what the defense is doing at all times and it seems like he knows what you're doing at all times," Pettis said. "If the DB does something to you and you have to change your route, he knows what you're doing. It makes you're job a lot easier."
The numbers Moore has posted in his two seasons — and especially last year — are almost impossible to match. Harsin points out the Broncos never ask Moore to carry the offense, to be a star. Moore's lone task is to make the right decisions, Harsin said.
If he does that, the numbers come.
"He just needs to continue to do his job and he gets that. And that is the reason he is our quarterback," Harsin said. "He did his job he made the right decisions and we saw that when he was young. That's why he is out there."
Moore will need to avoid any major mistakes if the Broncos run at a national title is to even get started against Virginia Tech. The Hokies surrendered 15 points per game last season and 167 yards passing per game. Duke was the only team to throw for more than 250 yards against the Hokies' defense.
That's fine to Moore. He believes the manner in which the Broncos beat TCU 17-10 in the Fiesta Bowl proved the Broncos don't need to throw for huge yards or score bundles of points to defeat tough opponents.
"I think it shows resiliency. It wasn't a great performance," Moore said. "It's one of those you keep going, you keep going and eventually when the opportunities come, fourth quarter, you're able to make some plays."
-- Tim Booth
Brantley era, life after Tebow begin for Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Don't expect Florida quarterback John Brantley to take a victory lap.
Don't expect him to scream in the huddle, run up and down the sideline or lower a shoulder into defenders. Don't expect him to wear bible verses under his eyes, go on mission trips or make any promises. Don't expect him to be Florida's short-yardage specialist or the team's emotional leader. Don't expect him to be Tim Tebow.
"I'm just a regular dude from Ocala," Brantley said.
A laid-back guy with a southern drawl and a haircut straight from the pages of a teen magazines, Brantley will make his first career start Saturday when the fourth-ranked Gators open the season against Miami (Ohio). His goal is to "keep this ball rolling." He also wants to be himself, which is nothing like Tebow.
That might help him emerge from Tebow's long and illustrious shadow.
"Waited three years, so I'm very excited for this one moment to come," Brantley said Monday. "I'm just going to try to go out there and play my own game. ... Just be myself. I don't have to be anyone I'm not. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to go out there and play my own game."
Florida coach Urban Meyer applauded Brantley's approach. Meyer even sent a text to Brantley's father the other day that read, "Enjoy the ride. Your son is growing up to be a man."
"I hope I get that same text someday from someone because that's really cool," Meyer said. "What he's done here in the last year is exactly what we needed to have happen. He's growing up. He's the leader of this team, and he's Johnny Brantley. That's good enough for us."
Brantley, a 6-foot-3 junior, spent three years waiting for this opportunity. He came to Florida a year after Tebow, knowing he might have to sit behind the bulky left-hander. He certainly could have transferred and might even have become a star elsewhere.
But Brantley didn't leave — not after Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman in 2007 and not after Tebow decided to return for his senior year in 2009.
Instead, he simply served as Tebow's long-standing understudy.
"I've grown up a lot," Brantley said. "Taking those three years helped me mature and grow up and learn this game, and I got to learn from one of the best quarterbacks that'll ever play."
Not only is Brantley trying to replace one of college football's all-time greats, he also has Florida lineage.
Brantley grew up in nearby Ocala rooting for the Gators and wanting to follow in the footsteps of his dad and uncle. His father, John Brantley III, threw for 1,334 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1978. His uncle, Scot Brantley, was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference linebacker for the Gators (1978-79).
The latest Brantley could be the best of the bunch.
"I think the way John Brantley plays is going to surprise a lot of people," guard Carl Johnson said.
Meyer and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio tweaked the spread offense to tailor Brantley's strengths, putting him under center more and eliminating many designed quarterback runs.
It's not that Brantley is slow, though. He's fairly mobile, but with freshmen behind him, the Gators don't want to expose their starter to extra hits.
Plus, Brantley's best attributes are arm strength, accuracy and anticipation.
Appearing mostly in mop-up duty as Tebow's backup, Brantley completed 75 percent of his passes for 410 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
This certainly will be different.
No one really knows what to expect, either. Larry Rentz replaced 1966 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier and lost four games. Doug Johnson replaced 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel and lost two games.
Brantley's teammates have been overly positive about the transition. Why?
"It's kind of like going into a battle with a general that you really don't like and you really don't trust," Carl Johnson said. "If you do that, then everyone's going to die. No one will have great success. We have to be behind him 100 percent, up or down. He's ready to go."
Brantley has gotten tips from several former Florida quarterbacks, including his father, Tebow, Chris Leak, Doug Johnson, Shane Matthews and Kerwin Bell. They all told him the same thing.
"I keep reiterating to him to be yourself," said Bell, Brantley's high school coach who's now the head coach at Jacksonville University. "Understand your strengths, understand what will make you successful and play to those. Don't try to be like Tebow. Don't try to run over people. Don't try to do some of the stuff that Tebow was so good at because there's not many like Tim Tebow. Right off the bat, he said, 'Coach, believe me, I know.'
"If he continues that mindset, he's going to have a fantastic year."
-- Mark Long
Clay, No. 12 Wisconsin getting healthy before UNLV
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Running back John Clay is on top of Wisconsin's depth chart, as expected, but coach Bret Bielema says he'll give backups Montee Ball and James White carries against UNLV on Saturday.
Clay is the workhorse for the 12th-ranked Badgers, who face high expectations with 10 starters back on offense. The burly junior rushed for 1,517 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and had surgeries on both ankles in the offseason.
Clay had a tough final scrimmage last week with two fumbles. Bielema said how many carries he gets against UNLV will depend on how Clay handles the work and the flow of the game.
"I do know this, all three of those running backs are going to play and they're going to play a lot," Bielema said. "You can see more and more things every day (Clay is) getting to where he wants to be or where we want him to be as well, but until that becomes something we can count on every play of every game Montee Ball's going to get his chance, James White's going to get his chance."
Ball is a sophomore and White is a freshman. Bielema said both remain in the mix to grab a number of the carries.
"Sometimes guys that have been here a while, they get a lot better in a hurry when they see guys that are willing to carry some yards at all positions," Bielema said.
The trio of backs could all be successful if UNLV hasn't figured out how to stop the run.
UNLV has a new coach in Bobby Hauck, who brought his staff with him from Montana, but the Running Rebels ranked 112th allowing 220.6 yards rushing per game last year.
Wisconsin's coaching staff has been looking at film of both Montana and UNLV to prepare. Hauck's teams at Montana were perennial powers in the FCS, with three championship appearances in seven years.
"We do know a lot about Bobby Hauck, Bobby is a tremendous football coach who has won everywhere he's been, especially at Montana, coming in he brought his entire staff with him," Bielema said. "Anytime your opener is against a new staff, there's a lot of uncertainties."
There's less uncertainty with the Badgers, who'll employ the same style that led them to a 10-3 campaign last season that ended with a win in the Champs Sports Bowl over Miami.
"We're not hiding anything," Bielema said. "We'll do what we have to do to be successful."
Bielema will have mostly a healthy team with most of his key players and second stringers back from injuries.
Linebacker Culmer St. Jean (ankle) returned to practice on Sunday and Bielema said he's close to 100 percent. Other players returning to practice include offensive linemen Bill Nagy (concussion) and Kevin Zeitler (ankle), receiver Isaac Anderson (toe) and linebacker Mike Taylor (knee).
Taylor is the one who is the most unlikely to play against the Rebels. Bielema said Taylor did some running on Sunday and he would fly to Las Vegas, but that he would be a gametime decision.
Backup defensive end Pat Muldoon, a redshirt freshman, is on target for his debut after coming off a serious right knee injury and two surgeries last season.
"Without that injury, my guess is he might have been pushing for a starting role," Bielema said. "He's going to play a lot of football for us and his knee gets better every day."
One player who may not contribute this season is senior running back Zach Brown. Bielema said Brown struggled with tendinitis in his knee in camp. While he's practicing now, they've agreed to try to redshirt him if the other three running backs remain healthy.
-- Colin Fly
For some 'Canes, being at Miami is family business
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Kenny Berry won a national championship in his final season at Miami. Alonzo Highsmith's title ring came in a season when hardly anybody expected the Hurricanes to be great.
Their sons would like to see history repeat.
For Damien Berry and A.J. Highsmith, being part of the Miami football family is extra significant — since their fathers helped build the tradition the current Hurricanes want to uphold. Damien Berry is a senior running back, A.J. Highsmith a sophomore backup quarterback, and each could end up playing big roles this season for 13th-ranked Hurricanes, who open Thursday against Florida A&M.
"This is home," Damien Berry said.
Indeed, Miami football has been part of the makeup of the Berry and Highsmith families for decades.
Alonzo Highsmith was part of the 1983 national title season, the first of five championships for the Hurricanes. He converted from defensive end in high school to running back in college, was Miami's leading rusher in the 1983 Orange Bowl win over heavily favored Nebraska, and went on to be a first-round NFL pick.
The elder Highsmith was featured prominently in a documentary about the Hurricanes that premiered late last year, and some of his son's teammates never made the connection until then about the deep family ties to the program.
"I still don't think they know exactly who he was," said A.J. Highsmith, who completed 4 of 6 passes as a freshman in limited duty last season. "He's a lot different now than he was back then."
When it comes to the Berry family story, father and son, too, are very different. Or exactly the same, depending on perspective.
Kenny Berry was a standout running back when he came to Miami, then switched to defensive back while with the Hurricanes. Damien Berry came to college targeted for safety, then was converted to running back — his natural position — during his sophomore season.
And now, Berry might end up as Miami's go-to back this fall.
"We had a conversation about the transition from defensive back to running back," Kenny Berry said. "And I asked him, 'Where have all your blessings come from? Where have you been the most successful?' He's capable of tremendous things on both sides of the ball, but some of the things he's done running it, from high school to Pop Warner, he's always been a running back by nature."
Adding to the family ties that bind is this: Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon played with both of the fathers at Miami.
"We always say that when you play at the University of Miami, you're a part of the University of Miami family forever," Shannon said. "I think A.J. and Damien wanted to be part of that for themselves."
A third-generation Hurricane could be looming.
Defensive end Anthony Chickillo of Tampa (Fla.) Alonso High is expected to announce his college choice in the coming days, and Miami is believed to be atop his list. His grandfather Nick Chickillo was a first-team AP All-American for the Hurricanes in the early 1950s, and father Tony Chickillo played for Miami from 1979-82.
"It adds a lot, to know you played where your father played," Damien Berry said. "I won't call it pressure, because I'm never pressured, but it adds a lot of excitement to know I have a chance to be as great as he was. Or better. My aim isn't to do what my dad did. My aim is to try to do more."
In the Berry home, father-and-son have been known to merit the debate that can't truly be decided: Who is better?
If the Hurricanes find a way to get a national title this season — and the son gets the ring that his father won a generation ago — that argument might really pick up steam.
"You really can't compare," Damien Berry said. "I'm bigger. He was faster. I went from defense to offense. He went from offense to think. Come on — you don't really have to think to tackle somebody. On offense, you've got to know where you're going. So I think I'm the better athlete."
He'll get his chance to show it this season, with his dad watching proudly from the stands.
"Seeing him do what I had a chance to do," Kenny Berry said, "it's been a blessing for me and our family."
-- Tim Reynolds
Wannstedt showing no worries as tough opener nears
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Season openers aren't supposed to be this difficult for a team such as No. 15 Pittsburgh.
The Panthers are going into Thursday night's game at Utah with a first-time starting quarterback (Tino Sunseri), a center who went on scholarship only last week (Alex Karabin), two new starting cornerbacks (Ricky Gary and Antwuan Reed), plus a new middle linebacker (Dan Mason).
That's a lot of inexperience to take into a stadium where the home team hasn't lost in three years.
With only one senior who's a returning starter on offense — left tackle Jason Pinkston — it's by far the youngest of the six teams Dave Wannstedt has coached at his alma mater.
Still, if Wannstedt is overly worried about Pitt's first road opener since 1993, he's not showing it. He is convinced that difficult games like this one, plus upcoming non-conference games against No. 13 Miami and Notre Dame, will illustrate the depth and talent that has been building at Pitt for several seasons.
That's why Wannstedt decided such an opener would be only beneficial, not detrimental, as Pitt tries to follow up on its first 10-win season since 1981.
"I think that whether you have 25 seniors or you have nine seniors, it's the quality," Wannstedt said Monday. "What is this group made up of? And when we hit the adversity, which every team hits every year, I believe our guys will respond the right way. Sometimes being a little bit younger, kids are excited about the opportunity to play, and they're more focused on what they should be focused on. ... And we've reached the point where there won't be too many freshmen that play unless we need them."
Sunseri, a redshirt sophomore, has thrown only 17 passes in the regular season, but his teammates said they're comfortable with Sunseri running Wannstedt's pro-style offense. Bill Stull had to beat out Sunseri a year ago to keep his starting job, and Stull went on to become the all-Big East quarterback.
"He brings an air of confidence to the huddle, and we respond positively off his attitude. It was the same with Bill last year, and he had a great year. We expect Tino to have the same," fullback Henry Hynoski said. "He brings big-play capability to our offense, because of his arm strength, so that's another factor for us."
To guard against Sunseri getting too worked up for his first regular season start, Wannstedt sat him down a few days ago and reminded him what's expected of him.
"I gave him a few stories of other quarterbacks, both on this level and the NFL, that were starting off their careers for the first time," said Wannstedt, the former Bears and Dolphins coach. "I really wanted to make the point to him that he's one of 11 players on offense. We're not the type of offense where Tino's the only one who needs to make plays. ... I want him to have the mindset of being confident, but also going into this game feeling that there's no more of a burden on his shoulder to carry than any other player on offense."
Utah's spread offense has consumed much of Pitt's preparation time, although Wannstedt said both West Virginia and South Florida run similar formations and plays. Pitt held West Virginia to a combined 43 points the last three seasons, winning twice.
While Pitt is mostly inexperienced in the secondary, defensive ends Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard are coming off big seasons and nose tackle Myles Caragein had five sacks as a backup. Mason, who replaces Adam Gunn at middle linebacker, had a strong training camp.
"They spread you out," Wannstedt said of the Utes, who averaged 30.5 points in six home games last season. "They have a lot of screens, a run game; they do a good job of mixing it up. ... They have a lot of offense. A lot of the stuff we've been working on in preparation for Utah will carry on all season for our team."
However, Wannstedt said, no team truly knows how it will play until the first game that counts.
"We have a good plan," he said. "Everybody has a good plan until you get hit in the mouth. Then you see how good the plan is."
-- Alan Robinson
No. 18 North Carolina facing many questions
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Less than a week away from a high-profile opener, Butch Davis doesn't sound too certain of who will take the field for North Carolina.
The 18th-ranked Tar Heels are weighed down by an NCAA investigation into agent-related benefits as well as a probe into potential academic misconduct. So instead of enjoying the buzz that comes with starting his fourth season against No. 21 LSU in Atlanta, Davis is answering questions — or, more accurately, not answering them — about who will be eligible to play.
"We're not preparing for worst-case scenarios," Davis said. "We're preparing for best-case scenarios."
The team didn't release a depth chart Monday before Davis' weekly news conference, a departure from typical procedure. He wouldn't say how many players could be held out, though he said he's using a "fluid" informal depth chart in practice this week.
He would, though, reiterate that three-year starter T.J. Yates would be under center against the Tigers after fending off a push from backup Bryn Renner. Yates said the defense has "a little more people in jeopardy than the offensive side of the ball does."
"It's definitely in the back of your mind," Yates said. "We kind of want to know before, going into the game. We kind of just want to have it set so we know who's going to be playing."
The NCAA has twice visited campus looking into whether senior defensive tackle Marvin Austin — projected as a possible NFL first-round draft pick — and senior receiver Greg Little received improper benefits from agents. Both players have been working with the second team for much of training camp and haven't spoken with reporters.
That probe expanded to academics last week, though the school has refused to specify how many players could be involved or are in jeopardy of missing the LSU game. Along the way, the NCAA has looked at a cross-country trip involving Austin and former Tar Heel Cam Thomas as well as the friendship between assistant coach John Blake and California-based agent Gary Wichard.
"I think we're at an all-time high with distractions," tight end Zack Pianalto said, "so I don't know if you can add any more or if it makes that much difference."
The Tigers are fully aware of those distractions, too.
"It probably benefits us best to focus on where they're most capable and that's what we're going to do," LSU coach Les Miles said. "We want to see their best players playing against us and we're preparing a game plan for that. ... Until I see a starting lineup or until I get affirmed information, I don't think there's much news."
Davis said players who are certain to be held out before Friday will not travel to Atlanta. Athletic director Dick Baddour said the school is still investigating the academics side to the probe and would reveal its findings to the NCAA through the week for assistance in determining whether who could or couldn't play.
Baddour said he and chancellor Holden Thorp would be involved in the decisions, even if it comes just before kickoff.
"We are working as hard as we can in each case to get a determination as soon as we can," Baddour said. "That could be fluid. In some situations, we may know more (Tuesday) or Wednesday. It could come down to the end of the week for sure."
That's not to say LSU's players mind all the fuss in Chapel Hill. While cornerback Patrick Peterson said the Tigers wanted to see North Carolina's "best guys on the field," quarterback Jordan Jefferson sounded eager to take advantage of a depleted roster.
"If they're losing their key guys, then they should have been way more aware of what they did before they did it," Jefferson said. "We're preparing for them to play, like I said, but if (Austin) doesn't, then that's their loss.
"I don't think (a backup) would be as strong as the starter would, so that's kind of a better situation."
-- Aaron Beard
Tide still awaiting ruling on Dareus
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is still awaiting word on the status of defensive end Marcell Dareus.
The NCAA is investigating a trip taken by Dareus to Miami's South Beach. The top-ranked Crimson Tide is set to open the season against San Jose State on Saturday night.
Asked Monday about Dareus, coach Nick Saban said he has "enough issues and problems to deal with without answering hypothetical questions."
But he also says the Tide has other players who can play and who are ready to go. Sophomore Undra Billingsley is listed as Dareus' backup, followed by redshirt freshman Darrington Sentimore.
Sophomore Damion Square is the backup to Luther Davis on the other side.
Dareus was defensive MVP of the national championship game against Texas.
Beamer says Wilson will play, not redshirt
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer says speedy sophomore tailback David Wilson will play instead of redshirting this season for the 10th-ranked Hokies.
Virginia Tech has had record-setting freshmen tailbacks in the past two seasons in Darren Evans and Ryan Williams, and both are healthy. That led to speculation Wilson would sit out and retain three years of eligibility.
But Beamer says Wilson has been too good in practice and scrimmages to hold out.
Wilson is expected to return kickoffs for the Hokies. He led the team with 61 yards on 11 carries in their final scrimmage Saturday. He also returned a kickoff 43 yards.
The Hokies open against third-ranked Boise State on Monday in Landover, Md.
