Arlen Harris would like to downplay being named Virginia's opening-day starter at tailback, but it's obvious nobody is going to let him. After coach George Welsh tapped Harris at Monday's press conference to start against Brigham Young Saturday, reporters swarmed the redshirt sophomore with one question:
Are you ready to replace Thomas Jones?
Harris, already comfortable with his new position under the spotlight, answered diplomatically.
"I know I'm going to hear about Thomas," he said. "But I have to concentrate on myself. That's what Thomas told me because he came in after Tiki Barber: You have to get yourself prepared for the game and leave that other stuff behind."
Unlike Jones, however, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound Harris will have lots of help with the running load. Tyree Foreman, a 5-11, 224-pound junior, and Antwoine Womack, a 6-0, 215-pound junior, also will see significant time.
Harris "has done fine," Welsh said. "He's made every practice. He's done well in the preseason. We might play all three tailbacks on Saturday."
All three backs were in contention for the starting job, but Welsh said he chose Harris because Foreman missed some fall practices with an injury and Womack hadn't practiced with the team for a year before fall practice because of academic and personal problems. Harris also is the team's starting kick returner and punt returner.
The trio allows Welsh to select a back based on situational needs and running style while keeping fresh legs in the backfield. Harris described himself as a slasher with Barry Sanders-type quickness, Foreman as the group's power back and Womack as the fastest of the three.
"We started this thing that we called the 'three-headed monster,' because we're really going to wear down defenses with our different running styles," Harris said. "If we keep fresh legs, it's going to be hard for anybody to stop any one of us. All three of us are going to get it done."
Foreman was sidelined with a sprained ankle, but he is expected to play Saturday. The Maryland native should also see time at fullback, a position he has played in the past.
Monday, Welsh also announced some recent defensive shuffling. True freshman Raymond Mann, arguably the jewel of the current Cavalier recruiting class, switched from linebacker to defensive end, which should bolster a position that lost redshirt freshman Stan Norfleet to a knee injury and sophomore Boo Battle to a sprained ankle. Battle will miss Saturday's game, and Norfleet could be out for several weeks after undergoing surgery yesterday.
Welsh said he was concerned about depth at linebacker. With Mann moved to the line, redshirt freshman R.C. Cosby lost to academic problems and junior Earl Sims out with an abdominal abscess that threatens to end his career, the Cavs look thin at linebacker after the three starters and fifth-year senior Donny Green.
Welsh also named redshirt freshman Ryan Childress as the starting long snapper and said redshirt freshmen Bryson Spinner and Matt Schaub still are battling for the backup quarterback spot.
Read More
Virginia Athletics wins second straight Commonwealth Clash over Virginia Tech
By Eleanor Lynch | 15 hours agoThe Cavaliers’ fifth Commonwealth Clash victory over the last eight contests proves the athletic department’s overall success in recent years.
No. 6 men’s lacrosse falters late, fumbling chance at huge victory over No. 1 Notre Dame
By Michael Liebermann | 18 hours agoThe ache of last season's defeat will persist.
No. 6 women’s lacrosse eliminated by No. 4 Syracuse in ACC Semifinal
By Peter Kratz | 19 hours agoA forgettable first-half performance sunk the ship for the Cavaliers.
