Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Yep, this is pretty much where we stand.  Thanks for the update, BSU Alum. - B2

Rich Rodriguez announced today that highly-touted cornerback J.T. Turner has been cleared to play by the NCAA and will start practicing with the team tomorrow. Given our iffy depth behind Donovan Warren and Boubacar Cissoko at cornerback, Turner could challenge for the nickel spot immediately. Speaking of cornerback depth, freshman Teric Jones has been moved there from tailback/slot receiver.

Two more players, junior linebacker Marell Evans and junior defensive tackle Vince Helmuth, have decided they no longer want to be a part of the program and are transferring to other programs. The Free Press didn't say which programs the two are transferring to, although the MAC is probably the likely destination. Evans never really made an impact on the field and the move to the 3-4 with only two traditional linebackers made it unlikely he would ever be more than a special teamer. Helmuth was supposed to be the next starting fullback, instead he got moved over to defense after being unable to pass Mark Moundros on the depth chart. Any chance that he had of being a contributor also likely ended with the new scheme, he was buried behind Mike Martin, Renaldo Sagesse, and freshman Will Campbell.

Rodriguez also said that the team was still waiting word on whether freshman cornerback Adrian Witty and senior quarterback Jason Forcier are eligible to join the team, but a decision on Forcier could come as soon as tomorrow.