FAMU's Chester leaves practice early

By St. Clair Murraine, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Florida A&M starting quarterback Albert Chester II sat out the second half of Wednesday's practice complaining of a tingling sensation in his right arm.

Chester said it was a pre-existing problem that has come and gone in the past.

"I think he's going to be OK," FAMU coach Rubin Carter said Wednesday. "We just have to be patient and make sure that he's healthy because it is a long football season.

"It's the first game out of 11 games during the year. He's an important part of what we want to do within the offense."

Chester, a redshirt senior from Jacksonville, is by far the most experienced quarterback on the team and a preseason All-MEAC first team selection.

Senior Leon Camel, who played six games last season including a start against Miami, is the primary backup and redshirt freshman Eddie Battle is third on the depth chart.

Chester's health isn't Carter's only concern heading into Saturday's season opener in Birmingham, Ala. against SWAC rival Southern.

Photo: Albert Chester II and Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Bob Cole

A handful of key players may not make the trip to Birmingham because of eligibility issues. Among those players are starting cornerback Donovan Johnson, reserve defensive end Marquis Matthews and reserve linebacker Bryan Parker.

"We're addressing the eligibility issues with a few of our players right now," Carter said. "A couple could end up being casualties. Whether it is with APR (Academic Progress Report) or progress toward degree or eligibility based on semester performance. We will weather the storm and fight with what we have."

One definite casualty for at least Saturday's game is senior receiver Ronald Wright, who has yet to be cleared to practice with the team.

Carter did say some of the players could get their issues cleared before the team leaves for Birmingham Thursday afternoon.

"It is that close," Carter said. "It can come down to the wire this time of year. It could be anything from declaring a major or getting a degree audit. Those types of things. Those are the types of things that can get accomplished within 24 hours."