By Heath A. Smith,DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Rattlers WR will face MEAC's top defender
Southern football coach Pete Richardson didn't mention his name, but made reference to Florida A&M senior receiver Willie Hayward Monday in a teleconference.
While Hayward may be on Richardson's mind heading into Saturday's season-opening contest between the two schools in Birmingham, Ala., he has a player that is sure to be on FAMU offensive coordinator Bob Cole's mind as well.
Roaming the secondary for Southern Saturday will be senior free safety Jarmaul George, who was named the 2007 Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. George led the Jaguars with five interceptions and four pass breakups in 2006.
It could be interesting to see what happens if George and Hayward get locked up with each other.
"Willie is very competitive," said FAMU head coach Rubin Carter. "That is one thing you have to give him credit for. He wants to make a statement. Some say he has a swagger, but that's OK if he makes plays and he has certainly done that."
Hayward, a 2007 Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, said he is looking forward to the challenge of getting the opportunity to play against George.
"It's always a great challenge when you get to go up against another great athlete," said Hayward, who caught 49 passes last season for 674 yards and five touchdowns.
"It just motivates you to do better. That is a great way to start the season to get the opportunity to go up against that caliber of player. I just want to go out and make any play I can against him."
Taylor is fine
Richardson also made mention of FAMU's "dangerous" kicker referring to senior place kicker and punter Wesley Taylor, who hurt his kicking leg last week.
"Everything is fine," Taylor said. "I'm back to 100 percent."
Taylor, an All-American in 2005, said he was cleared by the team physician just before Saturday's mock game and plans to handle all the kicking and punting duties Saturday.
Other injury updates
Sophomore running back Demetric Henry (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday as did redshirt-sophomore linebacker Michael McMillan (hamstring) and junior linebacker Vic Arboleda (groin).
Eligibility update
Carter said he should get of those players who won't be eligible for Saturday game within the next two days.
Among the key players yet to be cleared to play are senior receiver Ronald Wright and senior safety Khalil Sutton.
Rattlers WR will face MEAC's top defender
Southern football coach Pete Richardson didn't mention his name, but made reference to Florida A&M senior receiver Willie Hayward Monday in a teleconference.
While Hayward may be on Richardson's mind heading into Saturday's season-opening contest between the two schools in Birmingham, Ala., he has a player that is sure to be on FAMU offensive coordinator Bob Cole's mind as well.
Roaming the secondary for Southern Saturday will be senior free safety Jarmaul George, who was named the 2007 Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. George led the Jaguars with five interceptions and four pass breakups in 2006.
It could be interesting to see what happens if George and Hayward get locked up with each other.
"Willie is very competitive," said FAMU head coach Rubin Carter. "That is one thing you have to give him credit for. He wants to make a statement. Some say he has a swagger, but that's OK if he makes plays and he has certainly done that."
Hayward, a 2007 Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, said he is looking forward to the challenge of getting the opportunity to play against George.
"It's always a great challenge when you get to go up against another great athlete," said Hayward, who caught 49 passes last season for 674 yards and five touchdowns.
"It just motivates you to do better. That is a great way to start the season to get the opportunity to go up against that caliber of player. I just want to go out and make any play I can against him."
Taylor is fine
Richardson also made mention of FAMU's "dangerous" kicker referring to senior place kicker and punter Wesley Taylor, who hurt his kicking leg last week.
"Everything is fine," Taylor said. "I'm back to 100 percent."
Taylor, an All-American in 2005, said he was cleared by the team physician just before Saturday's mock game and plans to handle all the kicking and punting duties Saturday.
Other injury updates
Sophomore running back Demetric Henry (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday as did redshirt-sophomore linebacker Michael McMillan (hamstring) and junior linebacker Vic Arboleda (groin).
Eligibility update
Carter said he should get of those players who won't be eligible for Saturday game within the next two days.
Among the key players yet to be cleared to play are senior receiver Ronald Wright and senior safety Khalil Sutton.
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