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Rams Notebook: Harris, defensive lineman, likely done for year
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Published: October 2, 2008
■ Winston-Salem State lost a little of its depth on the defensive line Saturday when David Harris dislocated an elbow, an injury that most likely will end his season. He was one of four freshmen who had been rotating on the line.
"We're thinking that he's probably done for the year," Coach Kermit Blount said. "He was really starting to come on for us, so that's going to hurt us some."
Harris had three tackles, a sack and a knocked-down pass.
With Harris out, freshmen Stephen Young and Akeem Ward will get more playing time. Akiem Smart, another freshman lineman, has missed the last two games with a knee injury.
Young leads the teams with five sacks and has two forced fumbles.
■ There's no mystery to the Rams' struggles on offense -- in four games, they have 15 turnovers.
By comparison, the Rams had 20 turnovers in 11 games last season and finished 6-5.
"We talk about not being in situations where we turn the ball over," Blount said. "We try and do some things differently in regards to turning the ball over, but we've turned the ball over a bunch, and it's been a thorn in our side all season."
Quarterbacks Jarrett Dunston and Tienne Jefferson have combined to throw eight interceptions.
■ William Hayes, a former defensive lineman at WSSU, has played in two games for the 4-0 Tennessee Titans and has three tackles. Hayes, a fourth-round draft pick, is a backup on the defensive line.
■ Blount has been the offensive coordinator for three games since Nick Calcutta was fired, and there have been subtle changes, with more tight formations and a concerted effort to establish the run.
"The thing we are trying to do is get back that balance," Blount said. "We've gotten away from a few of the things we did earlier."
Blount was pleased that his team crossed S.C. State's 20-yard line four times last week and scored three times.
"We are starting to come, and we just have to keep working and keep plugging along," Blount said. The Rams are averaging 11.2 points and 255 yards a game.
■ Howard, this week's opponent, beat WSSU 24-21 in overtime last year in Washington. Wide receiver Bryant Bayne remembers the game, and some misfortune.
"They actually called two of our touchdowns back for penalties," he said. "And I had both of those catches and they called them back. I know Howard likes to throw the ball a lot, so I think it's going to be a pretty good offensive game. I think our defense will show up this week."
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