Rams will face ex-teammates on Saturday

By: By John Dell | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: September 08, 2010

Winston-Salem State will see some familiar faces on the opposite sideline Saturday at N.C. Central.

Quarterback Jordan Reid, defensive lineman Charles Goodwin, offensive lineman Julian Gray, defensive lineman Chase Tripp and wide receiver Lamar Whidbee -- all with the Rams last season -- now play for Central. Reid and Goodwin redshirted last season, and Gray was a starter in 2008 and 2009.

All five went through spring practice with the Rams, but when scholarships had to be reduced to get down to the Division II maximum of 36, some players left. Reid, Goodwin, Gray, Tripp and Whidbee transferred without losing a year of eligibility after WSSU stopped its transition to Division I.

Coach Mose Rison of Central said that playing against former teammates shouldn't be any extra incentive.

"I spoke to them briefly about that," Rison said. "But we haven't talked a lot about that as far as playing against former teammates and stuff like that. For us, it's just another football game but I will tell you that (the WSSU transfers) are great kids and good football players."

Reid steadily climbed up the depth chart in preseason camp and is backing up starter Keon Williams. He saw his first college action in last week's 59-0 romp against Johnson C. Smith and was 1 for 4 passing for 13 yards.

Rison said that Goodwin was in on about 20 plays but did not record a tackle.

"Jordan Reid is No. 2 on our depth chart and has done an outstanding job," Rison said. "He's been able to learn this offense and has been able to execute what we are trying to do."

Rison said that the transfers have adjusted well.

"Because of (WSSU's) transition back to Division II, it just so happens those guys transferred here with an opportunity to play Division I football and that's just how you have to look at it," Rison said.

Rison said he plans to play Reid on Saturday.

"I have every intention to give (Reid) a chance to play on Saturday," he said, "so he'll go through his normal process of practicing this week so I will definitely have him prepared…."

Rison said that Goodwin (6-6, 240) has made tremendous strides in the weight room.

"He's growing up and has put on some weight," Rison said. "He's got a tremendous upside, and we will be looking for improvement from him as the season goes on."

jdell@wsjournal.com
727-4081