By Darren Sands
Before last Saturday’s game, coach Joe Gardi got to meet with JMU head coach Mickey Matthew’s son, Clayton. The meeting was a somber occasion since Clayton, a former JMU quarterback, has lost the use of his legs due to an automobile accident suffered last April. Matthews and Gardi go back to Matthews’ days as a defensive coordinator for Marshall.
“You bond with a coach when he goes through something like that,” Gardi said. Clayton played against us three years ago, and got in the game when they beat us in sudden death. Those kind of things bond you together, and you develop a personal relationship.”
INJURIES
Junior receiver Devale Ellis sat out Wednesday’s practice due to a muscle pull in his back. Ellis has suddenly emerged on special teams and offense as an impact player, and he is not expected to miss time against Stony Brook, saying that he will “definitely be back.” Joe Gardi will not start Bobby Seck at all costs against Stony Brook, but he certainly does not rule him out to start on Saturday, citing that he feels very confident with Clarkson under center. Seck looked comfortable, but took very few snaps in seven-on-seven drills. Also injured are right tackle, Will Colon, linebacker Bill Hambrecht, tackle Jed Prisby, runningback Terry Crenshaw, and Daniel Garay who suffered a concussion.
QB CONTROVERSY
Stony Brook’s T.J. Moriarty is the focal point of the Pride’s worries this week. Moriarty is the star of this Seawolves team that beat Monmouth 27-0.
“I’m scared to death,” Gardi said. He does everything. He’s very athletic, he can throw, he can scramble, he can run quarterback draws, he can beat you all by himself.”
Prentice James missed practices and did not play against URI due to a death in the family. The coaches felt that he was not prepared to play. This is not the first case in which a player has been penalized because they had to attend the funerals of a given family member.
Stony Brook will have a large turnout, and this Saturday’s game is within driving distance for many students. Coach Gardi encouraged the student body to make every effort they can to attend.