Sad news for Auburn Tiger: He will not return..
Auburn’s linebacker makes a comeback after suspension
After the final two games, Tray Blackmon felt even more powerless than his Auburn teammates who were defenders.
With his six-game suspension finally over, the redshirt freshman linebacker can try to help the struggling defense of the 11th-ranked Tigers on Saturday against No. 2 Florida. After being suspended for his arrest for underage drinking in May, Blackmon will participate in his first collegiate game.
“Watching my guys out there going through some bad times, I kind of feel bad because I feel like I let them and myself down,” Blackmon stated. “I could be in the field attempting to change things. I told myself that the best way to handle that would be to make a difference when I did return.”
After two poor games in a row, the Tigers (5-1, 3-1 SEC Conference) could definitely use the assistance. They lost 27-10 versus Arkansas after failing to stop Syvelle Newton and South Carolina’s passing attack, which resulted in 279 yards of rushing.
The return of Blackmon causes a reorganization within the linebacking corps. The former Parade All-American, who was expected to start before his suspension, is currently in a competition with Merrill Johnson for the starting position at weak-side linebacker. Johnson won the position in the spring.
Karibi Dede, the most seasoned player on the club, will shift from that position to the middle, where Johnson has been starting.
The hard-hitting Blackmon, who caused 13 turnovers in his final two seasons at LaGrange (Ga.) High School, is someone the Tigers are hoping could provide some spark.
Linebackers coach James Willis stated, “We’ve got some guys who can run around, but Tray has this knack of getting to the ball and being so explosive on his tackles.” “He brings an added dimension to the ballgame, so I think that will help us out.”
After Blackmon’s arrest in LaGrange, he was mandated to take part in a ninety-day pretrial program. He and teammate linebacker Kevin Sears were both suspended by coach Tommy Tuberville for an indefinite period of time for unrelated off-field issues. Blackmon waited until three weeks ago, when Sears returned.
On Sunday, the 6-foot, 210-pound athlete received the wonderful news at last.
“I felt good about it,” Blackmon remarked. “All season long, I’ve been waiting for that call. I’m prepared to support the group.”
Although the Tigers’ scoring defense still ranks sixth in the country, during the last two games they have allowed a total of 715 yards and 41 first downs. Blackmon, in Dede’s opinion, can help change that.
“He’s a big-time hitter, which is big for momentum in a game,” he stated. “I’m just anxious to see him get out there and just clock somebody.”
Blackmon refrained from openly criticizing the duration of his ban.
“When I came here, I gave all my trust to the coaches that they were going to do the right thing,” he stated. “I feel like if that’s how long it took, that’s how long it took.”
However, Blackmon is pleased with the timing of his comeback, the opportunity to make his debut against Chris Leak of the Gators, and the formidable offensive. What is the sensation?
“With words, I cannot explain,” he uttered. “My activity is football. That covers the cost of my education. It’s difficult for me to stay inside and not go play. All I want is for things to get done.”
When the Wolverines travel to Penn State this weekend, they might be missing their best offensive weapon.
Mario Manningham, a wide receiver who has 527 yards and nine touchdowns to lead fourth-ranked Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) and the conference, is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1).
On Saturday, during Michigan’s 31-13 victory over Michigan State, Manningham seemed to sustain a knee injury. Michigan’s head coach Lloyd Carr refused to say on Monday if Manningham had sustained an injury.
Carr said, “I have nothing to say about Mario.” Since I’m not an expert on everything, I’m sure you can relate. I will eventually.”
He stated that freshmen Greg Mathews will be relied upon to make plays in the event that Manningham is unable to participate.
“I think Greg Mathews has really done a great job up to this part of the season, and we feel confident in his ability from the first game,” Carr stated. “We played him early because of this. I believe we expected that his role would grow at some point.”
The contest marks the 12th meeting between the two universities, with Michigan leading the series 8-3. The Wolverines triumphed 20-0 the last time they played at Beaver Stadium, which was five years ago.
When time expired in Ann Arbor a year ago, Pennsylvania native Chad Henne found Manningham in the end zone with a touchdown pass, handing the Nittany Lions their lone defeat. A 7-2 career record versus Penn State, Carr noted that Beaver Stadium is a difficult venue to win.
“I’m very impressed with this Penn State team,” Carr stated. “They are the fastest players we’ve seen this year at the skill positions. They are very difficult to deal with offensively and equally formidable defensively. We need to return on the road and give it our all.”
Related Posts
About The Author
