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ASU football notebook: WR Williams likely out vs. Beavers
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ASU receiver Kyle Williams weaves his way through the defense as he tries to return a punt for a touchdown during the team's scrimmage at Sun Devil Stadium. Aug. 21, 2008. Most likely won’t play Saturday at Oregon State.
Ralph Freso, Tribune
Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson doesn’t expect junior wide receiver Kyle Williams, who is recovering from a concussion, to play at Oregon State, calling him “doubtful” for the Saturday night game.
In his place will be sophomore Kerry Taylor and senior Nate Kimbrough, who have had plenty of playing time this season .
With much of the receiving corps injured this season, including Mike Jones and Chris McGaha, Erickson said the need for proficient play from his backups has been a consistent theme all season.
“There’s no question. They haven’t been healthy. People say, 'Well, why haven’t they been playing?’ Well, when you’re not 100 perfect, it doesn’t matter who you are.”
Erickson is pleased with the commitment he has seen from his backups . Eight receivers and three tight ends for ASU have played at least six games this season, attempting to compensate for that beat-up receiving corps.
“Where I see great improvement is in our backup receivers. T.J. (Simpson) for example, Brandon Smith, Nate. We’re not going to change our offense or our passing, so it helps (to have those players) when you call plays,” Erickson said.
In seven games this season, Taylor has caught 17 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while Kimbrough has six catches for 85 yards in six games.
Erickson said both Taylor and Kimbrough should expect to be in during punt returns as well.
DEFENSIVE CHANGES
Erickson said freshmen defensive end James Brooks will not play Saturday.
In his place will be Paul ’Unga, who has played in every game this season but yet to start.
Erickson also said to expect sophomore linebacker Jeff Bereuter to play inside due to injuries on defense.
EXTRA POINT
Practice was jubilant as a boisterous group ran off the practice field, screaming along the way.
“You got to have some fun out there. It’s not fun losing, but you can get better having fun,” Erickson said.
“That’s what it’s all about. We’re just trying to practice and get better, play the game and go to Corvallis and win it.”
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