MORGANTOWN - Brantwon Bowser was so happy Tuesday night while talking about his up-and-running West Virginia football career that it would have been virtually impossible to erase the grin from his face.
MORGANTOWN - Brantwon Bowser was so happy Tuesday night while talking about his up-and-running West Virginia football career that it would have been virtually impossible to erase the grin from his face.
He wasn't the only one smiling, either.
"He's going to play,'' West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said. "He's two months ahead of schedule.''
Indeed, while it might not be this Saturday when the Mountaineers open the season against Villanova - although Stewart didn't rule that out, either - Bowser will jump into the competition at cornerback sooner rather than later.
After tearing the ACL in his right knee during spring practice, later was thought to be the 2009 season. The school's media guide even says so much, matter-of-factly pointing out that the 6-foot, 179-pound junior-college transfer cornerback "underwent surgery and will sit out the 2008 season.''
That was a little over four months ago. The optimum recovery time from reconstructive knee surgery is eight months, six if the patient happens to get really lucky.
"Somebody must have really been on my side and wanted me to come back,'' Bowser said, obviously referring to a power higher than Stewart. "Right now it's four months and a couple of weeks. Really, I don't understand it.''
For a team shallow and inexperienced at cornerback, Bowser's return is potentially huge. Not only that, but junior college transfer Chaz Russell has begun practicing, giving West Virginia two more corners than it had just a week ago.
But while Russell apparently has a ways to go to learn the system and become involved, Bowser is pretty much ready to play as soon as he shakes off some rust.
His progress is, to say the least, remarkable.
"After my surgery we started the rehab and I had to take a test every month to see where I was,'' Bowser said. "After three months I took my first test and I was 75 percent [recovered] and they were kind of shocked by that. Then I took a test about two weeks ago and they said I blew the test out of the water. They say most guys aren't even close until they go about five months and take the test four times. I took it twice.''
Bowser began running during practice a few weeks ago and after he got the medical clearance began dressing about 10 days ago. He wore a no-contact jersey for only a couple of days and then on Sunday began taking part in everything.
"I still feel like I'm a little rusty, but I'm picking it up real fast,'' Bowser said. "My surgery and my recovery, it's the same thing on the football field. I kind of pick things up real fast.''
In a way, Bowser said the injury was almost a blessing. Yes, he was on the shelf for four months, but he was also able to slow down his learning process and watch what happens on the field. He also was able to get into the weight room and get strong almost everywhere except the injured right knee. And for a guy making the jump from junior college to Division I-A and expected to help right away - as Bowser was - that's a nice luxury to have.
So how does Bowser fit into a cornerback rotation that seems to include only Ellis Lankster, Kent Richardson and Brandon Hogan as the top tier?
"Getting that guy back would be like rain coming down in Nebraska during a drought,'' Stewart said. "Get him back and that's your nickel [defense], your dime, everything you want to do.''
Stewart said Bowser would not be ready to play against Villanova Saturday simply because he is rusty and hasn't worked with the defense. But as far as putting him in to play basic man-to-man coverage if the game gets out of hand, that's not out of the question.
"I'm still getting in the groove and I know the coaches want to see the guys who have been practicing all summer,'' Bowser said. "But I'll take things from there and see what happens. I'm just happy to be back.''
Reach Dave Hickman at 348-1734 or dphickm...@aol.com.
MORGANTOWN - Brantwon Bowser was so happy Tuesday night while talking about his up-and-running West Virginia football career that it would have been virtually impossible to erase the grin from his face.
He wasn't the only one smiling, either.
"He's going to play,'' West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said. "He's two months ahead of schedule.''
Indeed, while it might not be this Saturday when the Mountaineers open the season against Villanova - although Stewart didn't rule that out, either - Bowser will jump into the competition at cornerback sooner rather than later.
After tearing the ACL in his right knee during spring practice, later was thought to be the 2009 season. The school's media guide even says so much, matter-of-factly pointing out that the 6-foot, 179-pound junior-college transfer cornerback "underwent surgery and will sit out the 2008 season.''
That was a little over four months ago. The optimum recovery time from reconstructive knee surgery is eight months, six if the patient happens to get really lucky.
"Somebody must have really been on my side and wanted me to come back,'' Bowser said, obviously referring to a power higher than Stewart. "Right now it's four months and a couple of weeks. Really, I don't understand it.''
For a team shallow and inexperienced at cornerback, Bowser's return is potentially huge. Not only that, but junior college transfer Chaz Russell has begun practicing, giving West Virginia two more corners than it had just a week ago.
But while Russell apparently has a ways to go to learn the system and become involved, Bowser is pretty much ready to play as soon as he shakes off some rust.
His progress is, to say the least, remarkable.
"After my surgery we started the rehab and I had to take a test every month to see where I was,'' Bowser said. "After three months I took my first test and I was 75 percent [recovered] and they were kind of shocked by that. Then I took a test about two weeks ago and they said I blew the test out of the water. They say most guys aren't even close until they go about five months and take the test four times. I took it twice.''
Bowser began running during practice a few weeks ago and after he got the medical clearance began dressing about 10 days ago. He wore a no-contact jersey for only a couple of days and then on Sunday began taking part in everything.
"I still feel like I'm a little rusty, but I'm picking it up real fast,'' Bowser said. "My surgery and my recovery, it's the same thing on the football field. I kind of pick things up real fast.''
In a way, Bowser said the injury was almost a blessing. Yes, he was on the shelf for four months, but he was also able to slow down his learning process and watch what happens on the field. He also was able to get into the weight room and get strong almost everywhere except the injured right knee. And for a guy making the jump from junior college to Division I-A and expected to help right away - as Bowser was - that's a nice luxury to have.
So how does Bowser fit into a cornerback rotation that seems to include only Ellis Lankster, Kent Richardson and Brandon Hogan as the top tier?
"Getting that guy back would be like rain coming down in Nebraska during a drought,'' Stewart said. "Get him back and that's your nickel [defense], your dime, everything you want to do.''
Stewart said Bowser would not be ready to play against Villanova Saturday simply because he is rusty and hasn't worked with the defense. But as far as putting him in to play basic man-to-man coverage if the game gets out of hand, that's not out of the question.
"I'm still getting in the groove and I know the coaches want to see the guys who have been practicing all summer,'' Bowser said. "But I'll take things from there and see what happens. I'm just happy to be back.''
Reach Dave Hickman at 348-1734 or dphickm...@aol.com.
Post a comment
2007
ECU 7
MU 26