Steve Slaton could have been in red and white tonight. Instead, the early-season Heisman Trophy candidate will be showing off his NFL-caliber speed against the team that passed on him.
The tailback position for the University of Maryland football team is solid. But when the 2-0 Terps face No. 5 West Virginia tonight in Morgantown in a nationally televised game, they must find a way to slow down the Mountaineers? lightning-fast backfield.
Slaton, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back and a native of Levittown, Pa., was recruited by Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, but with a stable of running backs, Friedgen opted to look elsewhere.
“I screwed up,” Friedgen said. “There?s only so many running backs you can take.”
Friedgen wishes Slaton well in his career, which he believes could be in the NFL sooner rather than later.
“I don?t hope he has a great game [tonight], but I hope he has a great career and comes out early,” Friedgen said, drawing laughs from the gathered crowd at his weekly press conference. “He?s a fantastic kid.”
West Virginia (2-0), which many have touted as a national title contender, will pose many problems for Maryland. Terps sophomore linebacker Erin Henderson had a quick scouting report on their foe.
“Speed and precision,” Henderson said. “They have a very talented backfield, and they possess a lot of speed. ”
Henderson, who will be in his third game as middle linebacker, will face the tough task of harnessing Slaton?s talents. Slaton has rushed for 308 yards in two games, with an average of 7.5 yards per carry.
Friedgen was asked this week the best way to defeat West Virginia.
“I wish I knew that,” Friedgen said. “Find a way to slow them down.”
Aside from Slaton, the Mountaineers feature athletic sophomore quarterback Pat White, who has carried the ball nine times for 70 yards in West Virginia?s two wins. White (6-2, 190) played in 12 games in 2005, throwing for eight touchdowns and running for seven more.
White?s backfield mate, Slaton, is reportedly looking forward to proving a point against the Terps. One thing is for sure: The next time a talent with Slaton?s potential comes along again, Friedgen won?t blink.
“I?ll take him, because God only makes so many of those,” Friedgen said.
UM (2-0) at No. 5 WVU (2-0)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPM
Radio: 105.7 FM/1300 AM
MOUNTAIN OF SPEED
» According to rivals.com, a recruiting Web site, Slaton ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash prior to enrolling at West Virginia.
» White has Vince Young-like speed in the backfield. According to rivals.com, White recorded a 4.5/40 time before heading to Morgantown.
