Busy day today with my kid's eighth birthday, but was able to get to Denton for some interviews, some practice viewing and the like. TMGR will have a story later in the week on safety Ira Smith, and how he's now the "old man" of the secondary after recent changes that mostly involve injuries. I was set to talk to soccer player Julie Lackey for a TMGR Athlete Spotlight, but five minutes before the end of practice, she suffered an injury and had to go in for treatment. We'll connect by phone on Wednesday.
UNT has called a press conference for Thursday at 1 p.m. to review the battle plan consultant Chuck Neinas compiled for the athletic department, as it moves forward upon the completion of a new football stadium. Not sure what mysterious truths Neinas has unearthed, but I'm sure 95 or so percent of what ails UNT athletics could be solved by winning in football or the willingness of some wealthy alumni/benefactors to finally pony up the way those at other schools seem to, even when the economy stinks.
In other football news:
_ Center J.J. Johnson, who suffered a ruptured foot ligament at Clemson, will undergo surgery this week after all. UNT first thought he could rehab and perhaps return late this season, but that won't happen. Johnson redshirted in 2007. From talking to Todd Dodge, it appears Johnson plans to play only one more year (2011) if possible and not seek a sixth-year medical hardship for 2012. I think it has something to do with Johnson being due to graduate soon.
_ Seeing Royce Hill in street clothes Tuesday was somewhat jarring, in that UNT losing its other starting cornerback seems unfathomable with the parade of other walking wounded. Turns out Hill was under the weather and will be back Wednesday and will start Saturday at Florida Atlantic.
_ Outside receiver Breece Johnson has one of the grossest injuries I can remember, and it'll keep him out for a second straight week. A few weeks ago, Johnson took a hard fall in practice on a hip but played against Rice. Last week, the bruised area became infected, and has swelled up to the point where it requires fluid to be drained off. He didn't travel to Army and won't go to FAU. Dodge said it's not a staph infection nor a large boil, but some other severe infection that doctors are monitoring closely.
_ Former starting quarterback Nathan Tune showed me the 8-inch incision that runs halfway across one side of his rear end, where surgeons repaired his dislocated hip. It'll leave quite a scar, and he's got a long recovery ahead of him. Tune, who was crushed by a Rice defender two Saturday's ago in UNT's home opener, all but passed out from the pain when paramedics tried to pop the hip back into place. One guy pushed on the hip while another yanked one leg. To say the least, it's an injury Tune won't ever forget, and he'll require an artificial hip someday if the rehab doesn't go flawlessly.
_ Right tackle Esteban Santiago and right guard Matt Tomlinson have switched positions. They're returning to more natural spots, and UNT feels the switch could better protect Riley Dodge's blind side. Jamaal Jackson is going to play more outside receiver with Johnson and Chris Bynes (torn Achilles tendon) out. Outside guys Mike Outlaw and B.J. Lewis should be at the ready. Outlaw has been slowed with ankle problems since last spring but might finally be good to go. B.J. Lewis (knee) could have traveled and played at Army last week, but he stayed back to see the birth of his first child. He'll be at FAU.
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