Thursday Willingham/practice notes

Published 5:17 pm Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tyrone Willingham had his usual Thursday meeting with the media a little earlier this afternoon. He said today, like yesterday, that tailback David Freeman (ankle) and safety Victor Aiyewa aren’t expected to play, neither were in pads at practice today.

Another player not practicing that Willingham didn’t mention was senior cornerback Mesphin Forrester, who was walking with a bit of a limp that would indicate he has some sort of left leg injury. Since we don’t have access to Willingham or players between now and Saturday, we’ll just have to wait and see if he makes the trip and plays. If Forrester can’t plan, I’d guess Matt Mosley, who played well last week, would start in his place.

Willingham said Tripper Johnson will likely start with Aiyewa out, and that freshman Johri Fogerson will also work into the mix at safety.

Jake Locker, who made the trip to Arizona following his injury, will not travel to LA. Willingham said having Locker there to help Fouch was important when it was Fouch’s first start, but now that Fouch has more experience, they can better use that travel spot on a healthy player.

Asked about trying to game-plan this week following Monday’s news that Willingham is out after this season, he said:

“It’s very (difficult). You’re talking about being able to focus 18 year olds, 19 year olds, and 20 year olds. Which is always difficult, that is difficult in it self. Then you have to deal with the circumstances that were presented in front of them. There are a lot of things they think about, there are a lot things they wonder about, their answers they don’t have that nobody can provide them at this time. That’s always difficult to corral all of that so they can work as a football team.”

How have they handled it?

“I said on Tuesday it was a very kind of subdued practice. I thought Wednesday was upbeat, better energy. I wouldn’t say better focus because it’s hard to tell sometimes when you are subdued what your real focus is. I thought it was good on Tuesday and I thought it was better on Wednesday, and today will be the day because it is always about the next day and the next game. So we’ll find out today.”

Willingham said the coaches will not be going out recruiting in LA this weekend, instead focusing on the team given the turmoil this week. Asked how big a setback that was, he answered, “Under the circumstances I don’t think it’s a setback.”

Asked hi role in talking to committed prospects, he said:

“I have the ability to talk them, but what you want to make sure of is that we’re sending the message of the next coach, and at this time it is very difficult to do that. So you’re kind of caught between that rock and a hard place right now. We just have to ask those young me to be patient until that direction is established, and then that man will be able to speak for himself.”

And asked if thinks those commitments will be honored, Willingham said:

“I have no idea.”