Broussard's Recovery

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http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/...0100.xml&coll=1

Physical demands belabor LSU's Broussard

RB making progress toward recovery

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

By William Kalec

BATON ROUGE -- Alley Broussard has spent the past 11 months gradually regaining strength and stability in his surgically repaired right knee, using every medical advantage at his disposal to expedite the process.

But when trying to calculate the right instance in which to test -- really, test -- the recovery in contact drills or scrimmage situations, the answer is a bit less scientific.

"You know when you know," LSU coach Les Miles said.

Miles said he doesn't anticipate any extended delay in Broussard's practice participation, but the physical demands placed on a player who has been sidelined for so long will be monitored closely. If all goes well, Miles said, he sees no reason why Broussard couldn't return to form; this time last year, Broussard was ahead of eventual first-round draft pick Joseph Addai on the Tigers' depth chart.

Broussard, who'll be a junior this season, suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament during the first scrimmage at Tiger Stadium last August and underwent season-ending surgery later that month. This spring, Broussard was limited in drills (relegated to a green, no-contact jersey) and spent several practice sessions rehabbing the knee inside the football facility.

Broussard said he was dealing with depression because of the slow progress and isolation, describing the rehabilitation as "a baby trying to walk."

WILLIAMS COMING? Miles said freshman running back Keiland Williams has some academic issues to address this summer, but they will be resolved in time for the prized recruit to enroll this fall. Williams, from Lafayette, spent this past season at Hargrave Military Institute in Virginia, where he became the first player in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season.

FRESH CONCERNS: Miles said the academic situation of West Monroe's Shomari Clemons a"serious" and that delayed entry for the defensive back is a possibility. Richard Murphy, a running back from Rayville, has academic woes.

Wide receiver Jared Mitchell, on the other hand, is deciding whether to play college football and baseball or sign with the Minnesota Twins, who drafted the New Iberia native in the 10th round in June. Mitchell was present at the press conference introducing LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri two weeks ago.

LSU only has three receivers -- Dwayne Bowe, Early Doucet and Craig Davis -- with experience, giving Mitchell or any other young wideout the opportunity to earn playing time quickly.

"The question is how much money are the Twins going to throw at him," Miles said. "The issue is how much he wants to be a college student and play championship football and baseball."

EXTRA POINTS: Construction crews at Tiger Stadium replaced the exterior facing on the back of the south end zone scoreboard. The previous design featured the BCS National Championship trophy and "2003 National Champions" against a yellow background. The new design features an LSU helmet with "Tiger Stadium." . . . Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Doucet and Davis volunteered as counselors at last week's Manning Passing Academy. . . . Russell has switched his number from 4 to 2, which he wore in high school.