Wide receiver injured his back during spring drills; loss kills receiving corps -- By Craig Juer (Daily Staff Writer)
WINCHESTER — Proteus Herring, Shenandoah's leading receiver last season with 19 catches for 344 yards and four touchdowns, will sit out the entire 2006 season as a medical redshirt.
The Shenandoah coaching staff was aware of the back injury as early as spring practice; the condition didn't improve before training camp.
"He got hurt last offseason," junior receiver Tyrone Harris said. "But I didn't know he wasn't going to play until three days into practice."
Senior quarterback Blake Derby said he didn't expect Herring to remain injured come training camp.
"I was pretty surprised because he hurt himself last offseason, but he came out and in spring practice [and] he was looking good," Derby said. "Then, he kind of tailed off towards the end. But I thought this summer he'd be back in shape."
Herring is spending this week rehabbing his back at home.
The 6-foot-2 Harris, one of Herring's likely replacements, broke the pinkie finger on his right hand last week when he dove for a pass. He won't be able to catch passes in practice until Saturday's scrimmage against Gettysburg at the earliest.
So Wednesday, as the first-team offense worked through drills, it was sophomore transfer Jeremy Maley lining up at split end. The 6-3 native of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., is an import from Shepherd.
Maley used his long stride to separate himself from the cornerback. The quarterback lofted a pass that was right on target, reaching Maley before the safety did.
Maley dropped the pass, and a moan emerged from his teammates and coaches. That play notwithstanding, Shenandoah's coaches deem Maley quite capable.
"He has the ability to stretch the defense, a very good receiver," offensive coordinator Brian Wolf said. "He's got all the tools. He's fast; he's tall; he's got great hands. He understands the offense and he's mature."
In the absence of Herring and Harris, Maley and punter Chris Dooley sit atop the depth chart at receiver. Dooley, a 6-3 junior, is athletic and possesses good hands. Harris caught three passes for 66 yards last year, none for touchdowns.
Derby said Dooley, Maley and Harris have different on-field personas.
"Chris is a loud guy, a vocal guy," he said. "Jeremy's more like, 'I'll lead by example.' And Tyrone's a little bit of both."
Besides Herring, the only player eligible to return with a touchdown reception to his credit in 2005 was sophomore Ivan Fitchett, who did not rejoin the team this year. After Herring, running back Brandon Lacey led the Hornets with nine catches for 189 yards. Starting tight end Kyle Blair had two catches for 40 yards.
After Maley's miscue in practice Wednesday, the offense regrouped and worked its way down the field. In the end, the offense managed to kick a field goal to cap a successful drive.
"One guy does not make a difference in our offense or defense," head coach Paul Barnes said. "We will miss [Herring] like a son, but one guy should not make a difference."
