Practice 9/17/09

Injury Update
Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said WILL linebackers Matthew May and Blake Lawrence are among the injured players going into Nebraska game against Virginia Tech.
“We have guys a little banged up,” Pelini said. “May has got the stinger, Blake’s (Lawrence) got the ankle.”
Pelini did say that both May and Lawrence will be available.
Playing Time for Dillard
After not seeing action in the first two games, recently converted WILL linebacker Phillip Dillard is expected to compete against the Hokies on Saturday.
Pelini said it isn’t because Dillard is bigger than the other linebackers.
“Wasn’t a size issue as much as him being a healthy guy,” Pelini said.
Dillard got to work immediately after hearing the news.
“He was really excited,” Pelini said. “He was up early. He spent all day going over the game plan and schemes and adjustments.”
Pelini said despite not playing, Dillard’s effort in practice has never waned and that he has earned this opportunity.
The defensive coordinator even called him a leader.
“His leadership has been evident to our defense from the start of camp,” Pelini said. “That has never been an issue. He’s a great kid, a great leader. He’s a positive influence on this football team.”
Dillard hasn’t won a spot over anyone.
“We have a depth chart and we stick to it,” Pelini said. “There are three WILL linebackers working right now.”