Slaton feels lot better gearing up for fall
MORGANTOWN — Steve Slaton, West Virginia University’s consensus All-America running back, admittedly feels a lot better than he did a year ago.
One reason is that he’s having no ill effects from the wrist surgery he underwent last winter.
“It didn’t affect my strength at all sitting out spring practice,” the record-breaking junior from Levittown, Pa., said Wednesday.
“I’ve had enough time to do what I needed to do to get healthier. So I’m very excited getting ready for another football season.”
That some people think he may turn pro after the 2007 season, Steve Slaton said he’s not even thinking about that at this point.
He’s just happy he now is able to use both wrists in handling the football during daily workouts this summer in the football complex.
“It was frustrating not being able to switch the ball from one hand to the other last season,” Steve Slaton recalled. “But now that I’m back to good health, I’m able to use both hands.”
What’s more, he’ll be able to fight off defenders — something he found difficult to do as a sophomore because of the wrist injury.
“Even so, he set WVU and Big East records by rushing 248 times for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 360 yards and two scores.
Steve Slaton already has made several preseason All-America first teams, including the one picked by Playboy magazine.
“I really enjoyed going out to Phoenix and meeting the other Playoff selections May 11-13,” he said. “I met a lot of guys and knew some. It was a good time — a special treat.”
His roommate in Arizona was running back Darren McFadden, also a junior, from Arkansas. Both are projected as Heisman Trophy candidates.
Steve Slaton said watching spring practice from the sidelines was beneficial during his rehab from surgery.
“Just watching, I got a coach’s perspective seeing how plays were going and how they should be run,” he explained “That gave me a mental picture of everything.
“It will be great not having to worry about (the wrist) this year and just concentrate on playing football.
“I should go in pain-free, able to play my role better and run the ball a lot.
“As I said, I’m very excited.”
Steve Slaton has put on about five pounds since last season. But he doesn’t think it will affect either his strength or speed.
See more
at www.register-herald.com
