MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Dustin Garrison, now 16 months removed from ACL surgery, claims he has regained full confidence and strength in his injured knee.
He felt certain enough to remove the knee brace during the latter portions of 2012, when he saw limited action in 10 games, rushing 46 times for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
“Toward the end of the season is when I started getting to where I was completely healthy,” said Garrison.
One of three juniors expected to compete for carries next season, Garrison said Andrew Buie and juco transfer Dreamius Smith are sharing opportunities this spring. Freshman Wendell Smallwood, an early enrollee, also worked into the rotation during the half-hour in which the media observed Tuesday’s practice.
The running backs are getting acclimated to their new position coach JaJuan Seider, who accepted an offer to return to WVU only 48 hours before spring practice began.
“We’re all getting our equal share of reps with the starters or the second-string,” Garrison said. “I think Coach (Dana) Holgorsen and Coach Seider are trying to evaluate and see where we are at running back.”