This will definitely give the WVU defense a lift. Will it give 'em a pass rush? That's another story...

The Charleston Daily Mail Wrote:WVU's star linebacker finally gets medical clearance to play
By Mike Casazza
Daily Mail sports writer
September 15, 2008

For the third time in as many games, West Virginia linebacker Reed Williams has been pronounced fit to play by Coach Bill Stewart.

The difference this time is Williams has signed off as well.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior from Moorefield will make his 2008 debut Thursday at Colorado. Two offseason surgeries to repair torn labrums in both shoulders kept him out the first two games.

"I left it up to him and the medical people and he feels like he can go now," Stewart said at his weekly press conference Monday. "I saw him with his arms out there (Sunday) taking dings, nicks and bangs. He thinks he's ready to go. It'll be good to have him out there."

WVU has had two different starters in the middle this season. Sophomore Pat Lazear started the season-opener, but didn't make it through the first series. He was replaced by sophomore Anthony Leonard, but senior Mortty Ivy started against East Carolina. Ivy will return to his normal position on the strong side against the Buffalos.

"Reed brings another level to the team, a moxie, swagger, whatever, style," Stewart said. "He's just one guy, but he's one special guy."

Williams led the team in tackles last season and was the most valuable defensive player in the Fiesta Bowl. He was named a preseason Butkus Award nominee. Stewart said before each of the first two games this season Williams could play, but that the ultimate decision was up to the player, his family and the training staff.

Everything clicked this week and Stewart believes Williams' return will strengthen a defense that has struggled with intermediate pass routes, tackling and third down stops.

"He brings a presence to us," he said. "He brings an excitement, a little spark to the defense. That's got to help."

Perfect timing with Colorado and Auburn coming up. Colorado because they're a dangerous opponent on the road, and Auburn because they have major scoring issues.

He probably won't play anything near the entire game, surely?

That remains to be seen. But Williams himself feels ready to play full speed. He's been doing it in practice. I realize that a game situation is completely different. But I think he'll play a good bit of the game.