Head coach Ted Roof confirmed Wednesday that Mike Schneider, who suffered a concussion last week at Virginia Tech, will start at quarterback in Saturday’s home opener against No. 23 Maryland.
Schneider’s backups, transfer Curt Dukes and senior captain Chris Dapolito, will be moved around the offense and may play on special teams even if they are not under center.
“We’re working [Dapolito] and Curt Dukes at a couple positions,” said Roof, who hopes to exploit his backup quarterbacks’ athleticism. “They’re both working at running back.”
In drills this week, the offense has focused on passing because of Schneider’s strength in the pocket. Schneider, first on the depth chart, has taken the first snap in all but one of the Blue Devils’ games this season.
Both wide receiver Senterrio Landrum and tailback Cedric Dargan continue to battle with injuries, and neither attended Wednesday’s practice. Although Landrum and Dargan have been receiving treatment and may see some time Saturday, Roof said that it is still unlikely that either will play.
Dargan’s absence increased playing time for sophomore Aaron Fryer and true freshmen Ronnie Drummer and Justin Boyle at tailback.
Cornerback Kenneth Stanford, who has also been injured, is listed as probable for Saturday’s game.
“We’re not going to release [Stanford] unless he is healthy,” Roof said. “We never want to jeopardize a player’s health to play a football game. But if he’s clear to play, we’ll see what he can do.”
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