Marshall Football: ; Booker, Evans Recover From Injuries

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By CHUCK McGILL DAILY MAIL SPORTSWRITER

HUNTINGTON Andre Booker and Demetrius Evans each underwent surgery for a torn labrum in the offseason. They play the same position (wide receiver) and had the same injury (although to different shoulders), so it is not a stunner that both Marshall football players have the same opinion about the type of physical malady that beset them following the 2010 season. Its better to have an upper body injury than a lower body injury, Booker said. Added Evans: Definitely, this was no fun, but my legs are OK. Booker, a 5- foot-10, 183-pound junior from Sarasota, Fla., and Evans, a 6-2, 189- pound true sophomore from Belle Glade, Fla., have sported blue no- contact jerseys during the first four days of preseason camp, which opened last Friday at Edwards Stadium. The first four days of camp before full pads are dusted off and thrown on are considered the acclimation period, and Booker and Evans have treated it as such. After missing all of spring drills, the receivers are easing back into practice and building up to their first live contact, whenever that may be. Im trying to get back in the flow, said Booker, who had 264 yards rushing and 236 receiving last year. I need more recovery time, more time to heal, but Im glad to be back out there. Booker injured his left shoulder, but he doesnt know how. He labeled himself 65 percent healthy. Evans, who had six catches for 51 yards as a true freshman, said he was 95 percent back from his right shoulder injury. Im just trying to get the rust off, he said. I basically feel 100 percent, but the five percent Im concerned about is whether I can take a lick or not. This seasons Herd should have a deep receiving corps, with 2009 leading receiver Antavious Wilson and 2010 top pass-catcher Aaron Dobson back, as well as starting H receiver Troy Evans. Three newcomers true freshmen Davonte Allen, Tommy Shuler and Craig Wilkins are also pushing to avoid redshirts and land playing time. Evans, who models himself after New England Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco, is trying to make him versatile as an outside or slot receiver in order to log reps. Ill play wherever they want me to, he said. I fit in everywhere. Booker spent his first two years at Marshall as a running back, but also dabbled in pass catching and was effective out of the backfield. The transition to his new position, he said, has been smooth. Ill play anywhere, he said. Im just trying to get healthy enough to do that.

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Marshall Football: ; Booker, Evans Recover From Injuries

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WILSON DECLARED himself almost 100 percent in his recovery from ...

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