Andre Neely suffering from ACL injury

The local notebook ....

Former South Rowan star Andre Neely absorbed a setback in a recent Appalachian State practice, suffering a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Neely, a redshirt freshman walk-on, was up to No. 3 on the depth chart at linebacker and was playing on special teams when he was hurt.

Neely, son of legendary football and track coach Aaron Neely, hopes to be back in action when the Apps travel to The Citadel on Sept. 22.

Neely, who spent one year at Fork Union Military Academy before joining the Apps, has his weight up to 200 pounds. He was a 175-pound defensive back and wide receiver at South.

MILLER’S TIME:Des Miller, a two-way star on A.L. Brown’s 1997 state champions and a Shrine Bowler, has finally worked himself into Appalachian State’s defensive line rotation.

Miller, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior, has trimmed down about 15 pounds from last season, and it seems to be helping. He was one of eight D-lineman employed in regular shifts by the Apps.

“I’m getting my reps and I’m in good shape,” said Miller, who hopes to start next season. “I was a little puffy last year. Now I’ve just got to make some plays. I’ve got to get to the ball.”

Miller gets another big challenge this week when the Apps travel to face Alabama and new defensive coordinator Carl Torbush.

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GADDY SIDELINED:You’ probably heard about South Rowan girls basketball star Brittney Gaddy tearing an ACL this summer and losing a chunk of her senior season.

Brittney’s older brother, Patrick, hasn’t had any better luck.

Patrick, a former All-Rowan County lineman walked on at Appalachian along with training partner of Brian Billings.

Gaddy redshirted last season, then lost this season after a bout with appendicitis and some serious complications following the operation.

Gaddy is currently on medical leave from classes and from the team and will have to make a tough decision about essentially starting over in the football program next season.

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SCOTT’S SPOT:Former Davie County star Scott Cornatzer is the second team strong safety for the Apps and is a key man on special teams.

Cornatzer had a bell-ringing hit on a Wake kickoff return on Saturday night.

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No. 42: Florida State’s Nick Maddox is 42nd nationally in all-purpose yardage with 138.5 yards per game.

After two games, Maddox has 131 yards rushing, 60 yards receiving, 59 yards on punt returns and 27 yard on kickoff returns.