Associated Press
The college football notebook …
CORAL GABLES, Fla. ó Seeming upbeat as usual, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris did not hesitate when asked about the fast-approaching start of the Hurricanes’ season.
“I expect to play,” Harris said. “Yes, sir.”
The NCAA will decide soon if that becomes reality.
Harris and many other Miami players implicated by the extra-benefits scandal that threatens to negatively impact the program for years spoke out for the first time Saturday about the mess. None provided any specifics about the claims that former booster and imprisoned Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro made to Yahoo Sports, alleging that he provided extra benefits to Hurricane players and recruits from 2002-10.
But many, like Harris, expressed some sense of optimism that they may be cleared in time to play Sept. 5, when Miami opens at Maryland.
“These people, they know what to do,” defensive lineman Marcus Forston said.
“I’m very hopeful,” wide receiver Travis Benjamin said.
“We know we’re all we’ve got right now, this team,” safety Ray Ray Armstrong said.
They are among 12 current players known to be under investigation by the university, and presumably the NCAA, for their involvement with Shapiro. A person with knowledge of the process has told The Associated Press that eight players ó Harris, Sean Spence and Benjamin among them ó have been declared ineligible by the university, which then turned the matter over to the NCAA and asked that a reinstatement process be expedited.
TEXAS A&M
Big 12 officials expect Texas A&M to announce within the next week that it plans to leave the conference.
A person with knowledge of what was discussed during a conference call of the Big 12 board of directors Saturday told The Associated Press that Texas A&M officials talked about their anticipated departure.
“No major surprises,” said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. “A&M didn’t say they were leaving, but certainly gave every indication that’s what they plan on doing.”
The Aggies have publicly expressed interest in joining the SEC and on Thursday formally informed Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe in a letter from school President R. Bowen Loftin that Texas A&M was exploring all of its options.
TEXAS QBS
AUSTIN, Texas ó Texas has yet to decide on a starting quarterback, eight days before the Longhorns’ season opener.
Co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin told the Longhorn Network on Friday that a decision will be reached soon. Texas opens at home against Rice on Sept. 3.
Garret Gilbert, who started all 12 games last year, is competing against sophomore Case McCoy, redshirt freshman Connor Wood and true freshman David Ash.
Gilbert threw for 2,744 yards last season, completing 59 percent with 10 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He played in the 2010 national championship game against Alabama, nearly leading Texas to a comeback win after starter Colt McCoy was injured in the first quarter. Texas lost 37-21, but Gilbert was 15 of 40 for 186 yards and two scores.
WISCONSIN
MADISON, Wisc. ó Backup quarterback Jon Budmayr will be out indefinitely with an elbow problem, putting Joe Brennan behind N.C. State transfer Russell Wilson on the depth chart.