BC’s Harris will step in

But BC won’t push its star rusher today

September 24, 2011|By Mark Blaudschun, Globe Staff

Montel Harris, who hasnt played since Nov. 20, 2010 because of a left knee… (File/Barry Chin/Globe…)

He is ready. In Montel Harris’s mind, it had been that way for a few weeks. But his twice surgically repaired left knee told him different.

“It didn’t feel right,’’ said Boston College’s senior running back earlier this week when asked about his availability for this afternoon’s game at Alumni Stadium against the University of Massachusetts. “My coaches and trainers were telling me, ‘Don’t rush it. You’ll know when it’s ready.’ This time I know that it’s ready. I’m ready to come out and play in the game.’’

The last time anyone saw Harris do that was Nov. 20 in a 17-13 win over Virginia. He rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, but also came up limping, an injury that was diagnosed as a torn lateral meniscus. He was done for the rest of the season.

In the spring, coach Frank Spaziani thought Harris, who remains 125 yards short of Derrick Knight’s BC career rushing mark and 1,003 yards behind the Atlantic Coast Conference career mark of N.C. State’s Ted Brown, was ready to go.

So did Harris, who looked frisky through the early part of training camp. But midway through camp, Harris went down during a scrimmage. He had injured the same area, though less severely, and doctors said he would be out 2-4 weeks.

“It’s been a long time,’’ said Harris, who has been sidelined for five weeks. “I’m real excited about getting on the field and helping my team.’’

Spaziani said Harris’s role today will be limited. “He’ll be on a pitch count,’’ said the coach.

Normally, one could make the argument that there’s no need to play Harris against a Championship Subdivision opponent such as UMass. But the Minutemen are 2-0 with victories over Holy Cross and Rhode Island, and the Eagles are 0-3 after a stunning 20-19 loss to Duke.

“We are in a position where we have to worry about who we are playing,’’ said Spaziani, who has had to mix and match players throughout his lineup over the first three weeks of the season, for a variety of reasons. “A win will help.’’

The running game, with shuffling along the offensive line, has hardly been productive, even though Andre Williams and Tahj Kimble have shown flashes. In each of the last two games - against Central Florida and Duke - the Eagles have not rushed for 100 yards, something Harris did eight times last season.

Harris, meanwhile, has been focused on getting back. “Just working hard, watching film, waiting to see how I do in my first game,’’ he said.

When asked about any lingering pain, he said, “It’s just something you have to deal with when you have surgery.’’

Beating UMass is high on BC’s wish list, simply because it doesn’t have a win. The addition of Harris can only help.

The Minutemen, who run a quick-paced offense led by quarterback Kellen Pagel, running back Jonathan Hernandez, and tight end Emil Igwenagu, can do damage … BC guard Nathan Richman (back) and defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey (foot) are questionable for the game … UMass is transitioning to the Bowl Subdivision and will play a full Mid-American Conference schedule in 2013.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.