JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- West Virginia tailback Jason Colson seemed pleasantly surprised to find himself circled by reporters Friday at the Mountaineers' practice field at North Florida University.
"It's nice to be needed again," he said.
For those who don't remember Colson, he's the soft-spoken tailback who was pushed aside last year when Heisman Trophy candidate Steve Slaton broke onto the Big East scene.
Colson, a senior, could see his career come full circle when No. 13 West Virginia (10-2, 5-2 Big East) plays Georgia Tech (9-4, 7-1 ACC) in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day on CBS.
Colson said he's prepared to start the bowl game in place of Slaton, the consensus All-American who remained questionable with a deep thigh bruise.
"It's a game they might need me, not just to be on the sidelines talking to Steve, but actually being out there and contributing," Colson said.
Colson said he's been working with the first team in West Virginia's two-back sets ever since Slaton was hit on the thigh by a helmet in a noncontact drill last week in Morgantown, W.Va.
Fullback Owen Schmitt has been rehearsing Slaton's role in the one-back offense, quarterback Pat White said.
"Schmitt and Colson are talented backs," White said. "We won't change our offense. We just have to execute."
Slaton did not come out of the trainer's room during yesterday's interview session. He is scheduled to meet with reporters today.
White and Slaton need 236 combined rushing yards in the Gator Bowl to set the NCAA record for two runners in the same backfield.
"Steve's definitely disappointed that he's not practicing right now, but he just has to keep working on it," White said.
Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez said yesterday he's tired of talking about Slaton's injury.
"He's still questionable," Rodriguez said. "He's better today than he was yesterday. He'll be better in a couple days. He's doing all he can, and the trainers are doing all they can. Now, can we move on to other issues?"
Rodriguez declined to reveal how the Mountaineers would adjust to the loss of a tailback who gained 1,733 yards and scored 16 touchdowns this season.
"Why would I ever say what I'd do if he doesn't play?" Rodriguez said. "We'll still run the same system with other guys.
"You want your most talented guys to play, but as a coach you have to adjust. Hopefully Steve can go, but let's just wait and see."
Colson admitted the dream ending to his career would be to gain 100 yards in a Gator Bowl victory.
"But I'll be happy with any winning scenario, if I contribute or not," he said. "Last year, I started so well, but it's been downhill ever since then.
"It's my last game. It would be a good ending to my career."
Rodriguez may have revealed more than intended about Slaton's chances when asked about Colson's positive attitude.
"Jason never stopped working hard, and he epitomizes what West Virginia football is all about," Rodriguez said.
"I'm hoping he has a big game on Monday."
