Where did the grass stains go?
Memphis will play its first season on FieldTurf, the latest in artificial-surface technology, a “rug” already used by several NFL teams. It’s a mixture of fake grass, sand, and rubber. And it will not give when certain ball carriers utilize their cutting ability to make defenders do that ballet-in-shoulder-pads called “grasping at air.” Asked if he had any concerns about playing on artificial turf his senior year, Williams said, “No. This actually fits my style.” He wasn’t smiling. Neither will opposing linebackers when facing Williams in the open field. 9 A secondary star Secondary, as in defensive backfield. Wesley Smith enters his junior season having already twice been named first-team All-Conference USA. He is rightfully on the Jim Thorpe Trophy watch list (an honor that goes to the country’s finest defensive back). A native of Oxford, Mississippi (what was that about fences?), Smith nursed a shoulder injury in spring practice, and his health will be critical to a defensive unit h
