As reported by the Winston-Salem Journal, both Justin Wray and Rod Chisholm will sit out the upcoming season for Appalachian State. Wray is missing the season after aggravating a shoulder injury suffered during the 2010 campaign, while Chisholm is sitting out after falling short of NCAA academic requirements. Wray will receive a medical redshirt and have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Chisholm took a redshirt season in 2008 and will have only one year left in Boone. It remains to be seen whether further details about Chisholm emerge, but it is very surprising to see a young man that was recognized as academic all-conference in 2009 being held out because of concerns in the classroom.
Chisholm was set to battle Cedric Baker for the 2nd running back position behind Travaris Cadet. While being a highly regarded high school recruit with the physical tools of an every-down back, Chisholm has not yet lived up to the billing at ASU and many people (myself included) were hoping that 2011 would be his time to break out. This is a significant set-back in his college career, and we can only hope that he straightens out his academics, puts in work in the weight room and gets himself ready to contribute in 2012.
Losing depth at running back is always a tough blow, but Justin Wray is an even more significant loss for the Mountaineers. Wray has great straight-ahead speed, lateral quickness and an ideal build (6-1, 230 lbs.) to play outside linebacker in ASU's new 3-4 defense. Justin was 2nd on the team in both tackles (73) and tackles for loss (14.5) in 2010, earning second team all Southern Conference honors. Learning to adjust to a new scheme is a tall task for any defense, and it will be especially tough for ASU after losing their most explosive tackler.
However, the man looking to fill in for Wray is another former all-conference performer in Lanston Tanyi. Before sitting out the 2010 season due to injuries, Tanyi had an impressive 2009 campaign with 75 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a defensive end in a 4-3 set. At 6-2, 250 lbs., Tanyi has the size and speed to be effective at the outside linebacker position. While his ability as a pass rusher is unquestioned, he will have to prove that he can drop back into coverage and make plays in the open field to earn the starting job. Tanyi is accustomed to knocking heads in the trenches as a down lineman, and playing as a stand-up linebacker will be an adjustment. If he is able to make the necessary changes, Lanston Tanyi could provide ASU with a presence in the backfield that was sorely missed in 2010.
