Answer Tuesday! (Part 1)

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Q: Mr Sam
Can fullback D.J. Shoemate get playing time this year and could he be a option at running back if injuries hurt the rotation and if Stanley Haveli moves to tight end in some plays? Has the role of the fullback been changed under Jim Bates?

A: Shoemate made a strong impression at the end of pratcices. He’s become dangerous catching passes out of the backfield. Havili fills a similar role but I could see Shoemate getting spot-specific player.

Q: LV Trojan said:
Scott: Do walk-ons from the prior year have to compete in this year’s walk-on tryouts in order to be on the team this year?

A: No. Once they make the team, they don’t need to tryout the following year. They are on the team. Quite often, even if they quit, they are called back by the coaches to add depth to positions that are shorthanded because of injuries. A couple years ago, some receivers missed almost all of training camp and then were asked to rejoin the team because of depth issues.

Q: SD Trojan said:
Scott, in your opinion is Jarvis Jones worthy of wearing #55? Seau, Claiborne, McGinest, Rivers, etc – thats fine company.

A: I don’t know. I’d have to see him in practice a lot more. I could tell Chris Claiborne was right away during his freshman year and was a huge performer in training camo. Keith Rivers was a more debatable case, as even after four years some were unsure if he should wear 55. I’d have to watch Jones in training camp. It says something that he is being considered, however.

Q: TrojanAnnenberg2001 said:
Jennifer Mueller – track star or internet sensation?

A: Internet sensation.