DT Graves Doing Better

Defensive tackle John Graves, who has missed some time with a sprained ankle, said Tuesday that his ankle was improving.

“I’m feeling a lot better thanks to Mike Goforth and the training staff,” Graves said. “I’ve been feeling pretty great.”

Graves, a fourth-year junior, suffered a high sprain in his right ankle against Nebraska on Sept. 19. Graves played sparingly against Miami on Sept. 26 and got in for a snap on a field goal block against Duke last Saturday.

Demetrius Taylor has started at tackle in each of those past two games and has played well filling in. Against the Blue Devils, Taylor had four tackles, 2 1/2 for loss. He also had a sack for a loss of eight yards.

“It’s always special, as a defensive tackle, when you get in the backfield,” Taylor, a fifth-year senior, said after the Duke game. “A lot of times, you’re just filling up gaps.”

Taylor added: “I’ve been waiting five years for this. All I’ve wanted was an opportunity to actually feel like I’m a part of the team. This year, I definitely feel like that.”