Quick notes from the Paul Chryst news conference

Here are some quick notes from the Paul Chryst news conference today.

Let’s start on the injury front. Chryst would not rule out running back Ray Graham for the opener against Youngstown State, but his final words on the subject led one to believe that he is more likely to sit the game out.

“I’d much rather play him a day later than a day too soon,” Chryst said. “We’ll keep talking to Ray and see how it’s going. We’re certainly a better team with him, but we also want to makes sure we’re doing what’s right for him.”

Graham is working his way back from a severe knee injury.

Isaac Bennett will start if Graham does not play. Freshman Rushel Shell of Hopewell High School is listed as the No. 3 running back. The plan is for Shell to play and not take a redshirt.

“Last week was a good week for Rushel,” Chryst said. “He missed some time in fall camp. Last week, he got into a groove and got to do a lot more. We feel good about going forward with Rushel.”

*There is even better news at wide receiver. Mike Shanahan and Devin Street are healthy enough to start. Both were limited in fall camp and Street only has a few full practices under his belt.

*The news doesn’t sound quite as good for cornerback K’Wuan Williams of whom Chryst said : “We’ll see on that one. He was able to do a few things yesterday. We’ll see how each day progresses for him.”

*It doesn’t sound as if Chryst will have any problem getting his players up for the Division I-AA Penguins, who played well in a non-conference game against Michigan State last season before falling, 28-6. YSU has 17 returning starters, including 10 on offense.

*That’s all for now. The players are off today. I’ll have more tomorrow after practice.