Dorsey battles into starting role

The Warhawks are thin on experience this season, which is no secret. The defensive front though has a veteran that after a position change is now looking to make an impact.

Junior Ken Dorsey made the switch to defensive end during the spring drills from the linebacker position. The move was one that Dorsey hoped would pay off with an increase in playing time. Three seasons ago, then a true freshman, Dorsey took to the field in the season opener versus Tulsa. Just a few snaps into his collegiate career, a broken leg looked to end his career. After battling back through the 2008 season, Dorsey found himself in 2009 playing again, only in a backup role to all-conference end Aaron Morgan.

The 2010 season looked to be another season of back-up duties to preseason all-conference selection Troy Evans until Evans injured his back. Now the spotlight will shine on Dorsey in the starting role.

"Aaron and Troy, those are some big shoes to fill," Dorsey said of his predecessors. "I'm just going to come out, watch film of them, and base my game on how they played."

During the 2009 season, Dorsey appeared in just six games and tallied just one tackle. Despite not putting up big numbers, defensive coordinator Troy Reffett is impressed with the Homewood, Ala. product.

"Dorsey is back, and we are real excited about him, he doesn't have a lot of reps under his belt, but he has enough to understand the systems and the schemes, he's got the understanding and the abilities to do what we need him to do."

Ken Dorsey will look to make a solid debut on Saturday, as the Warhawks will travel to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in Little Rock, Ark. Kick off is set for 6pm and will be televised on Fox Sports Net.