The last time we heard from JMU tailback Eugene Holloman, he was wearing a red practice jersey, which is usually reserved for quarterbacks.

That was last spring when Holloman's participation was limited as he recovered from a second knee surgery.

Holloman is now back at full speed, and back in a white practice jersey, like the rest of JMU's running backs.

I feel pretty good," says the senior. "Top shape, just ready to go."

Holloman missed most of last season because of his knee injury, but he still rushed for just 180 yards in two games.

"It's just hard to watch," says Holloman. "Just to sit and watch, and you see what you could have done, and you can't do nothing about it. That's the toughest thing ever."

Holloman was first team all-conference in 2006, when he ran for 1,085 yards and eight touchdowns. He was one of two Dukes named to this year's preseason All-CAA team.

Holloman says his knee hasn't felt this good in a year, and that sounds pretty good to his coach.

"Well, he's a really positive kid, and it doesn't surprise me he told you that," says Mickey Matthews. "He's worked very hard to put his physical being in the shape it's in right now."