TASTY TIDBITS

Dortch tries new position at MSU; Banks gets released by BearsThe major college football programs are gearing up for their preseason workouts, and one particular school with a strong local tie is preparing to have that local product entertain playing at a new position this fall.
When Michigan State takes the field in a few weeks to get ready for the 2004 season, Hoboken legend Tyrell Dortch will no longer be seen as a running back.
According to the school’s website, GreenandWhite.com, Dortch is being asked to become a defensive player, filling in what head coach John L. Smith calls “bandit,” which is a combination of linebacker and safety.
Dortch, who incredibly is now a senior even after missing an entire year due to a severely broken ankle, is one of the Spartans’ team captains this season. He was approached by Smith to see if he could handle the transition from offense to defense, and Dortch was willing to do anything to help the squad.
After all, it was playing defense in an emergency situation that caused the all-time Red Wing running back great and 1999 New Jersey High School Player of the Year to get injured. He was filling in at cornerback against Wisconsin when the injury occurred.
Dortch is currently sharing time at the “bandit” position with another former running back and friend Jaren Hayes, whom Dortch took under his wing when Hayes arrived at MSU three years ago.
Although the two played the same position (running back) and were competing for playing time at that same spot, Dortch and Hayes have remained very close, even into the competition for playing time at “bandit.”
Smith is encouraged by the way both players have adapted to the new surroundings.
“I like their skills,” Smith told the Lansing State Journal. “Both of them can move their feet. Both of them can backpedal. Both of them are very smart, and I think both are going to be real physical.”
Dortch said that he’s looking forward to the challenge of playing defense full-time.
“It feels good to hit people instead of getting hit,” said Dortch, who was the Spartans’ second leading rusher last year, with 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith wouldn’t commit as to whether he was leaning toward Dortch or Hayes to be the starter at the new “bandit” position when the season kicks off in seven weeks.
“They are going to fight,” Smith said. “They’re going to battle. Sometimes, having a big heart makes up for having a big body. Size is always an issue. You want to get bigger, strong and faster, regardless of the position.”
Dortch stands 5-10 and weighs 205 pounds. Hayes is a little shorter and lighter, standing 5-9 and weighing 185.
One thing is for sure. Dortch will be looking forward to a homecoming, when Michigan State comes to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights to open the season Sept. 4. It’s safe to say that there will be a strong contingent from the Mile Square City at that game…
So much for the feel-good story of the summer happening in Newark with the Bears and Jersey City native Willie Banks. The former major leaguer was released by the Atlantic League team last week, citing Banks’ poor playing shape and his lack of desire to play or travel to road games. While Banks still believes he can pitch in the majors, he’s going to have to prove himself in a hurry, because there isn’t a lot of market value in a 35-year-old middle reliever who hasn’t pitched competitively in a while…
Former Hudson Catholic and Rutgers standout Alberto Vasquez has returned to play professional baseball locally. The fine backstop is now back with the New Jersey Jackals of the Northern League…