"I love the defensive line. That's where the action is. You have a certain responsibility every play." - DeWitt Ford Blacksburg defensive lineman B efore Blacksburg's DeWitt Ford burst through the offensive line to run down an elusive running back or sack the quarterback, he had to prove to himself he was back from a dislocated knee and torn tendons that sidelined him for nearly half of the season.

That didn't take long.

"It happened in practice this week," said Ford, . "We ran the same play that I got hurt on. It was a sweep and I was able to side step (the blocker) and the knee didn't pop out."

How valuable is the 6-1, 295 lbs. nose tackle? Prior to Ford's injury, the Wildcats were 3-0.

The Wildcats have lost four straight games with Ford on the sidelines.

Ford said it's been frustrating being out of the lineup.

"It's been very tough to watch and knowing that you can do better," he said. "It's been very tough watching."

The rehab was tough, too.

The injury didn't require surgery. But it did require plenty of determination to return to the field after just four weeks.

"The rehabilitation was painful," he said. "I had to do a lot of leg raises to improve my range of motion. I also did a little squatting."

Ford will wear a brace to stabilize the knee.

"The brace helps a lot," he said. "I feel pretty confident."

But Ford admits he'll be a little jittery before tonight's game.

"I'll be a little nervous to be back on the field," he said. "But I know after the first play, I'll be able to get back into the groove."

If the Wildcats are to challenge for a playoff spot, Ford's continued health and production are paramount. Before he was injured, Ford led the team in sacks and was the leading tackler among the defensive lineman.

"During the first three games, he caused nine bad snaps (from the center)," Blacksburg coach Robbie Blanton said. "He just eats centers alive. He's just a force on the defensive line."

He's been a force for some time.

He began playing the sport in the local youth football leagues. As a ninth-grader, he played defensive line for Gaffney. He moved to Blacksburg as a sophomore and has become a fixture at defensive line ever since.

"I love the defensive line," he said. "That's where the action is. You have a certain responsibility every play."

Despite the team's spotty play of late, Ford is confident the Wildcats' fortunes are about to change.

"We can still make the playoffs," he said. "It's Homecoming this week and everybody is motivated."