"I'm the old man on this team," Harwell said. "I have experienced home games, road games, wins, losses. I can let the young guys know that everything will be OK."
Harwell's status, having been a starter since his sophomore season, makes it easy for others to listen to him.
"I think Brigham has developed a more vocal side of his personality," Coach Rick Neuheisel said. "I don't think that was in him when he got to college. He speaks from the heart and the other kids listen. I think he realized at this point in his life and career that he needs to be that guy."
Toed out
Like Harwell, Everett missed a large chunk of the 2007 season because of an injury. His was to an ankle. Everett received a fifth year of eligibility, but dislocated the big toe on his right foot in the season opener and hasn't played since.
Everett did not make the trip to Oregon, and Neuheisel said his return was "more likely" next week.
"I feel good, better than I have since before the opener," Everett said. "You don't realize that the big toe is such a big part of your everyday life until you hurt it.
"I think what happened last season has allowed me to handle this situation a little better. I think I'm more positive about things."
The upside?
Said Everett: "I had a catch in the first game, so at least I caught one."
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chris.foster@latimes.com
