UConn RB Still Wears USC Rose Bowl Ring

STORRS, Conn (AP) —

Connecticut tailback D.J. Shoemate still wears his 2009 Rose Bowl championship ring.

The junior, who transferred to UConn from Southern California in July, says he's not trying to show off to any of his new teammates.

Instead, he wears the ring as a reminder of what it takes to become a champion.

He believes UConn has what it takes, and hopes to replace the ring in February with one from another BCS bowl game.

The team's depth chart, released Tuesday, has Shoemate backing up Jordan Todman, who rushed for almost 1,200 yards a year ago for the Huskies.

Coach Randy Edsall says Todman, Shoemate and junior Robby Frey all will play against Michigan.

Shoemate, who played fullback at USC, is expected to be the Huskies short-yardage back.