There were a lot of one-liners made over the weekend about Scooter Berry’s age and the length of his career at WVU — and he even aimed a few at himself.

It probably shouldn’t have been surprising because for as long as he’s been here he’s been one of the most likeable and most-liked guys on the roster. Last year was just different, though, and you had to wonder how the arrest and subsequent suspension as well as the academic ineligibility for the Gator Bowl — he once tweeted his GPA was fine but he didn’t pass enough core classes — might have carried over into the summer.

Remember, too, that he had shoulder surgery after the season and didn’t pratice in the spring, which is where players form a lot of opinions about those around them.

But that players and coaches were not just joking about Scooter, but rubbing their hands in excitement about what they’d seen and what he can do again for the defense was a very good sign.

And then, Berry appeared to speak with the media. He’d been requested, but it was one of those “Eh, he might decline, but what the heck?” moves. As best as anyone could remember, he hadn’t spoken to us in 10 months. No one I quizzed could remember him talking to us last year after his downtown incident days after the Marshall game.

Yet it was like old times, almost as if nothing had ever happened, which, I would assume, is probably the way everyone would prefer. He spoke about “ups and downs” and how he’s matured because of the game and his experiences. Said all the right things and even promised to play with “a vengeance.” Turn the page. Move on.

The real topic again was Berry and his value as a defensive tackle. There were times last year when it was obvious the line missed him — and he plays a somewhat anonymous position. So if WVU was shaky without him on the field, the task is to keep him on the field.

There are no worries about him doing something away from the game to take himself away from the team again, but this is a 24-year-old fifth-year senior who has a lot of miles on him, who admits the game “definitely takes a toll on your body,” whose position coach said he should have had surgery early last season.

Bill Stewart — who, it should be noted, didn’t even bring up Berry’s uncharacteristic 2009 — said Berry needs to be honest with Bill Kirelawich and tell his coach if and when he needs a break as a way to preserve hs body, and the line, throughout the season.

For a player who missed so much time last year and respects his position coach to the highest level, it’s not an easy assignment. Berry and Kirelawich have spoken about it, but Berry admits it’ll be a struggle.

“I said, ‘Coach, I would do it, but I don’t want to feel like a sissy,'” Berry said. “But I want to play to the best of my ability and if I need to take a break I will.”