It's been a long time coming, but Brad Mueller is finally getting accustomed to being back on the football field.

Mueller, a Mars High graduate wrapping up his freshman year at Boston College, is participating at cornerback in spring drills for the Eagles after being red-shirted this past fall.

He last took part in a game back in November 2002 when Mars lost to Seton-LaSalle in the WPIAL Class AA Championship game at Heinz Field.

Now, Mueller is trying to open some eyes and proving he can be an integral past of next season's team.

Mueller got off to a fast start last month when he was clocked at 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, making him the fastest player in camp.

"That was an electronic time," said Mueller. "I had a horrible start. I could have run in the 4.3s."

Mueller is hoping the lessons learned from the fall will carry over this spring. A good showing in the annual Jay McGillis spring game at Alumni Stadium this Saturday could go a long way in helping Mueller land a prominent role next season.

"Last year, I learned a lot and now I'm learning so much this spring. The worst part of the whole thing is you go into (summer) camp and try to learn everything.

"After a couple of weeks, you learn stuff and I guess it stays with you. You'd think you'd forget it.

"In spring ball I've picked up so much, last year really made it so much easier," Mueller added.

Mueller knew working on his flexibility was a must and he's has already shown improvement in that area.

"My overall athleticism has improved a lot," said Mueller. "My technique has improved. It's not like high school, which is not as intense. Being here is more intense and that makes you better."

Mueller has certainly always had the speed.

As a junior in high school, Mueller posted a time of 4.31 in the 40 at a Nike combine, the second-fastest time in the nation.

He was a three-time WPIAL Class AA champion in the 100 and two-time winner in the 200.

Mueller won the 100 at the PIAA Championships his junior and senior year as well as the 200 his senior year; he was runner-up in the 200 his junior year.

Mueller, 6-foot, 175-pounds owns the school record in both events.

It is Mueller's speed that has been his biggest asset, but he never dwells on what could have been had he decided to run track on the collegiate level.

"I really don't find myself thinking about it," said Mueller. "Football takes up a lot of my time. Every once in awhile, I do think about it, how fast you could have run."

With Miami and Virginia Tech now playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference this year, Boston College will have one season remaining as a member of the Big East before joining them.

The Eagles, along with West Virginia and the University of Pittsburgh, will be among the conference frontrunners this fall.

"I definitely see one of the three in the Bowl Championship Series," said Mueller. "This year, hopefully it will be us.

"We'll be in the ACC. There were a couple of games last year where fans were cheering A-C-C," he added.