August 15 Practice Reports
August 15, 2007 | Football
AFTERNOON PRACTICE SESSION
After two hours in the afternoon sun, the University of South Florida football team wrapped up its second practice of the day at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The second practice featured a good amount of 11-on-11 work.
Head coach Jim Leavitt went with a new approach for his ailing offensive line.
“We have had some guys banged up on the o-line and that has hurt our continuity,” said Leavitt. “So what I did was have seven guys rotate in with the first and second team offense. Nobody else played. They went every snap, but that is about all we have right now.”
The offensive line has been hit hard with injuries this preseason. Among the walking wounded are Walter Walker (ankle), LT Marc Dile (knee), OG Ryan Schmidt and Matt Huners, who has been out since spring with an ACL injury. All four injured players started last season.
One other backup that has stepped up in camp is QB Grant Gregory.
“I know that Matt will be fine,” said Leavitt. “What I am more encouraged about is the way that Grant is coming along. That makes you feel better. You know what you have Matt and now you have another good feeling because Grant is coming up.”
The Bulls will return to the practice field on Thursday morning at 8:30 for a two hour practice session.
MORNING PRACTICE REPORT
The University of South Florida football team continued preseason practice with an 8:30 a.m. start on Wednesday. The Bulls will return to the field this afternoon at approximately 3:30 p.m. for the second practice of the day.
Head coach Jim Leavitt praised the defensive line and linebacking corps for their work during the opening session.
"The defensive line did a good job this morning," said Leavitt. "Richard Clebert had a good day and our backup nose tackle Julian Riley pushed really hard as well."
With LB Chris Robinson sidelined with an ankle injury, several other linebackers have stepped forward and are making a strong impression.
"It has been a battle," said Leavitt. "They lit it up today. Donte Spires is tearing it up and today Alonzo McQueen had a really good practice."
Leavitt doled out praise for the majority of the linebackers, "They are all playing, being physical, playing downhill and they all can run."
Senior DB Michael Jenkins missed the morning practice with family obligations. Jenkins is not expected to practice on Wednesday afternoon due to a minor knee injury he suffered yesterday. The injury is not considered serious and Jenkins is expected back in the near future.
Leavitt was not concerned with Jenkins preparation if he is forced to miss practice time.
"Right now, Mike should be ready to play that first game," said Leavitt. "He's been here a lot of years. He knows what he is doing."
Below are some number changes from camp:
4 - Freshman WR Jason Sherman changed from No. 23. Duplicate number with DB Michael Jenkins
5 - Freshman WR A.J. Love changed from No. 86. Duplicate number with DB Nate Allen.
51 - Freshman LB Keith McCaskilll changed from 40.
52 - Freshman LB Lucas Darr changed from No. 51.
80 - Freshman WR Dontavia Bogan changed from No. 81.
81 - Freshman WR Patrick Richardson changed from No. 80
86 - Sophomore TE Shane McElwain changed from 40.
