TAMPA ? Head coach Jim Leavitt talked for an extended period of time after Tuesday's practice and he was happy with the progress of his team.
Camp Extra: A Laugh With Taurus
“We had a real good practice this morning, “ said Leavitt. “The last two days, this team has looked how I expected them to.”
“That doesn't mean we'll be a great team, but it means we have a chance. That will be decided on Saturdays when we get out on that field.”
Here is a rundown of other topics Leavitt covered:
? With the uncertainty of tropical storm Fay last evening, the Bulls didn't know what they would awaken to on Tuesday morning. The storm ended up moving east and the Tampa Bay area was unaffected.
The Bulls practiced under partly cloudy skies for approximately 90 minutes, before being cut loose early.
“When I woke up this morning, I was pumped because this is another opportunity,” said coach Leavitt.
The Bulls were fortunate to practice today, while others around the state are enduring heavy rains and damaging winds.
? “If I thought there was any danger (we would not practice),” said Leavitt. “And if a player says they need to go home and be with their family, that's fine. You know how I am with family. Football means nothing compared to family.”
Thankfully no USF football player or their families have been severely affected at this time.
? After joking with reporters that he wasn't a, “weathertorian,” Leavitt went on to recite the drought issue in Florida (“The lake is down eight inches”) and the Southeast (“They are the ones that need the rain the most”).
He was up until 1 a.m. Eastern Time last night tracking the pattern of Fay and clearly picked up some knowledge.
? Coach reported that he does not expect Jeremiah Warren, Cory Grissom or Lucas Darr to play in the first game of the season. He said that Grissom and Warren could be out 2-3 games, but it was too early to say definitively.
The staff is not planning to redshirt true freshman walk-on LaDre Watkins and true freshman offensive lineman Danous Estenor
? Asked what specifically had the team improved upon the last two days and Leavitt talked about the team attacking things, having better focus and being more diligent.
? On the position change front, he has Kenneth Luberice working at defensive end and said that linebackers Alonzo McQueen and Chris Robinson have also taken reps at DE. Robinson moved to defensive end during the regular season last year, before shifting back to linebacker this past spring. Luberice and sophomore RB Richard Kelly are competing for upback position on the punt team.
? Coach Leavitt has been impressed with the No. 1s on defense and offense and admitted that they have been, “working them real hard.” He's happy with his No. 2 units and the amount of snaps they are receiving. When practice is short, like today, they have been keeping the No. 3 units out for some scrimmage work. He called QB B.J. Daniels play today, “fantastic,” and RB Shawn Cannon's blocking, “tremendous.”
Daily Links
? ESPN.com blogger and college football expert Bruce Feldman ranked the 10 biggest impact defenders and he has George Selvie second.
? Based on his preseason poll, Kansas City Star columnist Blair Kerkhoff is expecting a big-time matchup on Sept. 12 when the Kansas Jayhawks comes to Raymond James Stadium to face USF. The KC Star has USF ranked No. 12, which would appear to be lower than Kansas, who they have not announced yet.
? Brett McMurphy of the Tampa Tribune writes, "University of South Florida DL coach John Hendrick, who suffered a heart attack July 1, returned to practice Monday after being cleared by his doctors Saturday."
? Greg Auman of the St. Pete Times offered up blog entries on Coach Hendrick, sophomore RB Richard Kelly and the Grissom injury.
Need To Know
? Be a part of the most anticipated football season in USF history. Single game tickets are on sale for the 2008 season and can be purchased on GoUSFBulls.com by clicking here or at Ticketmaster.com. You can also purchase single game tickets at the USF Box Office or at any local Ticketmaster location.
? Season tickets are still on sale and are the only way to get seats in the lower bowl at Raymond James Stadium. The only way to secure season tickets for the 2008 season is by calling 1-800-GoBulls. For more information, including prices and a seating map visit the USF season ticket zone.
