TAMPA -- On day four of training camp, the USF football team switched from the intramural fields to their regular practice fields to finish practice in 92 degree heat with a heat index of 105.

It has been so hot during camp that Coach Leavitt sweats all the way through his hat and has sweat dripping off the bill of his cap when he meets the media after each practice.  So it was no surprise when his first comments coming off the field were about the heat and it made sense considering he was dressed head-to-toe in dark green and black.
 
A few notes from the practice session:

Camp Extra: Best of the Wide Receivers
Video: Sampson Genus | Nate Allen | Kion Wilson

? Another day with special teams - Following Marcus Edwards on punt returns were Patrick Richardson, Theo Wilson, Daniel Bryant and Nate Allen.

? Ilia Petrov was acting as the second-string punter today. Petrov had one punt for 25 yards in 2006, but utilized a redshirt year in 2007.

? A few matchups in board drills that triggered cheers included:
Dontavia Bogan vs. Quenton Washington
Theo Wilson vs. Ed Alcin
Mike McGowan vs. Danous Estenor
Mike Lanaris vs. Marvin Peoples

? A scrum broke out during the board drills,which is prone to happen with grown men going head-to-head at full speed.  When asked after practice if he minded the scrum or just saw it as a way for the players to blow off steam, Coach Leavitt said, "They get tired and frustrated. With frustration comes anger. With anger comes conflict. That means you have pushing and shoving. You learn a lot. You really don't let it go but at the same time I don't want my hand or nose broken. I broke my nose three times playing football. I don't want to break it again."

? Backup QB Grant Gregory will be the holder on field goals this season.

? The second round of the ESPN helmet challenge is underway and after USF pulled the upset to defeat USC, the Bulls are now matched up with instate foe Florida State.  It's a fun matchup of teams that have never met on the field and do not have  a game scheduled in the future. USF needs your vote, Click Here: ESPN Helmet Challenge. 

? USF will unveil its brand new home Under Armour jersies at Bulls Fan Fest presented by TBOExtra.com on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 3-6 p.m.  This will be the first look at the new uniforms.  The roads jersies were unveiled on GoUSFBulls.com on May 16. 

The Bulls Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium.  The event is free to the public and is the best opportunity to get autographs from players and coaches, as well as interact with the entire 2008 team.  Parking for the general public is free in Lot 4.
Quotes from Thursday morning:

Defensive End Quincy Okolie
On the big adjustment to defense:
"I'm trying to get off the ball faster and trying to learn my position and responsibilities. I try to watch the guys in front me like (George) Selvie. I watch their technique, being physical and just try to learn from them."

On getting better:
"Everything thing I worked for is finally starting to show up."

On first coming to College and weight:
"I was 185 when I came to college and I broke my ankle, then I moved to defensive end. Now I'm about 235. It's a pretty big difference in weight in just two years. I put it on by just working hard eating a lot."

On High School:
"I played only my senior year mainly at receiver, no defense at all."

On coming to USF:
"I realized I had a love for football my senior and I didn't want to stop. I worked hard and Coach Leavitt gave me a chance."

Coach Leavitt
On Sampson Genus:
“He's done a great job, but we haven't played a game yet. I want big play from him. I want him to be a great lineman. Strong run defense.”

On Quincy Okolie:
“He's got a long body, long reach. He has a good chance to help us.”

On Special teams:
“I always work with special teams. It's early so it's hard to really tell.”

On why Aaron Harris was not practicing:
"He's sore. He has a sore back. Hopefully, it is nothing serious."

On working on the practice fields:
"They did a good job. Long day, we worked them hard, really pushed them. They responded well. We ran them all the way down then lined them up and went. We went through critical situation and two minute offense. Being only the second day in shoulder pads, it was pretty impressive."

On players going through Board drills:
"They get tired and frustrated. With frustration comes anger. With anger comes conflict. That means you have pushing and shoving. You learna lot. You really don't let it go but at the same time I don't want my hand or nose broken. I broke my nose three times playing football. I don't want to break it again."

Daily Links

? Ryan Boyd of the Bradenton Herald writes, "The University of South Florida football team has 17 returning starters who know the feeling of winning a bowl game and losing a bowl game. That experience could pay dividends as the Bulls embark on the 2008 season."

? FoxSports.com has the top 10 teams that could surprise and writes, "I'll put it to you this way; you SHOULD NOT be surprised if South Florida is undefeated heading to Morgantown, WV on December 6.  The toughest games facing USF before then?  Kansas at home, Pittsburgh at home, @ Louisville, and Rutgers at home.  South Florida will likely be favored in every contest before they travel to West Virginia.  Throw in 17 returning starters and one of the best defenses you give absolutely no credit to, and the Bulls SHOULD be absolutely no surprise.  But they will be.  Most pre-season polls don't have them ranked in their top 20.  George Selvie is a stud on defense, and Matt Grothe and Mike Ford should be formiddable on offense.  This offense could average more than 40 points this year, and the defense could give up less than 20.  That is a pretty good recipe for success.  Throw in a very unheralded coach in Jim Leavitt, and the Bulls are a force to be reckoned with in 2008." 

? Brett McMurphy of the Tampa Tribune writes, "Since moving from guard to center to fill in for an injured Nick Capogna in last year's season opener, University of South Florida senior Jake Griffin says he's found a home."

?  Greg Auman of the St. Pete Times notes that it was a slow news day and then adds a lengthy blog.  He also has breakdown of the BIG EAST schedules, the down to the wire ESPN helmet clash and USF appearing at No. 21 (seems like a trend) in the Sports Illustrated poll.

? ESPN.com has also ranked the top coaches in the BIG EAST. See where they rank Coach Leavitt.

? CBSSportsline.com grades the non-conference schedules for each team in the Top 25, including USF.

? Darrell Laurant of Realfootball365.com is in the process of doing very nice in-depth position rankings of each BIG EAST team. Here is what he has done so far.
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receiver
Tight End
Offensive Line
Defensive Line

? The crew at USF Nation has added from some free content, including this photo gallery.

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.