By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
VERO BEACH - Thunder and lightning put the brakes on
yet another USF football practice, but not before the Bulls gave coaches a ton
of film to review during Saturday's Vero Beach finale.
The Bulls hit the accelerator on a scrimmage in front of
bleachers packed with fans, running through about 70 of the 100 planned plays
before the storm made head coach Skip Holtz wrap things up about 45 minutes
early at Vero Beach Sports Village.
"I think for the most part we got done what we needed to get
done," he said. "We have a tired football team right now. Everybody is sore,
but I'm really proud with the way they've pushed through with this camp."
Players that took advantage of Saturday's evaluation process
on offense were running back Marcus Shaw, junior quarterback Bobby Eveld and
sophomore receiver Ruben Gonzalez. Shaw looked explosive running between the
tackles, while Eveld connected for a touchdown pass to Gonzalez, who showed off
his physical side breaking a few tackles to the end zone.
"I think overall as an offense this was one of our strongest
camps, especially since I've been here," Eveld said. "I think everybody has a
better understanding of the offense and we're able to move the ball."
Eveld Embraces QB Battle
The edge in the competition for the backup QB spot between
Eveld and redshirt freshman Matt Floyd changes quite a bit and Holtz said it's
likely to stay that way up until game week when the next depth chart is
released.
"It's going to come down to probably a one-play difference
to make that decision because both of those guys are doing a nice job," Holtz
said.
One thing Eveld has on his side is game experience with a
college resume that includes six games and one start. The former Jesuit High
School star played a huge hand in USF's win over Miami in 2010 and was
the go-to guy behind B.J. Daniels all of last season.
Like Eveld, Floyd has had a nice camp so far and the older
player of the pair has embraced the marathon that's been going on since the
spring.
"It's definitely a push to know that someone is after your
position," Eveld said. "I think coming out every day I always treat it like
there is someone behind me. Now that there is someone behind me, he's that
close, it's really a reality check for me. It really gives me an opportunity to
go out there and work even harder."
Holtz Happy With Vero Beach Situation
Holtz said he hopes to be back in Vero Beach next year for
what has become the most critical period of time for really getting to know
what his football team is about in fall camp.
"It's a great zero distraction opportunity for us. Even
though we have another week of camp, this is the hard week," he said.
Quote of the Day
"At first it's nice to get away, but it becomes a grind
really quick and it really shows what your team is about." - Eveld on USF's
camp stay in Vero Beach.
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