TALLAHASSEE - Thunderstorms finally stayed away Friday morning for FSU after practices Wednesday and Thursday were abbreviated because of inclement weather.
"Today is the first practice we've had where we've gotten in everything," coach Bobby Bowden said.
However, 90-degree heat posed another problem as three Seminoles spent time in an ice bath set up under a tree. Freshman defensive end D.J. Norris, walk-on fullback James Coleman and likely starting fullback B.J. Dean were forced out of practice by the heat. Trainer Randy Oravetz said the problems were not serious, but FSU wasn't taking any chances.
Bowden shortened sprints because of heat and time limitations set by the NCAA.
JONES HOLDING UP: Running back Greg Jones showed he is nearly recovered from an ACL tear that ended his 2002 season when he hurdled a teammate during drills.
"I imagine that every time he runs it's an adventure because he's wondering, is this thing going to hold up," Bowden said of the senior, who missed the last five games. "So any time you see a spin move or any type of change of direction it's a confidence builder for him."
Jones, who wears a blue jersey signifying non-contact, is expected to be 100 percent for the opener at North Carolina on Aug. 30.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Bulls turn up intensity
TAMPA - South Florida donned shoulder pads for the first time during a rain-soaked two-hour practice session.
With the added protection came increased intensity. The hitting, particularly along the lines, was solid throughout the session. The Bulls will wear full pads for the first time Sunday.
Coach Jim Leavitt said the practice wasn't as sharp as Thursday's.
"We looked like it was the first day in shoulder pads," Leavitt said. "We're doing a lot of putting in offense and defense in three days. We can't evaluate yet."
Leavitt said he will know more about the team's chemistry after the first scrimmage, scheduled for Aug. 16. But he added that last season's team wasn't in pads for the third practice.
"You always want everything to be perfect," Leavitt said. "We're not the team we were last year right now, but that doesn't mean we can't get there."
DOING IT RIGHT: Freshmen Dorrean James, Curtis Chance and Mike Jenkins remained out because of eligibility issues. But Leavitt said Jenkins could be practicing soon. The only reason the 185-pound defensive back from Bradenton was held out, Leavitt said, was because "we're so clean."
INJURY UPDATE: Senior wide receiver Elgin Hicks remained out with an ankle injury. The receiver from Port Charlotte had 21 catches for 250 yards last season.
- ROB BRANNON
Changes in line at UF
GAINESVILLE - Florida's offensive line is starting to show signs of a makeover.
Max Starks, the staple at left tackle last season who is on the Outland Trophy watch list, has been working at right guard.
Add to that Mike Degory, last season's starting center, suggesting he could play center or guard and the stage is set for an overhaul.
When asked whether Degory and Starks could be the starting guards, coach Ron Zook suggested a change could be coming.
"Yes. Yes," Zook said. "I think Mike Degory could do a lot of things. I think Mike Degory has the opportunity to play football for a lot of years, as does Max."
The moves could hinge on how well junior college transfer Billy Griffin performs.
"He's a great center and he can play guard too," Degory said of Griffin. "So he's making me compete, he's right on my tail. I've been trying to help him out, but we'll see."
LONG TIME NO SEE: Keiwan Ratliff ran several routes with the receivers for the first time since spring practice.
After working exclusively with the offense during spring drills, Ratliff worked with the defensive backs for the first two days of practice and most of Friday.
"He looked like he hadn't done a lot there," Zook said of Ratliff's limited work at receiver on Friday. "That's something where, during the practice we just kind of threw him in there. It won't take him long to get up to speed."
