By Times Staff Writers Times Wires
Published August 12, 2003
GAINESVILLE - As the Gators opened two-a-day practices Monday, Florida coach Ron Zook said the team may not look very crisp, but it is actually ahead of schedule.
"Today was our sixth practice, but really it was just our third day," Zook said. "When we have our first scrimmage we'll be about two full practices ahead. It may look sloppy, but there are different methods and things are going well. (Right now) you just kind of throw it all on the wall, then go back later and sort it out."
LINE CHANGING: The Gators continue to shuffle players on the offensive line, with left tackle Max Starks practicing extensively at guard. Zook said the changes are an attempt to create depth.
"It's not an experiment, but we can always move Max back," he said. "It's a lot like last year, we're changing things to try to add depth again."
While Starks has worked at right guard, the team is working Shannon Snell at left guard with Mike Degory also moving from center to guard at times.
"We want to get the best five on the field," Snell said. "Whether that is putting me at center, left tackle or right tackle - that's where I've got to play. Everybody has got to be ready to play every position."
INJURY UPDATE: Defensive end Bobby McCray is hampered by turf toe but participated in practices.
- ANTONYA ENGLISH, BRIAN SHAFFER
FSU tailback still out with ACL
TALLAHASSEE - Greg Jones got to wear full pads for the first time since going down Nov. 2 with a torn right ACL, but he remained held out of contact drills as FSU began its first day of two-a-day practices. Coach Bobby Bowden said the tailback's return is at the discretion of the training staff.
"I would suspect it might be next week before he gets anything," he said.
Also absent from the end of practice scrimmage was Jones' backup Leon Washington.
"I did everything but scrimmage. (Tuesday) I'll be there," said Washington, who sustained a bruise to his right thigh Saturday. "I could have gone today, but you know how it is, precaution."
SCRIMMAGE: Bowden said that the defense was most impressive during about 10 minutes of open-field scrimmaging, but the offense and defense were even during the goal line drills.
SHAW INJURED: Wide receiver Joslin Shaw, a freshman out of Plant City, suffered a fracture in his right hand.
- ZACHARY SPAIN
Coach likes USF's secondary
TAMPA - South Florida worked through its first two-session practice day, and coach Jim Leavitt was particularly pleased with several players in the secondary, especially cornerback Bruce Gipson and safety Johnnie Jones.
Jones earned extra work with the first team in the absence of senior starter Kevin Verpaele, who returned Monday afternoon after taking the weekend off due to the birth of his second child.
INSTANT IMPACT: At least four freshman appear to have a shot at cracking the playing rotation: receivers S.J. Green and Trae Williams (who also could be a factor on special teams), and linebackers Josh Balloon and Pat St. Louis.
"S.J. Green and Trae Williams ... those two young men have been really impressive. I mean really impressive. They're just outworking older guys right now," Leavitt said. IN THE FOLD: Cornerback Mike Jenkins, perhaps the most highly-touted recruit, has been cleared to participate after a mistake on his transcript was rectified.
- PETE YOUNG
Miami receiver improving
CORAL GABLES - Miami began its second full week of practice with the second day of two-a-day practice, both in full pads. Coach Larry Coker said he hopes wide receiver Roscoe Parrish (right knee) will be healthy for the opener.
FAMU: Former Clemson quarterback Willie Simmons, quarterback Josh Driscoll (Arkansas State), running back J.R. Mounts (Miami), wide receiver Ronnie Thomas (Clemson) and defensive lineman Dexter Wallace (Bowling Green) were declared ineligible because of the school's planned move to Division I-A. All but Simmons are eligible to play in 2004.
UCF: Injuries are taking a toll on the offensive line. Seth Ulsh (lower body) is questionable for the opener at Virginia Tech. Adam Butcher (lower body) could return later in the week. Sean Gilhuly (upper body) is due back today.
