By Times Staff Reports
Published November 13, 2003
TAMPA - Several South Florida players have missed a chunk of practice each day this week because of injury, but coach Jim Leavitt said none are serious.
"They'd all play Saturday," Leavitt said.
They'd play if USF had a game, but the Bulls next play Nov. 22 vs. UAB. So numerous primary contributors, including Lee Roy Selmon Jr., Bruce Gipson, Frank Davis, Derrick Sarosi, Huey Whittaker, Cedric Battles, Chris Iskra and DeJuan Green have been held out of some drills.
ON THE ROAD: After practice several coaches left campus to recruit. The rest will help coach today's Bull Bowl, a scrimmage for redshirting and seldom-used players.
Leavitt said there already is a difference in the response USF gets from recruits after last week's announcement that the Bulls would move to the Big East in 2005. "There's excitement," Leavitt said.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: Leavitt thought several things could sidetrack his team last week, including the hoopla over the Big East announcement and being East Carolina's homecoming opponent.
"The way it all played out was something," Leavitt said of USF's 38-37 win. "You hope all the work you've done in the spring and summer shows up."
- PETE YOUNG
RBs can't shake Gators
GAINESVILLE - A trend is forming against running backs that have the Gators on their schedule. Six UF opponents have seen a primary running back injured either during their game with the Gators, the week leading up to the game or soon after.
Demetris Summers, South Carolina's highly regarded freshman tailback, will miss Saturday's home game against Florida after sustaining a concussion against Arkansas last week.
Tennessee (Cedric Houston), LSU (Joseph Addai), Arkansas (Cedric Cobbs), Georgia (Tony Milton), Miami (Frank Gore), and now South Carolina have succumbed to this recent development.
GRUMBLINGS: Freshman Chad Jackson is frustrated with his lack of playing time. He played the opener against San Jose State, gaining 38 yards and a touchdown, but has been relegated to special teams since and wonders if this season would have been better used on a redshirt.
"I thought I was good enough to play," Jackson said. "But, at this point right now, I guess I should have took (a redshirt year)."
INJURY UPDATE: Running back Ciatrick Fason, held out of Tuesday's practice with a stomach virus, practiced Wednesday. Coach Ron Zook said Fason will be ready to play Saturday.
- BRIAN SHAFFER
Linebackers bounce back
TALLAHASSEE - While still hobbling, starting linebackers Michael Boulware and Allen Augustin returned to practice for the first time this week.
Boulware took part in the entire practice and looks to be probable for Saturday. Augustin, who on Tuesday was limping after spraining his left ankle against Clemson, sprinted off Wednesday after participating in most of the two-hour session.
"I think you classify it a little bit further than doubtful," coach Bobby Bowden said of Augustin.
Linebackers coach Kevin Steele was even more optimistic about Augustin.
"The medical staff did a heck of a job," Steele said. "I couldn't tell any difference."
TAKING IT EASY: With the season in its final weeks, FSU is beginning to tone down its practices. Players practiced in helmets and shorts. Tuesday, they wore pads for just the first half of practice.
"I'd rather have them fresh than overworked," Bowden said. "That's something we really have to be careful of this time of year."
AWARD WATCH: Boulware was named one of 15 candidates for the Walter Camp player of the year award. He leads the team with 84 tackles.
