TAMPA - Recruiting site Rivals.com reported Friday that South Florida had picked up its fourth oral commitment, but Mark Rachels, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound tackle from Fort Lauderdale Dillard, said that report is incorrect and misquoted him.
"I have not committed. South Florida is a school I'm really interested in and a high priority for me, but I haven't made any commitment," said Rachels, a 17-year-old who only started playing football as a high school sophomore.
Rachels said he has not been offered a scholarship by USF coaches, though he is being recruited by the Bulls and attended a camp at USF in July. He also is considering Rutgers and South Carolina and said he won't be committing anywhere any time soon.
"I'm going to wait until after my senior season is over and see what offers can come along," Rachels said.
The Bulls have three commitments for 2005: Armwood defensive back R.J. Anderson, Lake Gibson quarterback Matt Grothe and Miami offensive lineman Chris DeArmas.
UCF: Final practice of preseason
ORLANDO - The Golden Knights held their final practice of preseason camp Sunday, working out for about two hours in full pads. Freshman tailback Curtis Francis turned in the play of the day with a 55-yard touchdown run.
It also was the final practice open to the public.
Today marks the first day of classes on campus. The Knights practice tonight as they prepare for their opener on Sept. 4 at Wisconsin.
Around the nation
CU INDICTMENT: A state grand jury handed up an indictment regarding the use of prostitutes to entice recruits to Colorado, according to a published report.
The Denver Post reported the development in its Sunday editions. The newspaper, however, did not say who is named in the indictment. Whomever is indicted will be notified within 10 days and then will have 10 days to respond. Ken Lane, spokesman for Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar, did not return a call from the Associated Press seeking comment.
Among those who testified before the panel were coach Gary Barnett, athletic director Richard Tharp, several players and Pasha Cowan, the former manager of an escort service. Cowan said recruiting aide Nathan Maxcey paid her $2,500 for three call girls to visit "very young, very athletic men" at Boulder-area hotels. Maxcey has denied any wrongdoing.
The grand jury began its work in May after Gov. Bill Owens called for an investigation into allegations that the school's football program used sex, strippers and alcohol to recruit promising athletes.
Still pending are federal lawsuits filed by three women who say they were raped by recruits or players in December 2001.
TENNESSEE: The team began trying to choose between its two freshmen quarterbacks in a scrimmage, and "both did fine," according to coach Phillip Fulmer. "Both of them did some good things," he said. We're going to have to live with some of their shortcomings as far as experience, but I think it's obvious they're pretty talented.
Brent Schaeffer of Deerfield Beach took the field first. His first series was three and out, followed by a 40-yard drive. Schaeffer finished 14-of-22 for 186 yards, with a 22-year touchdown to Derrick Tinsley. Erik Ainge of Hillsboro, Ore., completed 12 of 18 for 125 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Fulmer has said one of the freshmen would be the starter.
The heir apparent when practice started, senior C.J. Leak, saw his first action at safety. He had one tackle and recovered a fumble.
