College football

USF line builds on sackless start

By Times staff writers
Published September 8, 2005

TAMPA - A stat easily overlooked in Saturday's loss to Penn State was that USF's offensive line gave up no sacks.

The line the Bulls used for most of the game - tackles Thed Watson and Marc Dile, guards Frank Davis and Chris Carothers and center John Miller- kept the quarterbacks safe and allowed only 18 yards in losses on seven tackles.

USF had started Dile at left tackle and Walter Walker on the right side, but inserted Watson in the second quarter and shifted Dile to the right side. That now looks to be the lineup the Bulls will go with for Saturday's home opener against FAMU.

"We just want to get the players in there that are playing the best," said offensive line coach Greg Frey, who is one of three coaches who has been with coach Jim Leavitt for all nine years of the program . " Jared Carnes had a good day today, as well. If these guys are consistent and coming out and practicing, we'll go with the five ready to rock and roll. We've got a good group of guys and they all work hard."

Frey claimed he didn't know about his line not allowing a sack.

"I didn't even know until now," Frey said. "I don't have any (thoughts on it). It's in the past and we move on. We lost that game; that's what matters."

MAN, THAT'S HEAVY: After the Bulls registered three sacks and a fumble recovery against Penn State, they face the Rattlers offensive line, arguably the largest line they will see. FAMU's line averages 6 feet 5 and 322 pounds, but gave up eight sacks Saturday to Delaware State. The line blocks for running back Rashard Pompey, who is seventh on the school's all-time rushing list with 2,050 yards and is coming off a 139-yard game with one touchdown.

"They are huge," Leavitt said. "Biggest all year. They didn't even play their best player last week. He's supposed to be in the NFL."

Leavitt was referring to left tackle Daniel Parrish, who is 6 feet 7 and 340 pounds, but he is worried more about Pompey than getting sacks.

"It's unbelievable that he's going for 3,000 yards," he said.

- MIKE CAMUNAS, Times correspondent

GAINESVILLE - Florida running back DeShawn Wynn will play Saturday against Louisiana Tech, coach Urban Meyer said.

Wynn did not play against Wyoming because of undisclosed reasons which Meyer said date to February and March.

However, Meyer isn't ready to name Wynn the starter.

"He'll play," Meyer said. "I probably won't name a starter because no one has taken it and that's not fair."

Wynn has not spoken to the media since last season. "He's a talented guy," Meyer said. "I'm really excited to see what he can do."

STANDING TALL: Starting cornerback Vernell Brown is generously listed at 5 feet 8 inches.

So it's no surprise that opponents give him crazy looks when they line up against him.

"That's the thing with being a little guy," Brown said. "People are going to look at you and say, "Look, we're going at him,' and I love that. That gives me the opportunity to make more plays and help this team."

Brown had the Gators' only interception against Wyoming and tied for second on the team with six tackles.

But it's more than just his play on the field that has impressed Meyer. He dubbed Brown "The face of Florida football" before the season started.

Brown, a senior from Gainesville, was voted a captain by the team for this season.

Center Mike Degory, also a captain, praised Brown.

"He's top dog captain of the team. He's over me," Degory said. "He can relate to everything; he's been through a lot of stuff."

Degory said Brown stuck it out when no one gave him a chance.

SHORT TRADITION: The Gator Walk, a tradition started against Wyoming, has been revamped. The route now wraps around the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from Gate 18 and into the north end. It previously ran along University Avenue.

- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent

TALLAHASSEE - Veteran Willie Reid's knee won't be healthy for a couple weeks after suffering an injury on a punt return against Miami.

Enter De'Cody Fagg, a sophomore from nearby Quincy. The 6-4 wideout will earn his first career start against the Citadel on Saturday.

Coach Bobby Bowden plans to rotate Fagg, Greg Carr and a slew of freshmen at flanker.

"De'Cody's got two summers and one season under his belt," Bowden said. "And Greg Carr, he's got a summer, so they should be fine."

Because of quarterback Drew Weatherford's struggles in his first career start, the receivers didn't see many balls thrown their way.

"It's got to be frustrating," offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said. "But I think (the receivers) understand."

Quarterback Xavier Lee was in for one drive during the fourth quarter Monday, and he may play sooner Saturday. Bobby Bowden wants to get Lee in during the first half and possibly give him more time.

"I just want to go out there and get used to the game," Lee said. "When the coaches call on me to get into the game I will be ready."

- D.C. REEVES, Times correspondent

CORAL GABLES - Safety Anthony Reddick apparently has a torn knee ligament, and the Hurricanes expect him to miss the rest of the season.

Preliminary reports show that Reddick, who started six games in 2004, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Monday against Florida State.

"We're going to miss Anthony Reddick," coach Larry Coker said.

Reddick walked off with 10:50 left in the second quarter, after sustaining what was originally diagnosed as a knee sprain while playing on the punt coverage team.

Freshman Kenny Phillips was on the field for 19 plays and will be part of the plan to replace Reddick.

"I think he's ready. Will he make some mistakes? I'm sure he will," Coker said. "He is also a big playmaker."

Another injury concern was a sprained knee sustained in the first half by defensive lineman Baraka Atkins. Coker declined to reveal specifics, but indicated that the problem is not major.

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:50:14]