College football

Bulls in 'good shape' at punter sans Baker

By GREG AUMAN
Published December 28, 2005

TAMPA - USF's special teams unit took a hit Tuesday when punter Brandon Baker, a three-year starter trying to resolve lingering academic issues, did not travel to Charlotte, where the Bulls face N.C. State on Saturday in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Freshman walk-on kicker Kyle Bronson, who has connected on his last six field goals, will step in for Baker and fared well as he practiced at his new position Tuesday morning. Baker also is holder for kicks, and walk-on quarterback Anthony Severino will handle that role Saturday.

"We're ready," coach Jim Leavitt said of Baker's absence. "We've worked the last three weeks (expecting him not to play), so we're in good shape."

Leavitt left open the possibility of Baker driving himself to Charlotte later in the week if he can complete the schoolwork needed to regain his academic eligibility.

N.C. State ranked 86th among 117 schools nationally in punt returns this year, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt, a little more than half of USF's average of 13.4 yards. The Bulls have not allowed a punt to be returned for a touchdown since Alabama's Shaud Williams in August 2003.

CAPTAINS: : After keeping four captains for each game this season, the Bulls voted five players to that honor for Saturday: running back Andre Hall, center John Miller, safety Johnnie Jones and defensive end Terrence Royal, all seniors; and junior linebacker Stephen Nicholas.

[Last modified December 28, 2005, 00:37:18]