Colleges

Versatility wanted on offensive line at USF

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 12, 2006

TAMPA - Offensive line might be USF's most competitive position, and two tackles - at the Bulls' deepest spot on the line - have started working on snapping the ball before practice.

Sophomore Marc Dile, who started five games at tackle last season but played center at Miami Edison High, and senior Thed Watson, last year's starting left tackle, are working on snaps as coaches focus on the line's versatility.

"We're trying to teach the guys, trying to get as many guys as possible who can handle the ball," line coach Greg Frey said. "Both of them had asked about learning the position for themselves."

SMART MOVE: Coach Jim Leavitt said freshman Nate Allen, who moved from quarterback to safety Wednesday, has already shown enough that he won't redshirt this fall. "He's as good a safety as I've seen in a long time," Leavitt said. "We wouldn't have moved him if we didn't know he'd be awfully good."

THIS AND THAT: Senior walk-on Walt Smith, in the mix to start at running back, did not practice. Leavitt said he has academic issues to solve. ... Freshman linebacker Josh Smiley is working at defensive end, where he's more likely to contribute this fall. ... Friday was USF's first day in full pads, and today brings the first two-a-day workouts.

FSU: More contact due

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State had its final practice before going to full pads and contact today.

"Everyone looked pretty good. The defensive line looked good," coach Bobby Bowden said. "We really cannot wait to finally see these guys in full pads. You can't really tell much about a team until they can come out and hit each other, so we should really be able to start seeing some things (today), such as any surprises or disappointments."

BEATING THE HEAT: Redshirt freshman tight end Charlie Graham finally made it through a full day of practice.

"I have been struggling with the heat these last couple of days, and it has been pretty painful," Graham said. "I have had leg cramps, full body cramps, any kind of cramp you can have. They have put two or three IVs in me to keep me hydrated, and it just feels really good to be able to walk out of practice with the rest of them."

UM: 'Canes gear up

CORAL GABLES - Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden started the 2005 opener against FSU but suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season. The sophomore is back competing for a starting spot. "I've been pleased with Tavares," coach Larry Coker said. "Tavares has always looked good. Now I want him to play well. I think he's really starting to step that part of his game up."

UCF: Receiver recovering

ORLANDO - Senior receiver Mike Walker, who missed UCF's final two games last season after knee surgery, has been a favorite target of quarterback Steven Moffett in practice. "I am doing better out there than I thought I would," Walker said. "I don't even think about it (the knee)."

Around the nation

Louisville redshirt freshman defensive end Jonathan Holston broke his right fibula in practice and is out 4-6 weeks. ... Troy coach Larry Blakeney indefinitely suspended reserves Chris Bradwell, Maurice Coleman and Nikko Doyle, citing accusations of off-campus misconduct.

[Last modified August 12, 2006, 02:31:55]