Colleges

UF sophomore hopes to make difference

Florida sophomore Jarred Fayson routinely steps into coach Urban Meyer's office and talks about making a difference.

By IZZY GOULD
Published July 29, 2007

TAMPA - Florida sophomore Jarred Fayson routinely steps into coach Urban Meyer's office and talks about making a difference.

The former Hillsborough star wants a piece of everything from running the football to blocking punts and seems to have traded a once selfish image for that of a versatile contributor.

Now he'll get a chance to prove it.

"At this point I'd say without question he'll either be the leading ballcarrier or in the top three," Meyer said while addressing reporters Saturday at the Florida Sports Writers Association media day. "I'm about as excited to coach him as I have anyone in a long time. He gives you the very dual ability. He's just a great person."

Fayson's new attitude along with his skills and his shifty 6 foot, 202-pound frame have put him in the mix to be a featured playmaker.

Marve back on campus

Former Plant star Robert Marve returned to Miami's campus last week in good spirits still recovering from surgery to his left nonthrowing hand following a car accident July 16, Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon said. Marve was injured after a car driven by teammate Jermaine McKenzie hit a guard rail and flipped over on Interstate 75. McKenzie suffered a neck injury.

"They're doing well," Shannon said. "As a matter of fact Tuesday they were back on campus joking around, having a good time. We don't know their status right now because injuries heal in different ways."

Marve would have pressed senior Kyle Wright and junior Kirby Freeman - both battling for the starting quarterback spot - for playing time.

Shannon didn't mention redshirts as an option but indicated both players could miss significant time before they're ready to compete.

Orange Bowl exit still just talk

Shannon quickly noted in his opening address that Miami's possible move from the decaying Orange Bowl to Dolphin Stadium when its lease with the City of Miami expires after 2009 was still on the table.

"That's just ongoing talk right now," Shannon said. "It's going back and forth right now so I can't give you any information on what's (Wayne Huizenga's) idea and what's the university's idea."

O'Leary still wants USF

A year ago, UCF coach George O'Leary did everything but poke USF coach Jim Leavitt in the chest in hopes of coaxing the Bulls into an extended series. The current one began in 2005 and runs through next year as part of USF's exit agreement with Conference USA.

O'Leary toned it down a bit this year but reiterated his desire to keep USF on the schedule.

"Everyone understands where I'm at with this," O'Leary said. "But if it doesn't work out then so be it, move on and that's the way it is. I know we'd like to keep two Florida teams on the schedule."

[Last modified July 28, 2007, 23:18:58]