Colleges

USF running low on healthy linemen

Bulls concerned but confident they will have majority of their line back in time for opening day.

By JAMEY GIVENS
Published August 14, 2007

TAMPA - Healthy offensive linemen are getting hard to find at USF, with nine sidelined or limited Monday by mostly minor injuries and illnesses.

"That's taking a little bit of a toll on our offensive line. Not an excuse, but we're losing a little bit of continuity," coach Jim Leavitt said. "You put all those names together, that's a lot of offensive linemen. We expect most of them back."

The only projected starter from the preseason depth chart fully healthy was center Nick Capogna. The only injury expected to affect the season opener is guard Matt Huners, recovering from a left knee injury, but backup tackle Danny Tolley has a groin injury that could persist.

Linebacker Chris Robinson and tackle Walter Walker are no longer wearing protective boots on their injured ankles but could still miss "a couple of weeks," Leavitt said.

NEW POSITIONS: Junior Carlton Hill, the former quarterback who started fall drills as a safety, has been shifted to receiver, his third position switch. Freshman Mike McGowan, who started at guard last week, is working with the tight ends.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UF: Tebow's backup?

GAINESVILLE - Florida's search for a backup to quarterback Tim Tebow includes three players: Cameron Newton, John Brantley and Bryan Waggener.

Newton didn't start practicing until Saturday, hampering coach Urban Meyer's ability to critique him. Meyer has said he wants to narrow the field soon.

"My biggest concern is I don't see enough of him," Meyer said of Newton. "The problem is we've got three guys that are getting reps, and we're going to let that go for a little bit longer, then we're going to have to make a decision and go with it."

COOPER OUT: Sophomore receiver Riley Cooper, nursing a sore foot, did not practice in the morning session. Aaron Hernandez was held out because of a stinger he suffered Friday.

MAKING WAVES: Freshman safety Jerimy Finch has made a strong enough impression that he'll "definitely play this year," Meyer said. "I don't know what position, either safety or like an outside linebacker."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

FSU: Corner injured

TALLAHASSEE - Starting cornerback Tony Carter missed most of practice after he came down awkwardly on his right leg during a drill.

The injury appeared to be minor because Carter, who missed two games last year with a right knee injury, was walking around shortly after trainers tended to the same knee.

"I hope it's not bad," coach Bobby Bowden said. "You can't do what we are doing without somebody getting nicked."

Carter, who started 24 games, declined to speak to the media.

BEATING THE HEAT: The Seminoles have avoided heat-related illnesses in the first week, despite battling temperatures well into the 90s.

"I am amazed with the way they have handled the heat," Bowden said. "That has been a plus."

ODDS AND ENDS: Two practices are scheduled today. ... D.J. Norris had surgery on his left shoulder. ... Tailback Antone Smith (hamstring) was held out of contact for a third straight practice. ... Freshman wideout Bert Reed did not practice. He went home to be with his family after his brother died Friday. It's not clear when Reed will return.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UM: Battle at tight end

CORAL GABLES - The Hurricanes practiced twice for a second day, wearing shells for a short morning workout and full pads in the afternoon.

Coach Randy Shannon said he is pleased with the progress at tight end. Four are competing for a starting job: junior DajLeon Farr, sophomore Richard Gordon, sophomore Dedrick Epps and junior Chris Zellner.

Times wires

[Last modified August 13, 2007, 23:39:39]