Colleges

Grothe misses practice

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 22, 2007

TAMPA - USF quarterback Matt Grothe was held out of practice with a hip pointer Tuesday. And though coach Jim Leavitt characterized the sophomore as "day to day," the Bulls could open their season with a quarterback who has never thrown a college pass.

A hip pointer is a bruise on the pelvic bone, normally treated with rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medicine. If Grothe can't play Sept. 1 against I-AA Elon, the Bulls would turn to junior Grant Gregory.

Gregory redshirted his only season at Indiana then sat out 2005 after transferring. He played in two games last season but did not throw a pass. Anthony Severino, a fifth-year former walk-on, also has played sparingly and never thrown a pass.

The recovery time for a hip pointer varies, but Dr. William Carson, who spent 11 years as the Bucs' orthopedic surgeon, said dealing with pain is the primary issue.

"With an average hip pointer, you would see 3-5 days of rest from running and contact," he said. "It's a negotiable injury to play with, a safe thing because you're not going to damage the hip by playing on it."

NOTES: Walk-on linebacker Houston Hess, the team's leading special teams tackler last season, had arthroscopic surgery for a slight tear in his meniscus, his mother said. He is expected back by the opener, she said. ... Linebacker Chris Robinson, out for more than a week with an ankle injury, returned to practice.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

FSU: Starting QB set to be named today

TALLAHASSEE - FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said he will announce the starting quarterback today.

Redshirt juniors Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford have spent time directing the first-team offense throughout the fall. But Weatherford has put up better numbers in three scrimmages, going 31-of-54 with 487 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Lee went 20-of-42 for 231 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Lee said recently he considered transferring after losing the starting job last season. But Tuesday, he said he would stay no matter what.

"I hope that (the announcement) is in my favor," he said. "But if it is not, then I am definitely going to support my team and keep my head up. And if the opportunity comes (to play), I'll take it."

TOP TAILBACK SITS: Starting tailback Antone Smith (toe) was held out of Tuesday's scrimmage for precautionary reasons. Coach Bobby Bowden reiterated Smith is one player the Seminoles cannot afford to lose.

There is a "big dropoff from him to the next guy," he said.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

Ijjas leads unfinished kicking competition

GAINESVILLE - Though the Florida kicking job remains up for grabs, Clearwater's Joey Ijjas appears to be in the lead.

"Ijjas is ahead," coach Urban Meyer said. "But it's still a battle. (Walk-on) Jordan Means is pretty good. Jonathan Phillips just hasn't gone because he has a hyperextended knee. He should go pretty soon. But Ijjas has kind of separated himself."

IN LIMBO: Freshman defensive tackle John Brown did not practice. He has been participating in fall workouts while awaiting word of eligibility from the NCAA Clearinghouse. But the NCAA allows only 14 days of practice without being cleared.

Meyer said all indications are Brown, who needed to pass a class this summer to be eligible, will be cleared.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Miami: QB still slowed by left knee injury

CORAL GABLES - Miami quarterback Kyle Wright worked out but was limited at practice. The senior, competing with Kirby Freeman to be the starter, missed Sunday's practice and Monday's scrimmage for what the Miami Herald reported was a hyperextended left knee. The Hurricanes are off today, and Wright's status for Thursday's practice has not been determined.

RECEIVER LEAVES: Redshirt freshman George Robinson has left the team. Coach Randy Shannon said the receiver, who spent most of last season rehabbing a torn ACL, "wanted to pursue another career with his life."

Times wires

[Last modified August 22, 2007, 01:27:48]