Colleges

USF has to sweat out injuries to Plancher, Genus

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 31, 2007

TAMPA - Just as USF thought its injury problems were behind it, two players showed up to Thursday's practice, the final one before Saturday's season opener against Elon, in protective ankle boots.

Sophomore running back Moise Plancher was the starter entering the 2006 season, but a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee kept him out for the season after playing in just one drive.

Running backs coach Carl Franks said that Plancher sustained a sprained ankle a few days ago and is doubtful.

"We'll see how he feels," Franks said.

Plancher was listed as the third running back on the latest depth chart, behind junior Ben Williams and freshman Mike Ford.

Sampson Genus also wore a boot Thursday, but according to offensive line coach Mike Simmonds, his injury isn't as serious. Simmonds expects him to be okay for the game.

The true freshman was expected to back up center Nick Capogna but could shift positions to see playing time. Coach Jim Leavitt said this month that Genus was "having an outstanding camp ... he's going to play a lot of football for us."

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

UF: Injury wait

GAINESVILLE - Florida coach Urban Meyer didn't say how long top offensive lineman Phil Trautwein would be out after sustaining a stress fracture in his foot, but he did confirm that the senior won't play Saturday against Western Kentucky or next week against Troy.

"After that, I know about as much as you do," Meyer said.

Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson, who also won't play Saturday, has about an "80-85 chance" to play against Troy, Meyer said.

Despite the injuries, Meyer said the team is ready go. He was pleased with practices this week.

"I'm really anxious to see some of these young cats play," Meyer said. "Major Wright is a guy off the top of my head. And those corners - there is some young talent, and I am really looking forward to seeing them play."

FIRST GAME: Several players will make their debuts Saturday. Meyer talked about his first game at the Swamp.

"I loved it," Meyer said of running out of the tunnel for his first game as Gators coach. "As a coach, though, you just go right to the sideline and wonder what the first play-call is to be.

"The first time I really, really noticed the crowd was when we blocked the field goal against Tennessee (in 2005). I thought, 'Holy cow, this is the loudest place I've ever heard."'

MOODY UPDATE: Running back Emmanuel Moody, who transferred from USC, has not practiced with the team, but has been attending practice. Meyer said that Moody, who has started classes at UF, will practice after passing a physical.

Due to NCAA rules, Moody must sit out this season, but he does not lose a year of eligibility.

"We're glad to have him," Meyer said. "I think he's a very high-character guy. He's a decent student. The one thing is, that's it. It's not like he can pick up and go again somewhere. He's got three years. He has ambition. He either does it or he doesn't do it. It's up to him now."

LEAGUE TO PLAY AT FLORIDA FIELD: The All-American Football League, a professional league that plans to field teams with recent college graduates, has finalized an agreement to play three of five in-state games at Florida Field in the spring.

The AAFL and Florida have entered into a seven-year deal, which will net the Gators about $1-million annually.

"It's a decent deal," said Chip Howard, associate athletic director of operations. "There's an opportunity in concessions, parking and souvenirs. There is some upside to it for us."

The AAFL Florida team will include former Gators who have earned their bachelor's degree, but are not playing in other professional leagues.

The three games at Florida Field will be played on April 26, May 17 and May 31, Howard said. The league will play five games in Florida, and is currently looking for a location in close proximity to Gainesville to play the other games.

"Five games were too many for us," Howard said. "We had the spring game on the front end and (football) camps on the back end. We didn't want it to affect our operations here."

The AAFL's board is chaired by Dr. Cedric Dempsey, former president of the NCAA, and includes former UF president Dr. Charles Young and Gene Corrigan, former ACC commissioner.

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent; Antonya English, Times staff writer

FSU: RB Smith ready

TALLAHASSEE - Antone Smith is ready to make his own mark on the ACC. A year after watching Clemson's James Davis and C.J. Spiller take the conference by storm, Smith hopes to take advantage of a revamped offensive line and his opportunity to be the feature back Monday against the Tigers.

"Those guys did what they did last year," Smith said. "It's my opportunity now being the featured guy. Obviously the difference between their team and our team last year was they had holes and we didn't have too many holes out there. I don't take anything away from those two guys, they are great backs."

With the Tigers breaking in a new quarterback, Cullen Harper, FSU expects a steady dose of Clemson's talented tailbacks. Davis ran for 67 of his 87 yards during the Tigers' winning drive last season. Davis finished the season with 1,219 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Spiller had 960 yards and 10 TDs.

"They are two good backs, probably the best two we will see all season long," senior defensive end Alex Boston said.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UM: A final practice

CORAL GABLES - The Hurricanes had a final full-length preseason practice, preparing for Saturday's opener against Marshall at the Orange Bowl.

"The guys worked on getting crisp and sharp in what we're trying to get done," coach Randy Shannon said.

Shannon said of the game plan: "You don't hold back anything. We'll do whatever we have to do."

Times wires

FAST FACTS

Up next

Miami: vs. Marshall, noon Saturday

Florida: vs. W. Kentucky, 12:30 Saturday, Ch. 38

USF: vs. Elon, 7 Saturday, Catch 47

FSU: at Clemson, 8 Monday, ESPN

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 00:07:03]