Colleges

USF tries running back at tight end

By Times Staff and wires
Published September 13, 2007

TAMPA - Freshman running back Richard Kelly, who made his USF debut on special teams Saturday at Auburn, worked out with tight ends during Wednesday's practice, and coach Jim Leavitt said he'll split time between the two positions.

"He runs well, probably under 4.7, and he's 245, 6-1," Leavitt said of the South Sumter High graduate.

Kelly wore his usual No. 39 jersey Wednesday but worked exclusively with the tight ends. USF is already playing two true freshmen at running back in Mike Ford and Jamar Taylor.

Defensive tackle Richard Clebert has a foot injury, but Leavitt said he'll be fine for the Sept. 22 game against North Carolina.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UF: Let's get excited

GAINESVILLE - When a young Gators squad faces Tennessee on Saturday, Florida coach Urban Meyer wants his players to ignore the adage, "Act like you've been there before."

"That would be phony act," Meyer said. "I want them to be excited. I want them to hyperventilate a little bit."

The Gators are expected to start two true freshmen - cornerback Joe Haden and guard Maurkice Pouncey- and many other players will see their first significant big-game action.

Meyer said it is important that players are confident in themselves after today's final practice.

"If they're thinking about their assignment, there's a good chance they'll fail," he said. "They had too much of that. I saw guys thinking, 'Where do I get lined up?'"

STEALING SIGNS: With good friend Bill Belichick and the Patriots caught up in a sign-stealing controversy, Meyer weighed in on the issue Wednesday.

"We always look (at the other team's signals)," he said. "We don't video it.

"If we did, I wouldn't tell you we did," he joked.

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

FSU: Set those alarms

TALLAHASSEE - Coach Bobby Bowden cited two rained-out practices last week as a reason the Seminoles struggled early against UAB. The team normally has meetings and conditioning inside when practice is rained out, but after Wednesday's practice was washed out, the Seminoles will rise at 5:30 today to finish the workout.

"I think it is necessary," safety Myron Rolle said. "You can't try to get by anything the easy way."

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UM: Shannon pleased

CORAL GABLES - Coach Randy Shannon praised the Hurricanes for a "crisp and sharp" practice as they prepare for Saturday's game against FIU.

"Offensively, we picked up blitzes. Defensively, we executed. It was a good day," Shannon said.

Times wires

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 01:56:52]