Colleges

FSU linebacker Ball suspended

By Times Correspondents, wires
Published November 8, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State sophomore linebacker Marcus Ball will not play in Saturday's game at No. 11 Virginia Tech after being suspended one game for a violation of team rules, coach Bobby Bowden said Wednesday.

Redshirt junior Rodney Gallon, who would normally take Ball's place behind starter Dekoda Watson, tweaked his left ankle and left practice. His status for Saturday is unclear.

"We will have to see what happens with Rodney," linebacker coach Chuck Amato said. "We have a lot of options."

Ball returned in Saturday's win at Boston College after missing two games with a sprained left ankle.

Backup quarterback Xavier Lee will serve the second of his two-game suspension for violating the team's academic policy.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

UF: Tebow semifinalist

GAINESVILLE - Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is among 15 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's top player.

Tebow has thrown 21 touchdowns and rushed for 14. He leads the nation in passing efficiency and the SEC in total offense.

MEYER'S BEST?: Coach Urban Meyer said Brandon James was likely the best kick returner he's ever coached.

"I'd hate to have someone give me a call and say, 'Coach, I thought I was the best one,' " Meyer said. "Off the top of my head, he's as good as I've had."

James is averaging 20.7 yards per punt return this season with one touchdown.

While he has yet to score on a kickoff return this season, he is averaging 29.4 yards per return and consistently sets up the Gators in great field position.

"Het has a lot of ability back there," Meyer said. "I spend more time with the rules on the guys blocking for him than the guy catching it."

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

USF: Jenkins interest

TAMPA - Scouts from both the Patriots and Browns attended Wednesday's practice, likely to see cornerback Mike Jenkins.

Listed as the ninth prospect on ESPN.com draft analyst Mel Kiper's Big Board, Jenkins may have advanced his stock by showcasing his special teams talent.

Returning kicks for the first time since playing at Sarasota's Southeast High, Jenkins set a school record when he ran back a kick 100 yards for a touchdown.

"That's just another thing that he can do at the next level and be outstanding at, as well as being a (defensive back)," defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "His stock will go up the more he plays special teams because he has a knack with the ball in his hands."

Jenkins is tied for 10th nationally in passes defended, with two interceptions and 11 passes broken up.

He is among 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back.

Coach Jim Leavitt expects Jenkins to return kicks Saturday at Syracuse.

INJURY REPORT: Injuries have become a problem the past three weeks. Among those sidelined: receivers Dontavia Bogan and Taurus Johnson, running back Ben Williams and offensive linemen Matt Huners and Walt Walker. Each was at practice but their status is uncertain. The only player Leavitt ruled out was receiver Amarri Jackson.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

UM: Two jobs open

CORAL GABLES - The Hurricanes have not named a starter at kicker or left guard for Saturday's game against Virginia. Daren Daly, Francesco Zampogna and Matt Bosher are vying for the kicking job, and senior guard Andrew Bain is being pushed by freshmen Orlando Franklin and Joel Figueroa.

Times wires

[Last modified November 7, 2007, 21:09:11]