Colleges

Florida backup RB gets release

By Times correspondents
Published November 14, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Scott Keeler | Times] Tailback Jamaal Edwards, out with a left shoulder injury, should be ready to play Saturday.

GAINESVILLE - Florida running back Chevon Walker has been granted a release from his scholarship, coach Urban Meyer confirmed Tuesday.

The redshirt freshman from Fort Myers Riverdale High has not dressed for a game since Oct. 20 against Kentucky.

Two weeks ago, Meyer said Walker was dealing with "personal issues." Walker has not been seen at practice since.

Walker entered the season as the third-string tailback after an impressive performance in the spring game.

He played sparingly in the first five games, mostly on special teams. He had four carries for 14 yards.

Redshirt freshman safety Jamar Hornsby, who also hasn't dressed since the Kentucky game, was not at practice. Meyer said Hornsby will return to practice Monday.

"He's got to take care of some personal business," Meyer said.

MANSON AT TAILBACK: To add needed depth at running back, junior Markus Manson, who was converted from tailback to cornerback in the spring, will transition back to his former position. Meyer said Manson may play Saturday against Florida Atlantic.

"He's looking pretty good," Meyer said.

Manson has rushed 85 times for 380 yards in his career.

HARVIN STILL SICK: Sophomore wide receiver Percy Harvin, who missed Saturday's game against South Carolina because of migraine headaches and what is believed to be a sinus infection, has not returned to practice.

Harvin was feeling better Tuesday morning, Meyer said, but during a conditioning workout, Harvin felt sick again.

"They took him to the hospital or took him to the doctor," Meyer said. "I'm very concerned."

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

USF: Bad memories

TAMPA - As the Bulls prepare for their home finale Saturday against Louisville they're hoping to avoid last season's 31-8 loss to the Cardinals.

"It's embarrassing to watch (the game tape), quarterback Matt Grothe said. "They had the perfect scheme against us last year, and they showed up and we didn't."

Grothe, who was sacked seven times, was held to a season-low in rushing yards. Even without the sacks, he gained 22 yards on 15 carries.

CLOSE TO A RECORD: Defensive end George Selvie needs two tackles for a loss to surpass Western Michigan's Jason Babin's NCAA record of 32.

"Coach always says don't pay attention to that stuff, so I'm just going out there to play football," Selvie said.

When asked about needing one tackle to surpass Babin, the sophomore changed his stance.

"I think it's two tackles shy, but it means a lot," Selvie said.

TV UPDATE: USF concludes its regular-season Nov.24 at Pittsburgh and WFTS 28, the ABC affiliate in Tampa, will cover the game as part of its ESPN regional broadcast.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

FSU: Good news at RB

TALLAHASSEE - After last Saturday's loss at Virginia Tech, it looked like the Seminoles might be without their top three running backs for Saturday's game against Maryland.

But on Tuesday, coach Bobby Bowden said starter Antone Smith and backup Jamaal Edwards, both out with left shoulder injuries, should be ready to go against the Terrapins.

"I don't think (Russell) Ball will be ready, but I think the other two tailbacks will be okay," Bowden said. "We will see if we can't get them some work (today)."

Smith will be held out of contact this week, but he said he is healthy and expects to be at full speed Saturday.

"I am going to play," Smith said. "I need the break from contact to let my body recuperate, but I will be all right. I feel pretty good right now."

ROSE TOUGHS OUT INJURY: Daron Rose is still rehabbing his sprained left knee, but he is participating in full practice.

Offensive line coach Rick Trickett was unhappy with the way senior David Overmyer, Rose's replacement at left tackle, played against the Hokies and said that he needs Rose to play Saturday.

"Our trainer didn't think he could, but I thought he could so he (practiced)," Trickett said. "I am going to have to play him."

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

[Last modified November 14, 2007, 00:14:00]