Colleges

Smith gets better but is likely to back up Parker

By Times staff
Published November 22, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State running back Antone Smith had what offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher called "one of his best practices in a while" Wednesday, but wideout Preston Parker is still likely to start Saturday against No.12 Florida.

Parker, the team's leading receiver with 48 catches, filled in nicely at running back last weekend for the Seminoles, who were without their top three backs because of injuries. He rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Fisher said that though Parker will start, Smith is healthy and will see plenty of time. "They'll be playing so much, you'd think they both started," Fisher said.

Carter hopeful: Cornerback Tony Carter participated in the noncontact portion of Wednesday's practice and said he hopes to be ready to play against the Gators. Carter slightly separated his shoulder during Saturday's win over Maryland.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

USF: Linebacker ailing

TAMPA - USF has had the same three starting linebackers in every game this season, but that could change Saturday at Pittsburgh, as weakside linebacker Brouce Mompremier has been held out of practice all week with bruised ribs.

"We're going to take (Mompremier), but Donte Spires has gotten all the reps," coach Jim Leavitt said. "We'll have to wait and see."

Spires, a sophomore from Plant, could make his first start in Mompremier's place. Spires has played sparingly and has 14 tackles. Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said Mompremier had been held out of practice as a precaution and was optimistic he would be able to play.

Defensive line coach Dan McCarney said sophomore Aaron Harris, who missed last week's game with a foot injury and has been limited in practice, is "very doubtful," with senior Allen Cray starting again in his place.

Leavitt said he did not think senior receiver Amarri Jackson, who has missed three games with a knee injury, would travel with the team. A final decision will be made today.

HONORS: Defensive end George Selvie, who needs two tackles for loss to break the NCAA record of 32 (Western Michigan's Jason Babin, 2003), is one of 30 players in contention for the Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end. Finalists will be named Wednesday.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UF: Enjoy your meal

GAINESVILLE - Florida coach Urban Meyer will give his players time off for the Thanksgiving holiday after today's early morning practice.

Meyer said players who wish to travel home (and live close enough to do so) can do so, with the stipulation they rejoin the team in Gainesville by 3 p.m. Friday.

"We let them go home, and the ones that are staying will be at either my house or one of the other coaches' houses," Meyer said. "I always ask, and I think they'd rather go hang out with their boys a little bit. We've always done that. It's the same with Christmas and bowl games. I can't imagine not letting a young person go to his house for Christmas."

INJURY UPDATE: Freshman cornerback Joe Haden (high ankle sprain) and defensive end Lawrence Marsh (sprained toe) remained doubtful for Saturday's game, but defensive tackle Mike Pouncey (hyperextended knee) has been upgraded and is expected to play. Meyer said freshman defensive lineman and Tampa native Torrey Davis has had "a good week of practice" and will play.

Antonya English, Times Staff Writer

[Last modified November 21, 2007, 21:58:09]