Colleges

USF signs linebacker who could start in 2008

By Times staff, wires
Published December 20, 2007

TAMPA - Linebacker Kion Wilson, a four-star recruit out of Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, said he officially signed with USF on Wednesday and will start school in January with plans to compete for the middle linebacker job in 2008.

"I can come in early and start working in the spring, make my mistakes early and learn from them," said Wilson, who had a team-high 98 tackles in nine games at Pearl River in the fall. "I played (strongside linebacker) this season but I'm a natural middle, and that position is open."

Wilson, 6 feet 1 and 235 pounds, originally was to play for Illinois out of Jacksonville's Raines High two years ago. He'll have two years of eligibility. USF returns starting outside linebackers Tyrone McKenzie and Brouce Mompremier, but will need a new middle linebacker after the graduation of senior Ben Moffitt. Asked for his strengths, Wilson said "my aggressiveness, my ability to get to the ball and get off blocks quickly."

MACHO SUPPORT: The Bulls have gained at least one supporter in their Sun Bowl matchup against Oregon on Dec. 31. While handing out holiday gifts at DeSoto Elementary School in Tampa, former wrestling star Randy "Mach Man" Savage predicted a 36-3 Bulls win.

UF: Good news for DE

GAINESVILLE - The State Attorney's Office has begun proceedings to have the misdemeanor battery charge against starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham dismissed.

Cunningham was arrested Dec. 5 and accused of throwing empty soda cups and a sandwich at a sandwich shop employee.

State Attorney Bill Cervone said the decision to file to dismiss the charges stemmed from the alleged victim's sworn statement.

"We interviewed the victim and took his sworn testimony, and he was very positive to us that Cunningham did nothing," Cervone said. "That is consistent with Cunningham's version through his lawyer and also consistent with other witnesses."

Coach Urban Meyer said Cunningham will play in the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl.

Pending charges remain against former UF linebacker Jonathan Demps and former LSU wide receiver and Olympic hopeful Xavier Carter, who were charged in the incident.

HOLLIDAY AWAITING WORD: Florida associate head coach Doc Holliday said he has not heard from West Virginia officials about the head coaching job since he interviewed this week.

FSU: Who's playing?

TALLAHASSEE - Starting linebacker Dekoda Watson and former Jefferson High standout Daron Rose wouldn't comment on their availability for Florida State's Music City Bowl matchup with Kentucky, but their status appears shaky.

Watson had this response when asked whether he would play in the bowl: "I'll put it this way, no comment, but you know."

He said he was shocked at the academic scandal involving students cheating on an online music history exam.

"You don't want to go to any school just to get in trouble with academics," he said. "I know some other schools have had trouble with it, but I never thought it would be at Florida State."

Rose has started at left tackle in 11 of 12 games, but he has been working with the second team offensive line during bowl preparation practices. The sophomore was mum on his status.

No Monday opener? The thought of playing in front of a national audience without a large number of players has apparently prevented FSU from pursuing a Labor Day opener. Any suspensions tied to the academic scandal will call for players to also miss the first three games next season.

OKLAHOMA STATE: Tennessee receivers coach Trooper Taylor was hired as co-offensive coordinator.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Falcons linebacker coach Brian VanGorder was hired as defensive coordinator. VanGorder, 48, was a Georgia assistant from 2001 to 2004.

TENNESSEE: Reserve linebacker Shane Reveiz, son of former Dolphins kicker Fuad Reveiz, needs surgery for a heart condition.

UCLA: Four years after Rick Neuheisel left Washington, the former UCLA quarterback has emerged as a candidate to become Bruins coach. Neuheisel, the offensive coordinator for the Ravens, confirmed that UCLA has contacted him about replacing the fired Karl Dorrell. Ravens coach Brian Billick, is lobbying for him to get the job.

Times staff writers Greg Auman and Antonya English and correspondents Jamey Givins and Brendan Galella contributed to this report.

[Last modified December 19, 2007, 23:40:29]