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College football around the state

By BRUCE LOWITT, ALEX ABRAMS, DEBI JONES, Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 7, 2001

USF starts with freshmen basics

TAMPA -- Thirty-nine South Florida freshmen staged their first two-a-day practices Monday. Coach Jim Leavitt spent the day teaching them the basic fundamentals of college football.

"Most of them have no idea because they've never been through this before," he said. "The hardest thing is teaching them the pace; it's just so different. You try to get ready before the veterans come in (Thursday). "Right now they're trying to figure out how to put their jersey on the right way, trying to make sure their mouthpiece is in their mouth, make sure their helmet is on."

Leavitt said he doubted more than four or five freshmen will play this season. Defensive backs Kenny Robinson and J.R. Reed were the only freshmen a year ago to make the Bulls' active roster when a larger group of players returned as seniors.

"We were especially sensitive to the heat and made sure everyone got all the water they needed," Leavitt said, a reference to recent heat-related deaths. -- BRUCE LOWITT

Top-ranked class reports

TALLAHASSEE -- Twenty-five members of Florida State's top-ranked recruiting class reported to camp. Players were given physicals and had dinner with coach Bobby Bowden.

"I made my choice in late January to come here," Parade All-American running back Eric Shelton said. "I said my time is going to come, and it's here."

As expected, Joe Mauer and Justin Tomerlin did not report. Mauer, the top high school quarterback, signed a professional baseball contract with the Minnesota Twins. Tomerlin, a tight end, failed to academically qualify.

Varsity players are scheduled to report Friday.

FSU, which open its season Sept. 1 at Duke, begins practicing Saturday. -- ALEX ABRAMS

UF tries to move on

GAINESVILLE -- The anticipation and dreams were not like they imagined as the newest class of Gators officially began practice.

Florida's freshmen had their first practice without fullback Eraste Autin, who died July 25 after collapsing from heatstroke after a voluntary workout.

"It was definitely a surreal feeling," quarterback Ingle Martin said. "Todd (McCullough), Lance (Butler), Eraste and I talked about how we never imagined playing football at this level, let alone at the University of Florida."

The freshmen will practice Wednesday before being joined by the upperclassmen Friday. Two-a-days will begin Saturday.

ET CETERA: Coach Steve Spurrier said offensive lineman Thomas Pittman still has a chance to play. At the end of last season, Pittman chose to pursue pro baseball. ... Former basketball forward Major Parker practiced with the freshmen. Parker, attempting to walk on after using his four year of eligibility in basketball, spent extra time working with defensive line coach Ricky Hunley after practice. -- DEBI JONES

Joe likes what he sees

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida A&M welcomed more than 20 first-year players as the Rattlers' preseason camp began.

"The guys appeared to have worked out and seem to be in good condition at first glance," said coach Billy Joe, who heads into his eighth season. Upperclassmen report Thursday, which should bring the roster to about 90 players. -- TIMES WIRES

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