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By BRUCE LOWITT and Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 10, 2001
Newcomers impressive at USF
TAMPA -- South Florida's 60 veteran players began two-a-day workouts Thursday, but it was freshman defensive back D'Juan Brown who caught coach Jim Leavitt's eye.
With senior Bernard Brown, a three-year starter, and sophomore Kenny Robinson injured, D'Juan Brown has a chance to capitalize, and Leavitt said he is taking advantage.
"He's really doing some good things," Leavitt said after the afternoon workout, conducted in a steady drizzle. "Kenny Robinson may come back and see some things have changed. But that's how life goes sometimes."
Robinson, one of two freshmen to play last season, sprained an ankle during an offseason workout and is likely to miss up to two weeks of practice. Bernard Brown broke a hip in January. He is expected to play but has not been cleared to practice.
Leavitt said he also was impressed with two other freshmen, wide receiver Travis Lipp and running back Brian Fisher.
The team worked on fundamentals in position groups during the morning session. "Everybody is pretty fresh and excited and they did a good job," Leavitt said. "You don't evaluate a whole lot of things right now."
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida State freshmen held their second two-a-day practice, their last without the varsity, and coach Bobby Bowden took note of freshman kicker Xavier Beitia and freshman walk-on punter Chris Hall. Both were impressive at the end of the morning session.
"It's a good sign, but now they must do it under pressure," Bowden said.
DAYTONA BEACH -- The 30 freshman on Bethune-Cookman's team started practice, including Southern Miss transfer Larry Crayton, formerly of Tampa Catholic.
Crayton is expected to contribute at strong safety. "We have some good defensive backs, and that's what we need," coach Alvin Wyatt said.
ORLANDO -- Central Florida players went through their first day of practice in shorts and helmets. The afternoon session was canceled because of a thunderstorm.
"It was a typical first day," coach Mike Kruczek said. "The guys are in shorts and the enthusiasm is sky high. Our objective is to learn the system and get the players comfortable with what they are doing and I think we met that objective today."
Starting defensive end Brent Bolar is out while recovering from surgery on his left knee. He is expected back in about three weeks. Reserve linebacker Dwight Perkins was moved to end to help compensate.
GEORGIA: A booster says a high school coach offered a deal requiring two sport utility vehicles and $60,000 to get a star Memphis linebacker to sign with the Bulldogs, a newspaper reported.
Bill Harper of Memphis told the Commercial Appeal the offer was made by Lynn Lang, the high school coach and recruiting adviser to linebacker Albert Means.
A federal grand jury is looking into allegations that Means' services were brokered for $200,000. Means played for Alabama last year, then transferred to Memphis, where he waits for the NCAA to decide if he can play this season. Means is accused of no wrongdoing.
Lang, who resigned as coach at Memphis Trezevant High amid the allegations, took over the program at South Delta High in Rolling Fork, Miss. Lang has denied the allegations.
NORTHWESTERN: The mother of Rashidi Wheeler said she believes his death was preventable, and she is working to get answers about how he died so it doesn't happen to another player.
"Revelations are coming forth on a daily basis, the puzzle is getting fitted together and I already am certain that my son should still be here with me," Linda Will said. Wheeler, 22, had a history of asthma and died Friday after a grueling conditioning test with dozens of players.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Running back Derek Watson, suspended twice since December, returned to practice.
"What's done is done. I can't tell nobody how to feel," Watson said to reporters who surrounded him at Williams-Brice Stadium. "If they feel I made a lot of mistakes, had too many chances or whatever, that's their own personal belief."