Around the state

By Compiled from Times staff, correspondents and wire reports

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

USF: A grand opening at Leavitt's

TAMPA -- With the exception of the rain and lightning storm that cut practice short by about six minutes, opening day of full-squad two-a-days went exceptionally well, Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said Saturday.

"It was probably as good an opening practice as we've had," Leavitt said. "We just have to keep this pace all the time."

Although sophomore quarterback Marquel Blackwell looked strong, his receivers were shaky.

"If we can run like the wind and run routes, but can't catch the ball, that ain't gonna work," Leavitt said. "I was real happy with the senior leadership out of our secondary in particular. Glenn Davis, Anthony Henry, Roy Manns and Jay Mize, those guys are really good leaders."

He also praised the offensive line.

INJURY UPDATE: Mize, a senior safety, has a herniated disc in his neck. "They are taking a bone scan and nerve scan Wednesday and we'll know more after that," Mize said. ... Junior guard Jimmy Fitts (severe cramps) left the morning practice. ... Walk-on receiver Terry Lucas (dehydration, pulled calf muscle) spent much of the morning practice on crutches.

- Antonya English

FSU: Wonderful Weinke

TALLAHASSEE -- Chris Weinke hit receiver Marvin Minnis for a 75-yard touchdown on the opening play of Florida State's first full scrimmage. Weinke finished 9-for-12 for 193 yards and three scores.

"We can't get too happy because (the defense was) missing some guys," Weinke said.

Freshman Greg Jones gained 24 yards on eight carries and 61 yards on six catches.

INJURY UPDATE: Senior defensive end David Warren (strained back) and senior cornerback Tay Cody (chest contusions) sat out. ... Sophomore receiver Anquan Boldin (sprained left knee) was held out of the scrimmage.

- Alex Abrams

UF: Men in the middle

GAINESVILLE -- Andra Davis, who started all 12 games last season, may have competition at middle linebacker from Alabama transfer Travis Carroll.

"Both of us are team members," Davis said. "Whoever gets in, the other one will be cheering. Both of us are going to play." Davis is still healing after injuring an ankle in the spring.

INJURY UPDATE: Tackle Mike Pearson (fractured skull) stretched with the team before practice. ... Defensive tackle Chris Reynolds (fractured foot) was wearing a boot cast while riding a stationary bike.

- Debi Jones

UCF: Good things all around

ORLANDO -- Central Florida coach Mike Kruczek said he has been especially pleased with the secondary and added praise for the receivers, offensive line and second-year starting quarterback Vic Penn. ... Second-string quarterback Ryan Schneider (back) should be back this week. ... Tight end Mario Jackson, defensive end Wanzell Underwood and tailback Omari Howard sat out to recover from Friday's heat.

- Times wires

Picked clean

CORAL GABLES -- Coach Butch Davis praised two cornerbacks. "Both Leonard (Myers) and Mike (Rumph) made tremendous interceptions," Davis said. "Leonard's was one of the best interceptions I've ever seen at any level." Sophomore tight end Jeremy Shockey impressed Davis with his pass-catching ability.

- Times wires

Around the nation

ARKANSAS: Robby Hampton, battling Gary Brashears for the starting quarterback spot, earned praise from coach Houston Nutt.

VALDOSTA STATE: Dusty Bonner, the starting quarterback at Kentucky last season, was named the starter, beating out Kenn Barnett.

- Times wires

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