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College football around the state

By Compiled from Times staff correspondents

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 1, 2000

Spurrier picks Grossman as UF's No. 2 quarterback

GAINESVILLE -- Coach Steve Spurrier said Thursday that quarterback Rex Grossman most likely will back up senior Jesse Palmer during Saturday's 6 p.m. opener againstBall State at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

"Rex will go second although (freshman Brock Berlin and Grossman) are very close, but Rex has been here a little longer," Spurrier said. "He'll go out second if we can send one out second. If it's a close game, and Jesse is playing pretty decent, he may have to play the whole thing. You never know how it goes around here."

Spurrier said he plans to play all three quarterbacks.

After backing up former quarterback Doug Johnson, Palmer said he feels stronger and more confident than he has in years past.

"I think I am a lot more mentally prepared, and I am a lot more improved," Palmer said. "Physically I am getting stronger, and I think my arm gets stronger every year, but ultimately it's in my head -- I think that is where I have made the biggest strides."

COLON AT PRACTICE: Former signee Jonathan Colon attended practice as a spectator. Colon withdrew from classes because his ACT score is pending. The offensive lineman said he still has not received the scores and was not attempting to enroll at Miami, as was rumored.

"It's been really hard on me," Colon said. "You know getting here at first was a big hassle, and now getting here is a big hassle. But I love the Gators."

Spurrier said Colon was supposed to leave for prep school on Sunday, and that he hoped Colon would return to Florida next summer.

INJURY UPDATE: Defensive tackle Buck Gurley, who sprained his ankle Tuesday, did not practice and most likely will not play Saturday, Spurrier said.

- Debi Jones

A downward turn

TAMPA -- Free safety Jay Mize, who earlier in the week was confident he would play in South Florida's opener against Jacksonville State, now is listed as doubtful, coach Jim Leavitt said.

Mize has been battling a herniated disc in his neck and "we're letting it calm down," Leavitt said. "If it calms down enough, he may play."

Mize played so well last season when three-year starter Anthony Henry was injured that this year, Henry was moved to cornerback so Mize could get more playing time. Henry may move back to free safety for this week. Leavitt's possible lineups have everyone from Henry to senior strong safety Roy Manns, to freshmen John Miller or Kevin Verpaele filling in for Mize.

Sophomore defensive end John Brown, who figured to get at least some playing time, also is doubtful with a sprained ankle.

FIRED UP: Leavitt, frustrated with the performance of the scout team, gave a long, loud lecture at the end of practice, the final one before the opener. The speech was aimed at the younger players. "They've got to realize they've got to change direction," he said. "If it's not for the first game, it's for our future."

- Sharon Ginn

Making the best

TALLAHASSEE -- Freshman Greg Jones could see substantial playing time Sept. 9 against Georgia Tech. Coaches have discussed using the 6-1, 225-pound tailback to help bolster a running game that gained 57 yards on 36 carries against Brigham Young. Jones has impressed coaches with his intensity during practices.

"(Coaches) are giving me a chance to show my talents, and I'm going to try to take advantage of it," Jones said.

TACKLE JOB: Senior Char-ron Dorsey will be among three offensive tackles rotated into the starting lineup. Coaches had contemplated redshirting him, but changed their minds after several starting linemen were injured.

- Alex Abrams

Getting together

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida A&M's roster may include several new names, but the Rattlers, who had their final practice before leaving for Delaware State on Thursday, say this season's team is a close group.

"I think this team has more camaraderie than any other team I've been on since I've been here," senior linebacker John Battle said. "The togetherness is there. There are no personal vendettas, no "me, me, me, I, I, I.' We get along more as friends."

- Jabari Ritchie

Time to start

ORLANDO -- The rigors of the preseason finally are over for Central Florida, as the Knights had their final practice before heading to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech Saturday.

"It'll be a very emotional and enthusiastic group that goes up there," coach Mike Kruczek said. "I believe it's going to be a confident group. My big talk with them all summer was confidence and belief, and what could happen, and I'm hoping they listened to the words."

INJURY REPORT: The only starter who will not play is middle linebacker Tito Rodriguez, who had arthroscopic knee surgery. Starting running back Eddie Mack sprained an ankle last week in practice, but will play.

- David Marsters

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