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College football around the state

By SHARON GINN, DEBI JONES, ALEX ABRAMS, JABARI RITCHIE, DAVID MARSTERS and Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 26, 2000

Bulls dismiss receiver Durant for infractions

TAMPA -- South Florida sophomore receiver Reshod Durant has been dismissed from the team. Durant violated team and university rules over the weekend while the Bulls played at Baylor, coach Jim Leavitt said Monday.

Durant did not travel to the game because of ongoing disciplinary matters, Leavitt said. A separate incident led to the decision to dismiss him from the team.

Leavitt would not reveal details, including whether Durant may be in legal trouble. "He's messed up," Leavitt said. "I'll just leave it at that."

Durant, from Gainesville, had three catches and a touchdown in the 1999 season opener, but had made few significant plays since.

UPBEAT NIGHT: The Bulls returned to practice in a good mood, despite the 28-13 loss to Baylor. USF committed several major errors in the loss, including two key turnovers and a costly penalty, but no one was hanging his head, Leavitt said.

"They were real focused," he said. "We're all disappointed. That's life. What are you going to do? You either stay down or you do something about it."

The focus this week is on getting into the end zone -- USF rolled up 409 yards against Baylor but could not capitalize. The Bulls will need to against Troy State, the No. 1-ranked team in Division I-AA, which beat USF 41-24 last season.

INJURY REPORT: Defensive end John Brown, who did not travel to Baylor because of a sprained ankle, still is hobbling. Among others who stayed home, tight end Dan Rodimer (concussion) probably will not play against Troy State, while running back Derrick Rackard (sprained ankle) practiced.

- SHARON GINN

Palmer probable for Gators

GAINESVILLE -- Florida quarterback Jesse Palmer may have hit his first snag of the season.

Palmer suffered a hip pointer that has him listed as probable for the game at Mississippi State.

The senior did not participate in full drills.

Palmer said the injury occurred during the first quarter against Kentucky.

BERLIN MOVES UP: After redshirt freshman Rex Grossman went 3-for-8 for 72 yards and one touchdown Saturday, coach Steve Spurrier said freshman Brock Berlin will move to second string. "Brock got most of the work tonight," Spurrier said. "(Grossman) struggled a little bit, and now it's time to give Brock a little chance and see if he can do any better when he gets in there. We don't sit around here. When you get a chance, you make the most of it."

HOKE SPEAKS: Defensive coordinator Jon Hoke, who did not address the media after Saturday's game, said Kentucky's 504 yards were troubling.

"When they got to 45-17 when we scored real quick in the third quarter I said, "We're going to sit back, play zone, chew some clock up and make them run,' " Hoke said. "A lot of it is that we just sat back in zone. We didn't pressure a whole lot."

Hoke said it was his decision not to address the media.

INJURIES: Offensive lineman Kenyatta Walker (left ankle), receiver Alex Willis (left ankle) and running back Bo Carroll (right ankle) are questionable. Linebacker Travis Carroll (left knee) and center Zac Zedalis (left ankle, both feet) are out.

- DEBI JONES

DT Johnson may get medical redshirt

TALLAHASSEE -- Defense tackle Travis Johnson likely will receive a medical redshirt if his sprained neck does not heal within the next few weeks, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said.

Johnson was injured during a Sept. 19 practice when a teammate fell on his head. The freshman has been experiencing a stinging pain in his spine and left elbow. "Hopefully I won't have to take (a medical redshirt)," Johnson said. "But all it could do is help me. Coach Bowden knows best."

Johnson has played in two of the team's four games and will miss Thursday's game against Maryland.

HONORS: Senior Jamal Reynolds, who had his eighth and ninth sacks of the season Saturday against Louisville, was named ACC defense lineman of the week. Senior Tommy Polley was named defensive back of the week after he returned an interception 4 yards for a touchdown.

-- ALEX ABRAMS

UM receiver honored

CORAL GABLES -- Miami senior receiver Reggie Wayne was named Big East offensive player of the week for his performance Saturday at West Virginia.

Wayne had seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Miami's 47-10 victory win over the Mountaineers.

- TIMES WIRES

FAMU works on something special

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida A&M (4-0) returned to practice after a 31-6 win over Tennessee State on Saturday. The Rattlers focused on special teams in the light workout. FAMU blocked three kicks against TSU, but the Tigers' touchdown was on a long punt return.

The Rattlers host Howard on Saturday. FAMU beat the Bison in three overtimes last season.

"We're coming off a big win and we're worried about coming out flat this week, but we're going to try to keep the intensity up," said defensive back Troy Hart of Tampa.

- JABARI RITCHIE

New QB takes over for Knights

ORLANDO -- Redshirt freshman Ryan Schneider began his first week of practice as a starter, replacing the injured Vic Penn. Fellow redshirt freshman Brian Miller takes over the backup job and senior receiver Tyson Hinshaw becomes the No. 3 quarterback. "Our option game is not quite as viable with Ryan Schneider because of the lack of quickness compared to Vic," coach Mike Kruczek said. "(Schneider) can execute the pitch, but if he has to keep it, he's not nearly as dangerous."

Penn separated his left shoulder, his non-throwing arm, against William and Mary.

- DAVID MARSTERS

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