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Practice reports

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, ALEX ABRAMS and PETE YOUNG

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 26, 2001

Labor may sideline Alex Brown

GAINESVILLE -- Florida defensive end Alex Brown returned to practice Tuesday after missing Monday's workout because his girlfriend went into premature labor.

"We're waiting on the baby any time," Brown said after practice. "I was scared. But I found out I'm having a son. It just kind of put everything in order as far as your priorities go.

"I think all the coaches understood, and I just have to work that much harder to catch up with the other guys who were at practice (Monday)."

Brown, who spent 15 minutes after Tuesday's practice on a tire drill as "punishment" for missing practice, said doctors told him if his girlfriend can hold on for three or four more days, they will allow full labor to occur.

But that could put his status in jeopardy for Saturday's home game against Mississippi State.

"I really don't know," he said. "I would love to play. But that baby, my girl and my family are probably the only ones I love more than I love football. Football is a very big part of my life, but I have a kid and there's nothing I wouldn't do for that kid, and that's including missing a football game.

"I'm split in half at this point."

SHEPPARD STILL QUESTIONABLE: Defensive coordinator Jon Hoke said cornerback Lito Sheppard remains questionable for Saturday's game. Sheppard suffered a groin injury Saturday against Kentucky and hasn't practiced this week.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Center Zac Zedalis spent extra time after practice working on his snaps. Zedalis and quarterback Rex Grossman have had two botched snaps, which turned into fumbles.

"Hopefully this is not going to continue anymore," Zedalis said. "It was a combination of stuff, and it is on both of our heads.'

Bell's lack of productivity concerns FSU coaches

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden has not ruled out the possibility of replacing senior wide receiver Atrews Bell, whose five catches for 38 yards are far short of coaches' expectations.

"He's a senior. I've got to let him get out of this," Bowden said.

"If he doesn't get out of this, then I've got to find somebody who's going to get it done."

SHIFTING: Sophomore Stanford Samuels has been switched to left-side cornerback to allow sophomore Rufus Brown to play on the right side. Brown is projected to replace junior Malcolm Tatum, who has a fractured right hand, as the starting cornerback.

THAT'S BETTER: Coach Bobby Bowden was pleased with practice.

"We had a much more intense practice," he said. "The kids were much more attentive than they were last week. They looked really in to it.

"We caught the ball better, then we worked on our typical Tuesday routine."

Bulls place emphasis on special teams

TAMPA -- After dodging the weather for the past several weeks, including getting shuttled into the Sun Dome on Monday, South Florida had a full 2 1/2-hour outdoor practice.

The Bulls, who missed an extra point and had a field goal blocked in a 17-9 loss Saturday at Memphis, worked extensively on special teams in preparation for Saturday's home opener against North Texas.

"It was just an average Tuesday practice," coach Jim Leavitt said. "It was good to be able to get the work in on special teams."

Not getting any work in for the second straight day was receiver DeAndrew Rubin, who has been sick. However, it might be good for Rubin to miss some practice time because he has been limited by a nagging turf toe injury since Sept. 8, and it might have a better chance to heal.

"It could be a blessing in disguise," Leavitt said.

IT MIGHT BE AWHILE: With center Alex Herron out and right guard Jimmy Fitts at center against Memphis, the Bulls rotated senior Ken "Shaq" Dawson and freshman Levi Newton at right guard. Leavitt said he was pleased with how they played. That's good because there is no timetable for Herron's return. The redshirt freshman sprained his right knee Sept. 13.

"We might wait another week to get it checked again," Leavitt said. "He definitely won't play this week. Hopefully he won't be out for the season."

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