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Practice reports

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 5, 2001

Gator remains suspended

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Steve Spurrier said sophomore defensive end Clint Mitchell will serve the remainder of his six-game suspension despite being cleared of conduct violations.

Mitchell, a second-team freshman All-American from Clearwater, was cleared of conduct violations after a student judicial affairs hearing Wednesday, said his attorney, Thomas Edwards.

Mitchell faced charges of endangering other students and sexual misconduct.

In July, Mitchell was accused of committing sexual battery against a female student. State Attorney Bill Cervone said a decision on whether charges will be filed is expected "very, very soon."

"His name has been dragged through the mud for some reason," Edwards said. "He's a target. The school is done. He's been absolutely cleared. It is an end to the school's inquiry.

"If the university finds him not responsible, then it should be impossible for the State Attorney to file charges."

Had Mitchell been found to have committed a student conduct violation, he could have faced suspension or expulsion.

Spurrier, who suspended Mitchell at the beginning of the season, said nothing has changed and Mitchell will miss the next two games.

"He's got a six-game suspension. He's no different than he's ever been," he said. "It's about what we anticipated."

LINEBACKER DOUBTFUL: Backup linebacker Marcus Oquendo-Johnson is doubtful for Saturday's game at LSU because of a "banged-up shoulder," Spurrier said. The Gators will dress freshman Todd McCullough.

"Hopefully, we will not have to play Todd, but he's a pretty good player," Spurrier said. McCullough was expected to redshirt.

In addition, Spurrier said linebacker Dwright Jackson is not expected to play because of a sprained ankle.

PUNT RETURNS: After fumbling punt returns in the past two games, Keiwan Ratliff will be given "a little break," Spurrier said.

AUTIN FAMILY: The family of Eraste Autin, the recruit who died July 25, will attend the game Saturday. The Autins are from Lafayette, La.

USF receiver to make trip

TAMPA -- South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said receiver DeAndrew Rubin, who was limited by turf toe for the past two games, will play Saturday against Utah.

"Rubin's going to go," he said. "We don't take anybody with us if we don't think they are going to be ready to play."

Leavitt, however, said he did not know how many plays in which Rubin would participate.

TRAVEL NEWS: Sprained ankles will prevent linebacker Mike Minus and running back Derrick Rackard from traveling. ... Leavitt said he was not sure whether receiver Elgin Hicks, who rejoined the team this week after clearing up academic problems, will travel.

Injuries give freshman a chance

TALLAHASSEE -- Freshman running back Eric Shelton could see considerable time at fulllback, coach Bobby Bowden said.

With William McCray hampered by a sprained ankle, Greg Tony out six to eight weeks with a broken back and Randy Golightly out until November with a torn Achilles' tendon, Shelton is getting more reps at fullback.

Shelton, a USA Today first-team selection in high school, was moved after asking about getting more playing time.

FIELD GOALS: Xavier Beitia is kicking more field goals in practice to prepare for the Oct.13 game against Miami.

"I would think (field goals) would be vital in this ballgame for both of us," Bowden said. "It seems like they always are, especially if it's a close game."

Beitia has not attempted a field goal since Sept.8 but is 5-for-5 this season.

NOTES: Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, quarterback Adrian McPherson and fullback James Buchanan did not practice because of an intestinal virus. Wide receiver B.J. Ward did not practice because of a strained right hamstring sustained in practice Wednesday.

Around the state

CENTRAL FLORIDA: Five players were selected for the Rotary Gridiron Classic.

Defensive tackle Josh McKibben, linebacker Tito Rodriguez, offensive tackle Steve Edwards, kicker/punter Javier Beorlegui and defensive back Travis Fisher will play in the game that pits U.S. seniors against players who either played in Florida or have other ties to the state.

Also, cornerback Carlos Thompson (strained right hamstring) will miss Saturday's game against Alabama-Birmingham. Defensive end Boma Ekiyor (right ankle sprain) and linebacker Antoine Poe (right hamstring strain) will be game-time decisions. Defensive end Rashad Jeanty, who had surgery to repair a ligament in this left thumb Monday, is probable.

MIAMI: Coach Larry Coker said middle linebacker D.J. Williams, recovering from a high ankle sprain against Pittsburgh, will not play against Troy State.

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