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E.T.

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    Syracuse Coaching Shuffle

    in American Athletic Conference

    Posted

    Thursday, March 11, 2004

    Associated Press

    SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- With spring football practice just over two weeks away, Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni has retooled his coaching staff.

    Pasqualoni has tabbed new coordinators for defense, special teams and recruiting, but nobody will have the title of offensive coordinator formerly held by associate head coach George DeLeone.

    The changes: Chris White has taken over the role of recruiting coordinator and will continue as tight ends coach; Steve Dunlap replaces Chris Rippon as defensive coordinator and also will coach the linebackers; Rippon will become assistant head coach in charge of safeties and will return to special teams coordinator, a position he held from 1995-98.

    The switches come in the wake of two disappointing years. In 2002, the Orangemen finished 4-8, their first losing season in 16 years, and last season they were 6-6.

    "The talent and expertise we have on our staff allows us the flexibility to shift coordinator responsibilities in an effort to maximize the overall strength of our staff," said Pasqualoni, who will be responsible for final game-plan decisions.

    "Chris Rippon served as our special-teams coordinator during an era when Syracuse was a national leader in that aspect of the game. As the safeties coach, he will also remain very involved with the defense."

    Dunlap was defensive coordinator at West Virginia for 10 years before joining the Orangemen. The Mountaineers played in the 1996 national championship game, and Dunlap directed the defense that led the nation.

    Pasqualoni said the changes had been in place since December, but he waited to announce them until he was certain his staff was intact. Recruiting coordinator Jerry Azzinaro left the Orangemen for Duke in December, and Pasqualoni said there had been other inquiries regarding his assistants.

    White has made a big impact in recruiting for the Orangemen. He recruited 15 student-athletes on the spring roster and 10 of the incoming class signed with the Orange after White recruited them.

    "Chris has done an outstanding job in all phases of recruiting," Pasqualoni said. "We are fortunate."

    Pasqualoni said he would be responsible for plays that are included in the game plan and used by the team. He said every offensive assistant, including DeLeone, would be involved in play selection.

    Athletic director Jake Crouthamel stripped DeLeone of the title of offensive coordinator after last season. Crouthamel said in December that DeLeone would retain his title as associate head coach and continue coaching the offensive line.

    Spring practice begins March 26 and the annual spring scrimmage is set for April 24.

    Syracuse kicks off the 2004 season at Purdue on Sept. 5. The game will be televised nationally on ABC.

    Spring Practice - QB POLL !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    USF's Offense Dominates At Scrimmage

    Published: Mar 21, 2004

    TAMPA - In what resembled a controlled scrimmage, but what South Florida coach Jim Leavitt described as ``thump work,'' the offense scored six times in the red zone during Saturday's practice.

    The offense started its series from the 20-, 6- and 3-yard lines.

    ``It was OK. We did a lot of good things,'' Leavitt said.

    Santiago Gramatica opened the scoring with two field goals, from 37 and 35 yards. QB Anthony Severino, from Jesuit High, connected with former Durant star Trae Williams, who also scored on a 3- yard run, on an 11-yard touchdown pass.

    RB Brian Fisher ran around right end for a 4-yard score and QB Evan Kraky threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to TE Derek Carter.

    The only defensive stop was an interception by LB Devon Davis in the end zone. After the play, a fight broke out between OL Frank Davis and DB Mike Jenkins, setting off a melee between several offensive and defensive players.

    ``The intensity level was up,'' Leavitt said. ``Too much, though. That's why we ran a lot afterward.''

    FOUND ONE: While USF's offensive coaches search for skill position replacements, defensive coordinator and secondary coach Rick Kravitz is looking to fill a giant void at both safety positions with the departure of last season's starters, J.R. Reed and Kevin Verpaele.

    ``We know Javan Camon will be the free safety,'' Kravitz said.

    Camon, a standout on special teams, saw action in every game last year, making 18 tackles and recovering a fumble.

    The strong safety and nickel back positions aren't as settled.

    ``Sidney Simpson is at strong safety and Drametrice Smith is the nickel right now,'' Kravitz said. ``But it's a wide open race. It could be Jeremy Burnett, Mike Jenkins or Kenny Robinson coming over from corner. We're excited to see how it's going to unfold and what two guys are going to step up.''

    Also in the mix - if he's not redshirted - is Johnnie Jones, who is recovering after being shot twice in the neck and shoulder on Christmas after an argument in a Sarasota bar.

    ``I'm not sure what's going to happen with Johnnie,'' Kravitz said. ``He's getting himself back into shape. He's a go-getter and will try to get out there anytime he can.''

    Gregg Becnel

    BULLS Pro Day !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    ...back to our Beloved BULLS !!!

    Scouts Get Reed On Bulls

    By BRETT McMURPHY bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com  

    Published: Mar 20, 2004

    TAMPA - A few weeks ago, South Florida free safety J.R. Reed was asked why he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine.

    ``I guess I'm not good enough,'' Reed said sarcastically.  

    That's not entirely true. But after the combine snub, Reed was the main attraction at Friday's USF Pro Testing Day.  

    ``A few scouts knew about me,'' Reed said. ``And a few said they didn't want others to know about me.''  

    That's likely to change. Long after USF's other nine seniors - RBs Vince Brewer, Quinton Callum and DeJuan Green; LBs Courtney Davenport and Maurice Jones; WRs Elgin Hicks, Chris Iskra and Huey Whittaker; and CB Ron Hemingway - and three former Bulls - OL Ken Dawson, DT Greg Walls and LB Anthony Williams - completed their strength, speed and agility tests, scouts had Reed do several more drills.  

    ``Going into it I was a little nervous,'' Reed said. ``But it's like a game. After the first hit, your nerves go away. The scouts said they liked my range, how I can go from sideline to sideline and also return kickoffs and punts.''  

    USF strength coach Ronnie McKeefrey said representatives from the Bucs, Philadelphia, Jacksonville and Green Bay came specifically to see Reed. In all, 20 NFL teams were represented.  

    ``They were pretty high on J.R. He's a dual player, and they like his versatility,'' McKeefrey said. ``They said what he lacks in straight-away speed, he makes up in lateral speed. You can't teach the way he moves.''  

    Although Reed is USF's career leader in interceptions and led the nation in kickoff returns last year, Jones and Whittaker were the only Bulls invited to the NFL Combine.  

    ``When guys don't get invited the first thing you wonder is, `Why?' '' Green Bay director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said. `` `Is there some holes?' [Reed] is tall enough, he's big enough. I wish he ran faster [4.54 40], but he has good quickness, ball skills and good hands.''  

    Jonathan Kline, Reed's agent, said Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and St. Louis already have scheduled Reed to fly up for individual interviews.  

    ``Teams like how he finds the ball, his knack for getting to the ball,'' said Kline, who projects Reed to be a third- to sixth-round pick. ``Also, how his body responds to change of direction, his hip movements - he can change on a dime.''

    BULLS Pro Day !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    Thanx Howie ... AGAIN !

    I agree about J.R. when they talk to the guy and see what he can DO ... watch more film and realize he's a QB in the Defensive backsfield, they will love him.

    He can immediately contribute on Special Teams: coverage(he'll take your head off) and returning as we saw consistantly on KO's last season. This guy has SPEED !

    The only negative is his height, but he plays well above a normal individual with the will to WIN !!

    Go BULLS !!!

    Spring Practice - QB POLL !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    Thanx Howie ... he's got size.

    Bulls Have Faith In Recruiting System

    Published: Mar 19, 2004

    TAMPA - South Florida is well aware that player turnover in college football is an endless occurrence.

    Graduation and the NFL draft force programs to stockpile rosters with quality depth if they want to be consistently successful.

    USF's recruiting prowess, which led to a highly touted class in February, will be tested this season with the loss of two starting linebackers and receivers, both starting safeties and its leading rusher.

    Despite the number of vacancies, Bulls coach Jim Leavitt is confident capable replacements will step up.

    ``The year before we lost our entire front four on defense and did OK,'' he said after Thursday's practice in full pads. ``In the last two years we've lost a lot of good players. But we have some really good, young players coming up that we're excited about.

    ``We've got some talent. We just have to do a great job coaching them up.''

    NO PRESSURE: Until the quarterback position is settled and the coaching staff can trust whoever is under center, USF might be more run-oriented.

    ``We're not going to change what we do, we're just going to put a little more emphasis on the running game,'' quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said. ``We want to take some pressure and weight off our quarterback until they grow into that spot. But the more they come along, the more we'll get them involved as a centerpiece again.''

    Gregg Becnel

    Spring Practice - QB POLL !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    New RBs Coach Impressed Early

    Published: Mar 18, 2004

    TAMPA - Along with the search for a No. 1 quarterback, South Florida also must replace two of its top three running backs.

    Newly hired running backs coach Carl Franks has been impressed with the Bulls' returning backs, but says it's too early to truly evaluate his personnel.

    ``I've been very pleased with their efforts,'' he said. ``But we haven't done anything live. We've been going against air and going against bags. The holes are there and nobody's trying to tackle you.''

    After two days in helmets and shorts, the Bulls will begin practicing in full pads today.

    ``That's going to make the difference,'' Franks said. ``We turn the dial up. Now it really starts counting and we'll find out what they can do.

    ``We really get a better idea with the pads on. That's when you find out who's going to play for you - who can make guys miss, who can block and who knows their assignments.''

    In the mix at tailback this spring are Clenton Crossley, Brian Fisher, Billy Henderson and Trae Williams.

    Crossley is USF's top returning back, having rushed 85 times for 441 yards (5.2 per carry) and four touchdowns last season. Crossley also led all backs with 11 receptions for 60 yards.

    So far, Franks likes what he sees from Crossley.

    ``[He] had a good practice. I was very pleased with his effort,'' Franks said. ``I hope he keeps that up.''

    Gregg Becnel

    I guess Hall won't be here until the summer  ??? ... and we'll also get some serious talent from this year's class.

    Gosta be intrigued by this battle  ;)

    Go BULLS !!!

    Spring Practice - QB POLL !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    This week's bulls.tbo.com question:

    Who will be USF's starting quarterback for the 2004 season opener:

    Ronnie Banks, Louis Gachette, Pat Julmiste, Evan Kraky or David Mullins?

    Final results from last week's bulls.tbo.com question: Grade USF's football recruiting class (754 responded) - A, 44 percent;

    B, 48 percent,

    C, 5 percent;

    D, 1 percent;

    and F, 2 percent.

    I am not sure what order they had, but I changed our poll  ;D

    Spring Practice - QB POLL !

    in USF South Florida Bulls Athletics

    Posted

    Sleep is OverRated  8) ... and I'm on cold medicine  :P

    I am expecting my life to be more "normal" soon  ;D

    QBs Julmiste, Banks In Battle For No. 1

    Published: Mar 17, 2004

    TAMPA - South Florida QBs Pat Julmiste and Ronnie Banks may be friends off the field, but on it, they're embroiled in a fierce competition for the starting spot.

    The formula for winning the position is simple: consistency and productivity.

    Whichever signal caller displays those traits this spring will get the nod heading into fall practice and the season opener against future Big East rival Pittsburgh on Sept. 4.

    Julmiste, who switched jersey numbers from 17 to 3, worked with the first team and Banks with the second in the Bulls' first practice of the spring.

    ``We'll start grading when we get in pads [on Thursday],'' Coach Jim Leavitt said after Tuesday's three-hour practice in helmets and shorts.

    Quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said the position is wide open, but a starter will be named by the end of spring.

    ``I'm looking for the one who will be consistent, won't turn the ball over, and who will make good, sound decisions and let the athletes make the plays,'' he said. ``Pat did pretty good for his first day. He was a little rusty, but I can see the progress.''

    Gregg Becnel

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