Jebbull

COLLEGE FOOTBALL I USF BULLS Stronger Jackson taking on more serious role as leader BY ALAN DELL http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070321/SPORTS/703210752/1006 CORRESPONDENT TAMPA -- Going into his final spring football practice as the University of South Florida's most experienced receiver, Amarri Jackson wants to give the program his best. The former Riverview High quarterback is expected to be role a model and solid senior citizen. Though he is known for his humor, the 6-foot-5, 207-pounder says he will take a more serious role this season as he tries to set an example for the younger guys on the team. "We have a very talented group of receivers and a lot of them are young. What I am trying to do is take them and myself to another level," Jackson said on Tuesday before the Bulls' first spring practice day. The 21-year-old comes into camp bigger, stronger and possibly faster. Last year, he played at a little over 190 pounds. His maximum bench press was 245 pounds and he was able to do about seven reps at 225 pounds. This year, he is benching 285 and can do 14 reps at 225 pounds. Jackson attributes the added strength to the aggressive approach he and his teammates take to weightlifting and the spirit that flourishes in the weight room. "You can feel the adrenaline in the room among the players and the coaches. It's never quiet in there. Guys are pushing each other to get ceratin weights off the rack," Jackson said. The Bulls return three of their top four receivers. Jackson leads the trio -- which includes Taurus Johnson and Marcus Edwards -- in yards per catch (15.1 average) last season along with three touchdown receptions. All three are listed as starters on the depth chart, but Jackson said that status doesn't concern him. "I think all of the jobs on the team are open because we have so many talented people. I am never disappointed in playing time because I am going to make plays, regardless, whenever the ball comes to me," he said. Jackson is also trying to make life easier for his first cousin, Mike Ford, the heralded 2005 Sarasota High graduate, who has never played collegiate football and enrolled at USF in January. Their mothers are sisters and Jackson played a role in influencing Ford to come to USF after he had originally signed with Alabama. Now, he wants to make sure the 6-2, 220- pound running back gets on the field. "We both couldn't play out of high school because of our grades and Mike had it real rough, going to a military school and then junior college," Jackson said. "I talk to him every day about going to class and maintaining his grades and that nothing here is going to be handed to him. We've got a lot of good running backs and all them have grades." USF head coach Jim Leavitt said Ford would miss all Tuesday practices because of an academic commitment. He goes into spring practice down on the depth chart, but that could change. "Mike was one of the best players in the country when he was in high school, but he hasn't played in college and we don't know what he can do. We will just have to wait and see." After last season, Jackson submitted his name to the NFL to get a draft projection. He won't reveal what he was told, but opted to come back for his final year. He has been getting some advice from Chris Hannon, ex-Riverview and University of Tennessee receiver, who is on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. "My dream is to play in the NFL, but another dream I have is to get a college degree and I am going to do that," Jackson said. "It's a relief when you don't have to worry about your grades. The other day, the coaches read off a list of players, who needed to watch their grades and my name wasn't called. It was a great feeling." Last modified: March 21. 2007 5:51AM TAMPA -- Going into his final spring football practice as the University of South Florida's most experienced receiver, Amarri Jackson wants to give the program his best.

03/06/07 Binky breaks out the spatula, spices for a good cause During the fall, he's Binky Waldrop, head football coach at Charlotte High School. The rest of the school year, he's Chef Binky, Charlotte's grilling gourmet. When the Tarpons are shooting hoops or half Nelsons or swinging for the fences, you can be sure the Binkster is there with his spatula and his shaker with its secret herbs and spices, making the best hamburgers and cheeseburgers this side of paradise. Give him some pork and ribs and watch what Chef Binky can do with his special barbeque sauce. And what this man can do to an ordinary hot dog, even Nathan's would be impressed. The Big Man has a big heart, too. Ask any former player or fellow concessionaire with whom he has worked. When someone needs a helping hand, Binky puts a cooking utensil in his and fires up the grill. This Thursday evening, you will have the opportunity to sample some of his menu -- a Binky buffet, if you will -- and also help out the family of former Tarpon standout Javan Camon, who was tragically killed last week during a professional indoor football game in Daytona Beach. Chef Binky will be grilling his buns off before and during the Charlotte junior varsity baseball game against visiting Bradenton-Southeast, with the proceeds going to his family to defray some of the expenses of his burial. The first piece of meat goes on the grill at 5 p.m. and the Binkster won't turn off the gas until after 8, which is plenty of time for those of you who remember the joy with which Camon played football to help the cause. "Come by the park with the family and have dinner," invites our Wolfgang Puck. The football coach has spent a great deal of time the last week talking and counseling many of Camon's former teammates, who are still searching for closure. According to Waldrop, a local service is planned for Saturday afternoon (details are still to be formalized by the family). So Thursday night bring your hearty appetite and those of your family and friends to watch the Junior Tarpons and remember Javan Camon. Here is the link to the Charlotte Sun-Herald, who should post additonal information for Javon's funeral arrangements in Punta Gorda later.  http://www.sun-herald.com/

As mentioned, I live in Punta Gorda, Javon's hometown. I have not heard or read anything in the Charlotte Sun-Herald regarding funeral arrangements. Once I hear of some information regarding the services, I will it. Again, here is the link to the Charlotte Sun-Herald for information. There is a good story today about the type of person Javon was. http://www.sun-herald.com/

Terry; I live in Charlotte County, Javon's home town. There has not been anything in the local paper, The Charlotte-Sun Herald yet regarding arrangements. Hopefully, later today or tomorrow they willplace something in the paper. Here is a link to the Charlotte-Sun Herald http://www.sun-herald.com/. This is stunning. I watched him play in HS and at USF.

Stunning. I'm from Charlotte County and watched him play HS ball and then at USF. Great guy. Nothing in the local paper regarding funeral arrangements.

-- Jeff Berlinicke, The Fort Meyers News-Press Is the guy legit? He misspelled Fort Myers

Seems like we keep missing on Lauderdale players such as Grant and Brent Shaeffer. We're making good inroads in other communities in Florida!

We picked-up Garrison anyway.

Seems Iowa and USF were a ruse and he goes to Louiseville.

It looked like me out there as our HS jerserys were the same and I wore #10. Congrats and welcome aboard!

Great way to start the day! Let's keep it rolling. Congats to C. Davis. Hey Flip Flop, I met you in B'ham at the team hotel.

That's Great! Congratulations guys and welcome aboard!

Grades may be an issue for him no matter where he goes.

a very serious football school at Palatka that kicks out 1-A prospects every year.  It's a very good sign for USF that were getting verbals for great kids from great programs that in the past USF hasn't had much success signing.  Sinclair out of Mandarin, Sutton from Deland....maybe Joe Jones out of Broward.  All areas and schools that typically send their top talent to the SEC or ACC and it's a very good sign USF is making headway in those schools and areas. Thinking the same thing, that we are penetrating staunch Gator Country with us pulling some guys from these areas. One notable Palatka alum is John L. Williams, who was a RB with the Gators and a 1st round draft choice of the Seahawks back in the late 1980s.

Polls are BS this time of year and are based nothing other than name and repetation.

Props to him for his rehab and getting back on the court. Sounds like a lot of painful and lonely hours in the gym getting his knee ready for competition.

Congrats and welcome to the Bulls' family.

That makes sense. I really thought he was the better of the second team QB's. He seems to have a lot of talent and can contribute.

I agree with you. I thought he would have received some PT to see how he responds in a game.

Its a freakin joke they have lost the last nine BCS Bowl games! Yet, because of their following, they continue to get into the BCS games.

If Marve does sign with 'Bama, there is risk on his part; he may not fit into the scheme 'Bama may run. Also, Saban may want a different type of QB than Marve and may not pursue him like Shula did. If I were a coach recruiting against Saban, his short-term coaching stints with several teams is something I would strongly point-out.

Also, a DT from Pensacola committed due to his mother knowing Clark. Hopefully, he dosn't de-committ. Coach Clark did a good job and wish him the best of luck.

Great Thread. I took pictures of him carrying the trophy (will post later). I have always been impressed with PJ as a person and echo the thoughts that he will be successful after college.

Does anyone have driving directions from Team Hotel (Sheraton downtown) to Dreamland BBQ? What's the address and/or location? Starts at 6:00 pm, right?

LOL. This is one of the best ever!! I second the HOF motion.