USF QBs May Get Most Attention

[Papa_Bull]

USF QBs May Get Most Attention

By BRETT McMURPHY bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: Aug 7, 2005

 

TAMPA - When the University of South Florida's players report today, there are only a few positions where the Bulls don't have a player returning with starting experience.

However, when practice begins Monday, most of the attention will be directed toward a returning starter -- junior quarterback Pat Julmiste.

Last year Julmiste started 10 games -- only missing the South Carolina game because of a knee injury -- and encountered his share of ups and downs.

Julmiste threw for 1,570 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. His 47.8 completion percentage and numerous drops by USF's receivers contributed to the Bulls having the nation's ninth-worst passing efficiency offense.

Monday, Julmiste starts atop the depth chart, but sophomore Courtney Denson, a transfer from Auburn who sat out last season, and incoming freshmen Carlton Hill and Matt Grothe will be given equal opportunities.

USF coach Jim Leavitt said he realizes most of the attention from media and fans will be directed toward the quarterbacks, but he said there are other key positions entering fall drills.

The Bulls must replace offensive linemen Levi Newton, Derrick Sarosi and Alex Herron; defensive tackle Lee Roy Selmon Jr.; kicker Santiago Gramatica; and free safety Javon Camon.

Both offensive tackle spots are up for grabs between junior college transfer Theodric Watson, sophomores Jerome Springfield and Walter Walker, and freshmen Marc Dile and Jake Griffin. Redshirt freshman walk-ons Justin Teachey and Kyle Bronson and incoming freshman Mike Benzer will bid to be USF's first non-Gramatica place-kicker since 1997.

Other key battles will be at defensive line and cornerback. With a roster that's nearly three-fourths sophomores and freshmen, Leavitt said he expects several newcomers to contribute this season, including Hill, Watson, wide receivers Taurus Johnson and Amarri Jackson, and linebacker Gene Coleman.

Leavitt said Hill "might play a lot of places" besides quarterback.

Of USF's incoming recruiting class, only freshman wide receiver Ishmael Grant and Coleman are still waiting for academic clearance.

http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGBMH7NN2CE.html

[E.T.]

Didn't realize that Griffin was considered at Tackle, and there's the Coleman "iffy" situation.

Let's hope Hill lives up to the hype . . .

Go BULLS !!!

[bullz97]

If the three new starters on the line don't do the job, no QB will have success.

[PingBull]

Leavitt said Hill "might play a lot of places" besides quarterback.

http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGBMH7NN2CE.html

can you say Michael Bush?