Bulls Hunt For Next 1,000-Yard Rusher

[E.T.]

Bulls Hunt For Next 1,000-Yard Rusher

Published: Aug 10, 2006

TAMPA - For the second time in its 10-year football history, the University of South Florida must replace a 1,000-yard rusher.

Following Dyral McMillan’s 1,017-yard season in 1999, senior Rafael Williams led the Bulls with 704 yards in 2000.

This time around, USF will rely on two underclassmen to replace all-time leading rusher Andre Hall, who played only two years with the Bulls but ran for more than 1,000 yards each season.

As the Bulls begin full-pad workouts this morning, sophomore Ricky Ponton, of Hillsborough High, and redshirt freshman Moise Plancher are vying to become USF’s primary ball carrier.

"Me and Ricky are like best friends. Whoever gets [the starting job], gets it. We both are going to play, regardless," said Plancher, who is fully healed from a hamstring injury suffered during spring practice. "I think we’re both going to be productive, but I believe the coaches are going to start the best player."

Added Ponton, who rushed for 373 yards and two TDs as Hall’s backup a year ago: “It’s going to be a hard, fun battle. The coaches are going to make the right decision. Whoever does the right things on and off the field will be the man in that No. 1 spot."

ODDS AND ENDS: RB Shawn Cannon has completed his academic work at Highlands (Kan.) Community College and practiced for the first time Thursday. … USF has added walk-on DB Fred Marshall, a junior from Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Largo, and senior OL Warren Garrison, who played at Indian Rocks Christian.

Gregg Becnel

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bulls/MGBPD9TPPQE.html

[bulls96go]

ponton

will we even get a bruiser back that drags 5 into the end zone with him?

[smazza]

plancher seems like he has inside track