Plenty Of Competition For No. 2 RB Spot

[E.T.]

Plenty Of Competition For No. 2 RB Spot

By GREGG BECNEL

Published: Aug 22, 2006

TAMPA - The University of South Florida's starting running back spot was supposed to be a two-man battle between freshman Moise Plancher and sophomore Ricky Ponton. But after Plancher was named the starter after Saturday's scrimmage, Ponton is among a handful of players vying to become the No. 2 back.

"It's Moise and the rest of them," running backs coach Carl Franks said. "There's some pretty good competition for that spot. Everybody's running hard."

Ponton suffered a setback Tuesday when he injured his hamstring.

"He pulled that thing pretty good," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "Ponton was the guy we thought would get in there [at No. 2] until [Tuesday]."

It wasn't immediately known whether Ponton will be sidelined for any length of time.

Franks has no concerns about Plancher's durability, despite his 5-foot-9, 190-pound frame.

"People usually equate size with height," Franks said. "Height is not the issue as much as it is size. Even though he doesn't have a lot of height, he has a lot of bulk. He's well-put together. He's able to bounce off guys and has excellent balance. He has a knack for slipping tackles. Sometimes it's hard to find him with all those big guys blocking for him. He can pop right through there."

GOOD TO BE BACK: Most players dread the preseason two-a-day practices in the burning sun. But after sitting out last season with a broken foot, starting FS Danny Verpaele is just happy to be on the field again.

"It sucked sitting out the whole year last year," the 5-foot-11, 200-pound sophomore said. "I hated it. I never want to do that again."

INJURY NEWS: OL Danny Tolley returned to practice without limitations, Leavitt said. WR Amp Hill (ankle) and QB Grant Gregory (shoulder) will not practice the rest of the week.

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bulls/MGBX5EE27RE.html

[E.T.]

And remember MANY saying last season and during the offseason that Plancher was the man to beat. Well, he is and Ponton was #2, until the injury.

The first 2 games will also be a great time to see the rest of the RB's ... we know what Ponton can do. Excited to see Plancher play.

Just rest Ponton and the same for Amp ... REST !

We have 2 easier games for us to rest the hurt.

Go BULLS !!!

[CyberBull]

And remember MANY saying last season and during the offseason that Plancher was the man to beat. Well, he is and Ponton was #2, until the injury.

The first 2 games will also be a great time to see the rest of the RB's ... we know what Ponton can do. Excited to see Plancher play.

Just rest Ponton and the same for Amp ... REST !

We have 2 easier games for us to rest the hurt.

Go BULLS !!!

Correction: first three games should be pretty easy so we should let Ricky rest until the real season starts at Kansas.

[smazza]

plancher's durability will be tested

article didnt indicate who was competing with ponton

ponton will transfer

[The Sheriff]

Ricky's suspension is two games right... it goes hand and hand with his purported hamstring injury... smart guy that Leavitt dude is.

[T-Man]

Sheriff that is a pretty good Yoda impersonation! "Smart guy that Leavitt dude is.."

[BullyPulpit]

Ricky's suspension is two games right... it goes hand and hand with his purported hamstring injury... smart guy that Leavitt dude is.

What does it matter what the reason given is? Does it change anything? Moises won the starting job, if Ponton plays, great, if not, oh well.

[E.T.]

plancher's durability will be tested

...

:

This goes for every starter.

[bulls96go]

so ponton was beaten out...that is good newshope he keeps getting better and pushing mp for playing time

our rb situation may not be that bad

[E.T.]

Exactly ... and that is a great thing for USF!

Our expected starter from last year is battling for a #2 spot ... an improved position.

Go BULLS !!!