USF's Benzer Looking For A Good Start

[E.T.]

USF's Benzer Looking For A Good Start

By BRETT McMURPHY

Published: Aug 24, 2006

TAMPA - With University of South Florida sophomore Mike Benzer beginning his second season as the Bulls' starting placekicker, he plans on doing better than last season.

"It's very important, obviously to have a better start," said Benzer, who missed his only three field goals last season before being replaced by Kyle Bronson, who has since transferred to Texas State. "I can't start out like that or I'll be on the bench."

USF coach Jim Leavitt said Benzer has been doing well in fall drills.

"I don't know if [last year's struggles] were nerves or if I was too excited," said Benzer, who hit 11 of 15 field goals his senior year at Lyman High School. "I don't blame anybody but myself. I feel better with a year under my belt."

FIELD OF 65: USF senior LB Stephen Nicholas was among 65 players on the Butkus Watch list, marking Nicholas' third consecutive season to make the preseason list.

Nicholas is one of six Big East players named to the preseason Butkus list, given to the nation's top linebacker.

ANOTHER TV DATE: USF's Sept. 2 season opener against McNeese State will be televised on WFTS, Ch. 28 and re-broadcast Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. on Catch 47. USF's other televised games: Sept. 29 vs. Rutgers (ESPN2), Oct. 22 at Cincinnati (ESPN) and Nov. 4 vs. Pittsburgh (Big East Syndicated). Also, USF's Sept. 9 game with FIU will be available on the Internet on ESPN360.

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bulls/MGBKMVC0ARE.html