Aug 17th Practice Report: "We're looking like a football team"

[Griggsy]

August 17 Football Practice Reports

Courtesy: USF

Release: 08/17/2007

MORNING SESSION

The University of South Florida football began its fourth session of two-a-days with a morning practice on Friday.

USF head coach Jim Leavitt was mildly impressed with the effort afterwards, "We are starting to look like a football team.  Now we are just starting, but we are looking like a football team."

The biggest news was the health and return of a large rotation on the offensive line with the lone exception among experienced players being C Ryan Schmidt.

"We had 11 offensive linemen participating today," said Leavitt.  "We looked crisp and the offensive was moving in the right direction."

The kicking game remains a daily emphasis in camp.

"It is real priority and we will continue devoting a lot of time there each day," said Leavitt. "Delbert Alvarado and Justin Teachey are getting plenty reps and they are showing some good things."

The local media asked about the progress of LB Tyrone McKenzie, who is working at sam linebacker with Chris Robinson sidelined.

"He is the starter right now at sam and he is playing really well," said Leavitt. "When Chris Robinson gets healthy, he will be involved.  Chris is just one of those guys that you know will always be in the mix."

The Bulls will hit the field for the second practice of the day at approximately 3:55 p.m.

USF will scrimmage on Saturday morning and although it will be closed to the media and public, www.GoUSFBulls.com will provide stats and a recap afterward.

Check back early this evening for a recap of the afternoon session.

[Brad]

AFTERNOON SESSION

In anticipation of the first scrimmage of the fall, the University of South Florida football team ended practice 15  minutes early on Friday afternoon.

It won't be an extended rest for the Bulls, who will return for a full scrimmage on Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

"We have a scrimmage tomorrow and they worked pretty well this morning," said USF head coach Jim Leavitt.  "We could have had a little better focus this afternoon but overall it wasn't too bad.  We will end up going about 100 plays tomorrow and for many guys that will be the only scrimmage work they will have."

The running backs were a topic of discussion among the media at practices.

"Ben Williams is really doing well," said Leavitt. "He has really gotten better since our bowl game. He has a lot of guys around him who are doing well too."

He went on to commend the efforts of fellow RB  Ashton Samuels, Mike Ford, Shawn Cannon and Jamar Taylor.

But the highlight of the day came in the opening moments of practice when K Delbert Alvarado nailed a 62-yard field goal.

"He hit it strong too," said Leavitt. "We sent him back to 67 yards because if he makes that, it's a NCAA record."

Alvarado missed the 67-yard attempt, but Leavitt was okay with that.

"We have a lot of confidence in Delbert," said the USF mentor.

USF will scrimmage on Saturday morning and although it will be closed to the media and public, www.GoUSFBulls.com will provide stats and a recap afterward.

[E.T.]

...

But the highlight of the day came in the opening moments of practice when K Delbert Alvarado nailed a 62-yard field goal.

"He hit it strong too," said Leavitt. "We sent him back to 67 yards because if he makes that, it's a NCAA record."

Alvarado missed the 67-yard attempt, but Leavitt was okay with that.

"We have a lot of confidence in Delbert," said the USF mentor.

...

We may have a serious weapon.

[USF-PMR]

Leavitt sure knows how to put it all together.  He is commenting more and more each year on the teams ability.  He sees vast improvments and will only let on where he wants to.

Jimmy you are the best - give em hell!

[USFbulls0208]

...

But the highlight of the day came in the opening moments of practice when K Delbert Alvarado nailed a 62-yard field goal.

"He hit it strong too," said Leavitt. "We sent him back to 67 yards because if he makes that, it's a NCAA record."

Alvarado missed the 67-yard attempt, but Leavitt was okay with that.

"We have a lot of confidence in Delbert," said the USF mentor.

...

We may have a serious weapon.

As long as he's consistent...

[MikeG]

...

But the highlight of the day came in the opening moments of practice when K Delbert Alvarado nailed a 62-yard field goal.

"He hit it strong too," said Leavitt. "We sent him back to 67 yards because if he makes that, it's a NCAA record."

Alvarado missed the 67-yard attempt, but Leavitt was okay with that.

"We have a lot of confidence in Delbert," said the USF mentor.

...

We may have a serious weapon.

He wazs hitting from all over the place. THe 67 yarder fell a few yards short but I don't think he got all of it. The 62 yarder would have been good from 5-10 yards farther back imo

[Guest JulmisteForPrez]

It's one thing to do that in practice w/o pressure and a defense trying to block it fellas.

I'll reserve judgment until we see him kick in a few games.

[Bullpride08]

It's one thing to do that in practice w/o pressure and a defense trying to block it fellas.

I'll reserve judgment until we see him kick in a few games.

You mean kinda like the 57 yarder he hit against Syracuse as a true frosh?