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Extra Practice Time Paying Off

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2007

TAMPA - After navigating through the highs and lows of a 12-game season, playing in the Sun Bowl is a rewarding experience for the University of South Florida.

But beyond the fanfare and activities awaiting the Bulls in El Paso, Texas, the most important aspect of qualifying for a bowl game is the added practice time the coaches get with the players.

"This stuff is invaluable," Coach Jim Leavitt said of the extra practice time. "There's a lot of good stuff going on."

EARLY IMPRESSIONS: In what amounts to an early spring session, younger players have a chance to prove their worth while others shift positions to find their best fit.

"Terrell McClain is looking outstanding at nose guard. FB Richard Kelly is looking really good. Alton Voss looks good at quarterback. He's a horse. Patrick Richardson is doing some really good things at receiver," Leavitt said. "We moved Jason Fox to nose from fullback. We moved Tyson Butler to cornerback from running back. We're working Jerrell Young at safety instead of corner and we moved Darren Powe from defensive end to nose."

USF will not practice today or Monday, but Leavitt said the focus will remain on the younger players during Tuesday and Wednesday's workouts before shifting to "all Oregon" on Friday.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Most of USF's coaches will be recruiting Monday, with Leavitt going to Mississippi. Several Bulls coaches, including Leavitt, will be recruiting in Miami on Thursday.

Gregg Becnel

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