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USF Players Hand Out Toys

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2007

TAMPA - Twenty University of South Florida players, including Mike Jenkins, Trae Williams, Tyller Roberts, Ryan Gilliam, Delbert Alvarado, Marc Dile and Carlton Williams, distributed toys to the children at DeSoto Elementary School as part of the state attorney's annual toy drive.

"The children's faces lit up when they saw the players. They are true role models," state attorney office spokeswoman Pam Bondi said. "The athletes explained to the kids that with hard work and dedication anything can be accomplished. The university, students and alumni should be so proud to have these young men as their representative."

Students at DeSoto come from the lowest income families in Hillsborough County.

WELCOME BACK: Senior WR Amarri Jackson, who missed the final 4 1/2 games of the regular season with a knee injury, will play when USF takes on the Ducks on Dec. 31.

Gregg Becnel

2008 Game In Tampa Appears Unlikely

TALLAHASSEE - The likelihood of Florida State playing in Tampa next season appears to be slim as interim athletic director Bill Proctor works on finalizing the Noles' 2008 schedule. FSU hasn't played a game in Tampa since a 31-3 victory against Arizona State in 1979.

With eight home games scheduled next season, school officials have explored the possibility of moving a regular-season game to a neutral site, most likely the Sept. 20 game against Colorado. FSU President T.K. Wetherell said in late October that Tampa was a real possibility.

However, since arriving on campus Nov. 1, Proctor said he has not been involved in any discussions with Tampa officials about moving the FSU-Colorado game to Raymond James Stadium next season.

"I have had some work with the possibility of the game in Jacksonville, but that doesn't mean Tampa is a closed option," Proctor said Wednesday. "But right now, the question is: Is it feasible to move it at all?"

BACK IN TOWN: A day after interviewing for the head coaching job at West Virginia, offensive line coach Rick Trickett returned to practice Wednesday. Prior to joining FSU's staff this season, Trickett spent the past six seasons as West Virginia's OL coach.

NOLE NUGGET: Senior WRs De'Cody Fagg and Joslin Shaw both missed practice due to family concerns.

Scott Carter

Charges Won't Be Filed Against Cunningham

GAINESVILLE - The state attorney's office has opted not to pursue a misdemeanor battery charge against Florida DE Jermaine Cunningham, who was arrested Dec. 5 and accused of throwing empty cups at a sandwich shop employee who had asked Cunningham to pay for a $1 bag of potato chips.

According to court records, the State Attorney's Office dropped the charge Wednesday because of "insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction."

As of early Wednesday afternoon, a case remained open against former Florida LB Jon Demps, who is accused of throwing a sandwich at the employee, and former LSU receiver and current world-class sprinter Xavier Carter, who is accused of running from police as they tried to pick up Cunningham and Demps.

While Cunningham won't face discipline from the state of Florida, he still must endure the penalty imposed by Florida coach Urban Meyer. Meyer said that besides any physical punishment Cunningham must endure, he also will not be eligible for any bowl gifts his teammates might receive.

"I heard Jermaine's story," Meyer said. "Jermaine's story bordered on being ridiculous. It was not very smart. It was disrespectful, also. He'll play in the Capital One Bowl, but he's still paying the price."

FLORIDA SIGNS TWO: The Gators signed a pair of junior college players to national letters-of-intent Wednesday - WR Carl Moore (6-4, 220) of Sierra CC in Cordova, Calif., and DT Troy Epps (6-1, 280) of Coffeyville (Kan.) CC.Meyer said Moore and Epps would enroll in January. The Gators also have 13 high schoolers currently committed.

HOLLIDAY ON WVU: Safeties coach Doc Holliday said his interview Monday for the head coaching job at West Virginia went well, but he said he doesn't know where he stands in relation to the other candidates. Holliday, a former Mountaineers linebacker, also spent 20 years on the WVU staff.

Andy Staples

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