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USF's McCarney, UCF's Skladany Share Iowa State Roots

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2007

TAMPA - While the University of South Florida-UCF contest pits dozens of former high school teammates against each other, it also will be a unique game for USF DL coach Dan McCarney and UCF defensive coordinator John Skladany, who spent the past 10 years together at Iowa State.

McCarney was ISU's coach the past 12 seasons, with Skladany his defensive coordinator between 1996-2006.

'He's like family to me, but we'll draw a line in the sand Saturday and go after it for 3 1/2 hours,' McCarney said. 'We made history together at Iowa State. I'm proud of John.

'I could never repay him for what he did for me. I think John and USF's Wally Burnham are two of the most underrated defensive coordinators in the nation.'

The biggest test for McCarney and USF's defense will be slowing down Kevin Smith, averaging a national-best 172 yards per game.

'No. 24 Smith does a great job,' McCarney said. 'As soon as somebody jumps out of their gap, he's got the best seat in the house 8 yards behind the line of scrimmage and he'll hit the hole like a rocket. That's why he's leading the country.'

ODDS AND ENDS: USF officials are cautioning fans to be aware of counterfeit tickets. About 50 counterfeit tickets were discovered for the USF-West Virginia game. ... Jacksonville Parker DB Josh Price verbally committed to USF. However, he does not have a scholarship offer from the school because of academic concerns. ... Denver Broncos rookie RB Andre Hall attended Thursday's practice and said he will attend Saturday's game. ... OL Matt Huners (knee) remains out. ... Parking lots will open at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Brett McMurphy

Injured CB Anderson May Be Playing Soon

GAINESVILLE - University of Florida CB Markihe Anderson has had a rough start to the year, but things may be looking up for the sophomore.

Anderson was named a preseason starter, but he injured his medial collateral ligament days before the season opener.

Then, against Tennessee, he injured the posterior cruciate ligament in the same knee.

'It's been a real tough season,' Anderson said. 'You want to be careful with all kind of injuries, especially knee injuries because it's easy to re-tweak it. ... It's just something that I want to look at and take it slow. Do as much as I can one day at a time.'

Anderson said he's following the team's doctors' advice carefully, but he expects to be on the field against Kentucky next week.

'I've been out here all week flying around, just doing as much as I can,' Anderson said. 'I'll be back. No doubt.'

CUNNINGHAM DEVELOPS: It hasn't taken long for DE Jermaine Cunningham to make an impression this season.

The sophomore racked up 17 tackles against Louisiana State, and fellow defensive lineman Derrick Harvey isn't the least bit surprised.

'As coach says, when you practice good, you're going to play good,' Harvey said. 'He's been doing that, so he's playing better.'

During his freshman year, Cunningham recorded just two tackles.

This year, his first as a starter, he's tied with Major Wright as the third-leading tackler on the team with 36.

'Every day in practice he's working hard, listening to coach,' Harvey said. 'He's just been competing, trying to make plays. Now he's stepping up.'

Jenna Marina

LB McCarthy Out With A Concussion

CORAL GABLES - Colin McCarthy will not play against Georgia Tech on Saturday because of a mild concussion he suffered last week against North Carolina.

McCarthy, a strongside linebacker, is third on the team on tackles with 34 and has one interception.

Darryl Sharpton will make his first start of the season at middle linebacker with Tavares Gooden moving to strongside, filling in for McCarthy.

LEGGETT AILING: Senior WR Lance Leggett did not practice this week due to an undisclosed injury he suffered last game and his status is unknown.

'I don't know right now,' Coach Randy Shannon said after Thursday's practice. 'I'll find that out today, what he is going to do, if he is going to play or not.'

KICKING DUTIES: Shannon is not happy with K Francesco Zampogna, who has converted 9-for-14 field goals this season, and has opened up the position. Daren Daly and P Matt Bosher are competing for the spot, but a decision has not been make.

'We'll make that decision Friday after we do a couple of kicking things,' Shannon said.

Christopher Stock

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