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Alvarado's Job Is Safe For Now

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Gregg Becnel

Published: October 30, 2007

TAMPA - TAMPA - University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is sticking with Delbert Alvarado, despite the sophomore place-kicker's season-long struggles with inconsistency.

"We've had some difficulty with the kicking," Leavitt said. "When [Delbert] gets focused, he's a very good kicker, and everybody sees that. He really needs to finish and kick well in the month of November. I trust him the most of everybody."

Alvarado, who is 11-for-20 in field-goal attempts this season, says he hasn't lost confidence in himself.
"As a kicker, you have to have a short memory," he said. "Whether you're doing great or you're struggling, you have to forget the last kick and look forward to the next one. I can be 0-for-6 in a game and that seventh one, you better believe I'm going to go in there knowing I can make it."

INJURY UPDATE: WR Amarri Jackson had an MRI on his right knee Tuesday but Leavitt said he didn't know the results after practice.

With Jackson not expected to play Saturday against Cincinnati, freshman Carlton Mitchell, a Gaither grad, will get his first career start.

"I'm excited, but at the same time I'm kind of down because I didn't want it to be like this," said Mitchell, who has 15 catches for 280 yards and two TDs.

RB Mike Ford (ribs) was in pads Tuesday and took part in early position drills. Leavitt was encouraged by Ford's progress, but said it will be later this week before a decision on Ford's availability will be made.

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