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New Season Bringing Heightened Expectations

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By BRETT McMURPHY

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2008

TAMPA - When the University of South Florida went through Monday's first practice, it was like no other season-opening workout in program history. For the first time the Bulls began fall drills with a number before their name - No. 21-ranked USF.

Another first from Day One: autograph seekers waiting afterward in the parking lot.

"That's never happened before," said USF junior defensive end George Selvie, who patiently and politely autographed some photos on the hood of a car after the 21/2-hour practice.

With 16 returning starters and unprecedented expectations, Selvie noticed a difference between Monday and last year's first practice.

"Everyone's moving at a faster pace," he said. "We know we're competing this year against some of the best teams in the nation, we're at a faster pace.

"We have to win the Big East championship. Everyone has to get better. Last year was last year, you got to be better. We want to go undefeated. Everything is more intense, faster. We know we got to get there."

To get there, the Bulls must successfully blend experience and youth, said USF coach Jim Leavitt, who added as many as seven freshmen could play this season.

"We have such a mixture of young guys, I think that will be a key this year," Leavitt said. "We have some very talented young guys, how fast can we move them along? We lost some good players, but have a number back as well."

The most recognizable returning starter is junior quarterback Matt Grothe, who reported to camp at 200 pounds after weighing as much as 220 last season.

"It's kind of weird being back out here, but it was a lot of fun," Grothe said. "The expectations are high. Everyone knows what we can do and we know what we can do. We just got to do it."

NOTES: New DL coach John Hendrick, who suffered a heart attack July 1, still hasn't been cleared to return. "He wants to be out here, it's killing him," Leavitt said. "We need him, but new DE coach Kevin Patrick is doing a good job with the front four. We'd love to have John out here and we will, when things are right." ... DE David Bedford and CB Theo Wilson, both junior college transfers, received academic clearance Monday and practiced. They were the last players waiting to get approval.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.

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