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South Florida's Griffin Finds Home At Center

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

TAMPA - Since moving from guard to center to fill in for an injured Nick Capogna in last year's season opener, University of South Florida senior Jake Griffin says he's found a home.

"When Capogna went down in the first game, that's when I got bumped over and thrown into the fire. And I love it. I have no plans to leave center," said the Armwood grad, who stayed at center even after Capogna was healthy. "I'd play center over any other spot. You're in the middle of all the action. You're right there between all those big guys. I just think it's fun. And you have to be the quarterback of the offensive line. I take pride in that."

What was Griffin's biggest adjustment after taking over at center?

"You have to know everyone's spot, you have to know what everyone does and you have to read the defenses," he said. "At guard, you have the center telling you what to do. You have to know your spot, too, but at center you have to know everyone's spot."

Griffin believes the offensive line will be one of the Bulls' strengths this season. "I don't think depth will be a problem. We have a lot of guys we can roll in there," he said. "The young guys look good, so the older guys just have to work hard. We can't let the young guys pass us up."

ODDS AND ENDS: Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said going through workouts in shorts is like "intramural ball." "Saturday when we get full pads then we'll find out who's going to play," he said. ... WRs Marcus Edwards, Patrick Richardson and Daniel Bryant and FS Nate Allen returned punts during practice, while WR Dontavia Bogan and CBs Jerrell Young and Tyson Butler handled kickoff returns.

Gregg Becnel
Ingram Sidelined With Left Leg Strain
GAINESVILLE - With Percy Harvin not doing much more than playing cheerleader on the sidelines, another key offensive contributor was noticeably missing from Wednesday's workout. Tight end Cornelius Ingram was nowhere to be seen at the Gators' third practice of the new season.

According to Coach Urban Meyer, Ingram was expected to have an MRI Wednesday night. The results likely won't be known until this morning at the earliest. In the meantime, Florida is calling the injury a left leg strain.

ALSO: Running back Chris Rainey has a strained groin and will miss practice for the next couple of days.

Karl Hyppolite

Andrews Excited About Defensive Prospects

TALLAHASSEE - Mickey Andrews arrived at Florida State in 1983 with the challenge to build a championship defense and help the Seminoles become a football powerhouse.

The veteran defensive coordinator will enter his 25th preseason camp today with an equally big challenge - to guide FSU's return to the national elite after consecutive 7-6 seasons.

"We're excited about it," Andrews said of the upcoming season and challenges. "When you're in coaching, you have to judge yourself by what the team does, too. I don't think there is a coach on our staff who sees themselves as a 7-6 coach and I don't think we have a player at that point. And we're not."

Andrews loses four starters off a defense that ranked eighth in the ACC in total defense during the regular season. At least five current players with starting experience won't be available for the season opener. Yet Andrews is energized by the progress his players have made since the Music City Bowl.

"I think they'll come in mentally and physically ready to work," he said.

Steve Ellis

Senior Dixon Leaves Practice In An Ambulance

CORAL GABLES - Miami senior defensive tackle Antonio Dixon was taken to a hospital by ambulance after apparently suffering effects from the strong heat and humidity during Wednesday's practice.

The team said Dixon was in good condition, and he was expected to stay at Doctor's Hospital overnight as a precaution. Miami coach Randy Shannon originally had said Dixon was suffering from dehydration, but the team later said his ailment was unclear.

Dixon, a 6-foot-3, 322-pound projected starter, is the third player in the last two days to leave practice early. Running backs Damien Berry and Lee Chambers left Tuesday's practice early due to dehydration.

Plus, several players cramped during Saturday's opening session, when the heat index was in the mid-90s by late morning.

The Associated Press

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