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Leavitt Pleased With Effort After First Set Of Two-A-Days

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Tribune wires

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 10, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt knows his team, ranked No. 21 in the preseason coaches' poll, will be a good one this season. When it reaches its potential, however, is not as clear.

"We have a great group of guys who are trying very hard, but you have to realize we lost a lot of players from last year's 9-4 team," Leavitt said. "Not to sound negative, I'm just saying for our first day of two-a-days to expect to be where we were last year at this time is unrealistic.

"But the effort is great. They understand what they need to do, but we're not there by any stretch of the imagination. We're getting close to having a first team. I can't even begin to think about No. 2's."

While he wouldn't elaborate, Leavitt said "just about" seven of the 22 starting spots are still up for grabs.

SIGN HIM UP: Not pleased with the way the kicking was going during kickoff drills, Leavitt teed the ball up himself and pooch-kicked - quite nicely, by the way - about five balls.

Leavitt, who admitted to doing some kicking in high school, reported no leg problems after practice.

"I did barefoot straight-on," Leavitt said of his high-school days, "until I broke my toe."

ODDS AND ENDS: Sophomore LB Lucas Darr injured his ankle in Saturday morning's practice and watched the afternoon session with a boot on his right foot. ... USF added WQBN, 1300 AM, a Spanish-language station that broadcasts throughout the Tampa Bay area, to its radio network.

BULLS ROUNDUP: Fan Fest presented by TBOExtra.com will be held today from 3-6 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. Fans should park in Lot 4 and enter through Gate B. Admission and parking is free.

Gregg Becnel

Freshmen Impressing At Noles Camp

TALLAHASSEE - None have played a single down in Doak Campbell Stadium.

None have even participated in a full-pads practice yet.

So the jury isn't even close to reaching a verdict yet on the Florida State football program's incoming freshman class.

But so far, through three days in helmets and shoulder pads, the newcomers have at least looked the part of the ninth-best signing class in the nation (according to Rivals.com).

"I was impressed with what I saw out there," Bowden said. "There's some good, young talent.

"This looks like some of the freshman teams we used to bring in."

Florida State fans can only hope the newcomers, which include All-Americans like QB E.J. Manuel and WR Corey Surrency, still look that way when the pads go on next week.

Senior CB Tony Carter isn't willing to anoint any of them as surefire superstars just yet, but he admits he likes what he sees out of the first-year wide receivers.

"Those guys are coming in and you can tell they want to play," Carter said. "They're working hard and Coach Lawrence Dawsey is getting those guys ready."

HOT HOT HEAT: New OL Joe Tonga was affected by the heat Saturday and missed most of the second day of practice.

Returning starting TB Antone Smith suffered from dehydration during the practice. With Tavares Pressley still waiting on academic related paperwork, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher saw more of freshmen Jermaine Thomas and Carlton Jones in the backfield.

RIGHT ON TRACK: While his former track teammate Walter Dix is at the Olympics in Beijing preparing to run in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, FSU senior CB Michael Ray Garvin is back out on the football practice fields.

The New Jersey native, who has helped lead the FSU track team to three straight national championships, intercepted a pass in 7-on-7 drills for the second straight day.

Corey Clark, Steve Ellis

Johnson, Marve Hook Up In Scrimmage

CORAL GABLES - Miami freshman WR Davon Johnson made the biggest play during Saturday's first scrimmage of the fall, which was closed.

The 5-foot-11 speedster scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from former Plant High standout Robert Marve as he came down with a jump ball in the end zone.

"My speed is still working for me on the college level," Johnson said. "If you are fast, then you are always fast. I am not the biggest guy and I am not the strongest guy, but a lot of defensive backs will respect you if you have speed."

Johnson is the third freshman receiver to receive high praise in fall practice as LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin have constantly scored touchdowns.

TE Chris Zellner score the other touchdown during the scrimmage.

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