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RB Ford Trying To Move Up Bulls' Depth Chart

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 12, 2008

TAMPA - Mike Ford, who was the University of South Florida's leading rusher among running backs as a freshman last year, still has a ways to go to win the starting position this season.

USF running backs coach Carl Franks said after Tuesday's practice, senior Ben Williams is the Bulls' starter, followed by sophomore Jamar Taylor as the backup and Ford third on the depth chart. Sophomore Richard Kelly is fourth and junior Moise Plancher is fifth.

Williams, who rushed for 425 yards last season, has 21 starts in the past two seasons. Last year, Ford made four starts and led the Bulls' running backs with 645 yards and 12 TDs.

INSPIRATIONAL VISIT: Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the acting commander of United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, spoke to USF's football team after Tuesday's practice.

Dempsey's message was about accountability, being a good teammate, and working as a unit. He said that with last year's success, teams are going to come after the Bulls this year.

"When this season is over, what you will remember most are the things you did for your teammates and what you did to make this entire team better," Dempsey said.

USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory, who coached at Army from 1982-97, arranged for Dempsey's visit.

ODDS AND ENDS: OL Jeremiah Warren did not practice Tuesday. He has a boot on his right foot and is expected to miss a couple of days, OL coach Mike Simmonds said. The injury is not believed to be serious. ... With National Signing Day six months away, USF's 2009 recruiting class is ranked No. 16 nationally by ESPN.com.

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