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USF Pleased With Its Secondary

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 12, 2008

TAMPA - South Florida may have lost two cornerbacks in last year's NFL draft, but USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham still believes the secondary is "the strongest part of our defense."

The reason? "Experience," Burnham said. "New starting CBs Jerome Murphy and Tyller Roberts have practiced at corner and safety for two to three years and we have Carlton Williams, Nate Allen, Danny Verpaele and Louis Gachette returning at safety. That's four safeties that can play."

BACK FOR GOOD: Senior LB Tyrone McKenzie has been permanently moved from middle to strongside linebacker, where he started last season.

"The experiment wasn't what we wanted it to be," Burnham said. "Tyrone helps the team more when he's on the edge."

Brouce Mompremier remains at weakside linebacker, while junior-college transfer Kion Wilson is ahead of Sabbath Joseph in the battle to replace Ben Moffitt at middle linebacker.

REMEMBERING KEELEY: QB Matt Grothe recently received a puppy from his parents, naming the 7-month old beagle "Keeley's Little Angel" to honor former teammate Keeley Dorsey, who died Jan. 17, 2007, at the age of 19.

"It's something I wanted to do," Grothe said. "He was a good kid, he never complained about anything. He was one of those kids if you ever needed something, he'd always be there for you."

ODDS AND ENDS: Former USF and NFL K Bill Gramatica attended Monday's second practice and worked afterward with K Delbert Alvarado. ... Sophomore walk-ons Jacob Sims (OT) and Quincy Okolie (TE) will be put on scholarship this fall, USF coach Jim Leavitt said. ... Williams and OL Jeremiah Warren (right foot) limped off after Monday's second practice.

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