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Estenor, Geaney Get NCAA OK

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The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 21, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida freshmen OL Danous Estenor and LB Chase Geaney received NCAA Clearinghouse approval and returned to practice Wednesday. Both freshmen were among a group of seven that were held out of Tuesday's workout while awaiting official word.

CBs John Lejiste and George Baker, TE Andreas Shields (a Wharton grad), and LBs Quavon Taylor and LaDre Watkins continue to sit out practice while awaiting approval.

"They're not going to be out there if they're not cleared," Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said.

JuCo transfer CB Theo Wilson, who is working out academic issues of a different nature, continues to practice.

"He's not set, ready to play next Saturday, but he can practice," Leavitt said.

SCRIMMAGE REPORT: Leavitt was more upbeat after USF's one-hour scrimmage Wednesday night than he was after Saturday's scrimmage.

"I thought it was pretty good. We held out a number of guys ... and then we got some guys out of there in a hurry," he said. "There were a lot of different guys that did some good things, but I can't really tell until I look at the film."

Among those held out were C Jake Griffin, LG Matt Huners, DE George Selvie and NT Sampson Genus.

Leavitt was pleased with his two freshman quarterbacks.

"Evan Landi threw a real nice ball at the end here. He threw a beautiful pass," Leavitt said. "And B.J. Daniels looked good. He did some good things. They're both progressing."
Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said he was pleased with his unit's effort.

"I thought the first team had a lot of energy, which we haven't had a whole lot of so far," he said. "Overall, I was pleased. We still have some work to do. I just told them we have eight practice days left before the season opener and we have to take advantage of them."

HENDRICK MISSING: Defensive line coach John Hendrick, who returned this week after suffering a heart attack July 1, was not at the beginning of Wednesday's morning practice or the night scrimmage.

"He had a little blood pressure rise, so we just felt like he should stay in," Leavitt said. "I'm going to talk to John Wednesday night. If it's too late, then I'll wait until today and give him a call and see how he's doing."

NEW COMMITMENT: Dublin (Ga.) High OT Trent Barnes verbally committed to USF, Dublin coach Roger Holmes told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution on Wednesday.

"He enjoyed the relationship he established with the people who recruited him," Holmes said. "It's a successful Top 25 program that has the opportunity to win a national championship."

Gregg Becnel

Pressley On Fast Track To Contribute For Noles

TALLAHASSEE - With the wait to be cleared finally over, RB Tavares Pressley is on a fast track to contribute in the Florida State backfield.

That was the case even Wednesday as the junior college transfer worked out in shorts under the NCAA's five-practice acclimation period.

"He's got to," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said of Pressley playing immediately. "You got to get him as many reps as he can and get him in there and get him going. See what he's capable of doing and see where we're at. We need the numbers.

"He's in good shape. He says he's been running on his own."

Pressley was cleared to enroll at FSU on Tuesday after his junior college posted his associate of arts degree. Pressley will work out in shells (shoulder pads and shorts) today and then in full pads Friday.

The powerful yet speedy back's full contribution can't come soon enough. Freshman Ty Jones (Middleton) and returning starter Antone Smith were held out of contact drills Tuesday because of injury.

"He's going to be thrown in the fire," running backs coach Dexter Carter said. "He got a lot thrown at him quickly. I've got to do a pretty good job of coaching and just hope when he's in there that the plays that you call he understands them thoroughly."

Pressley rushed for 832 yards and 11 TDs at El Camino (Calif.) Community College. He shared snaps with two other backs.

"He had the ability to run with power," Fisher said. "He was very physical. He's body-quick and makes you miss, and the other thing I like is he had good hands. For a big back, a lot of long touchdown runs ... he had top-end speed to go along with the power and agility."

Steve Ellis

CB Black Switching Back To Safety For Gators

GAINESVILLE - Ahmad Black knows there is a great deal of pressure on the secondary this season. Florida gave up 25.5 points per contest last season and was dead last in pass defense.

The sophomore saw limited action last season after switching from his natural position of safety to cornerback. Entering the 2008 season, Black is confident a switch back will benefit him and the defense.

"Growing up, I played a lot of safety and didn't play too much corner," Black said. "Coming in here, the game speed is a little bit faster, and coming off playing safety in high school, I think that affected me."

TACKLE STILL AN ISSUE: Florida is still hoping to find a pair of defensive tackles that will provide the push the Gators lacked in 2007.

So far, only Lawrence Marsh has separated himself.

"That's still the problem until we see some guys do some good things," Coach Urban Meyer said. "That's an issue that has to be resolved; however there are some guys that are close."

The projected starters on the line are Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap at end with Marsh at tackle.

Karl Hyppolite

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