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3 Seminoles Out With Knee Injuries
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Published: August 22, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - With a number of suspensions looming, the Florida State coaching staff already knew it was going to have a thin roster for the first three games of the 2008 season.
Thursday, that roster got even thinner.
The FSU training staff announced redshirt freshman LB Aaron Gresham and freshman S Ed Imeokparia are out for the year with torn ACLs in their right knees.
Starting P Graham Gano, who was battling transfer Zach Hobby for the place-kicking duties, will have surgery today to repair cartilage and the meniscus in his right knee.
He is expected to be out four to six weeks.
Hobby, a redshirt junior from Oldsmar, is now in line to be the Seminoles' kicker against Western Carolina on Sept. 6.
PONDER A SPECTATOR: QB Christian Ponder watched Thursday morning's practice because of a sore arm. His absence allowed D'Vontrey Richardson to take more snaps as he continues to challenge for more playing time.
Bowden said he wasn't concerned about Ponder.
"I think this time of the year all of them get a little bit of it ... throwing so much as we throw I think it's kind of common," Coach Bobby Bowden said.
Ponder said this happened to him in preseason camp a year ago.
"It's my rotator cuff," he said. "It is just a little sore."
LAMPKIN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP: Benjamin Lampkin, a key member of FSU's special teams, has been awarded a scholarship, according to Bowden. The senior played in 12 games last season and was moved to defensive end prior to the Music City Bowl.
Tallahassee Democrat
Selvie Sets His Sights Even Higher This Season
TAMPA - University of South Florida DE George Selvie had one of the best individual defensive seasons in the history of college football last year.
He plans on being even better this season.
"I want like 20 sacks this year," Selvie said. "That's my goal for this year. Hopefully I get that."
Last year, Selvie set school records in sacks (141/2) and tackles for loss (311/2) in earning consensus All-American honors. His 311/2 tackles for loss led the nation and was one shy of setting the NCAA record.
"I haven't set a goal for tackles for loss, but I want the NCAA record," the junior said. "I was that close to the record last year. It's going to be hard getting back up there, but I'm going to try to get there."
ODDS AND ENDS: Senior Jake Griffin, of Armwood, is among 43 players on the Rimington Award watch list, signifying the nation's top center. ... Junior CB Theo Wilson and freshmen TE Andreas Shields, of Wharton, CBs John Lejiste and George Baker and LBs Quavon Taylor and LaDre Watkins still have not been cleared academically, Coach Jim Leavitt said. ... After missing Wednesday's drills with high blood pressure concerns, USF DL coach John Hendrick returned to practice Thursday.
Brett McMurphy
Meyer Expects RBs To Be Lethal Combo
GAINESVILLE - Urban Meyer has been searching for a feature running back to open more options in the University of Florida's spread offense.
While the fourth-year head coach still hasn't found that all-purpose back, he may have something just as lethal.
"I think it's going to be a 1-2-3 combination, maybe four," Meyer said. "We're real excited about that. There's some home run hitters."
One of those home-run hitters is redshirt freshman Chris Rainey, who may be the fastest player on an offense filled with speed.
Returning starter Kestahn Moore figures to play a prominent role after Meyer called him "dynamic" during Florida's media day.
USC transfer Emmanuel Moody may be the most talented of the bunch and could claim the top spot if he solves his fumbling issues.
If the running backs have their way, the Gators will no longer be as dependent on QB Tim Tebow and WR Percy Harvin to carry their ground attack.
"We've got to be at 1,000 before the year is over with," Rainey said.
HIGH PRAISE: Meyer isn't one to give undeserved praise. Especially when making a comparison to one of his favorite players, WR Dallas Baker.
Junior college transfer Carl Moore received that type of praise from Meyer recently as he's made tremendous strides following a disappointing spring.
"He's very Dallas Baker-ish and you say that name with reverence around here because he was such a good player for us," Meyer said. "But Moore has shown some of the same qualities."
Karl Hyppolite
Canes Begin Preparation For Charleston Southern
CORAL GABLES - The University of Miami held its first post-camp practice Thursday morning, working on preparation for next week's season opener against Charleston Southern.
"Today's practice, we basically worked on Charleston Southern," Coach Randy Shannon said. "We executed pretty well. We didn't have any illegal procedures, offsides or things like that, so the guys were focused on getting ready for the first game."
UM, which practiced for about 21/2 hours, will open Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium.
Tribune wires
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