TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Using Time To Host Recruits

ADVERTISEMENT

By KERRY KLECIC

Tribune Coorespondent

Published: December 14, 2008

TAMPA - The charter bus pulled up to South Florida's practice field, unloading a handful of potential 2010 recruits to watch Saturday's workout. With only two weeks between the end of the regular season and the St. Petersburg Bowl, USF coaches are using the time to bring recruits for on-campus visits.

Passing game coordinator and receivers coach Mike Canales said this is the most useful time of the season to recruit. Eight to 10 players will visit this weekend.

"It's big time and it's nice to have them here," he said. "You just get a good chance to have them see the facilities and see what's going on."

Coach Jim Leavitt said considering how many players the Bulls will lose in the offseason, it's important to have potential players visiting. The Bulls may lose up to eight substantial contributors on defense if junior DE George Selvie decides to leave for the NFL draft.

"We think we got some pretty good recruits here," Leavitt said. "If we didn't think they were good, we wouldn't have them here."

GETTING HEALTHY

Not only is USF's record up and down, but so is its injury list. Canales hopes the Bulls can use this two-week period to get the team healthy.

"I think this time is huge," he said. "It's just a chance for us to heal up a bit. I think we are getting back to full strength, and that certainly is a plus."

The Bulls offense has been hurt the most primarily at running back. However, sophomores Mike Ford and Jamar Taylor have recovered from ankle injuries.

On defense, aside from a season-ending foot injury to senior S Danny Verpaele and a neck injury that finished LB Brouce Mompremier's year, the Bulls are back to full strength.

"We think going into the bowl game this will be the healthiest we've been in a while," Canales says. "Our kids are running strong and fast, so it's good to see them doing well."

Sophomore OL Jacob Sims suffered a broken finger in practice Thursday. However, Leavitt said Sims could be ready to play by the bowl game.

CAPS AND GOWNS

Several players missed practice Saturday because of the fall 2008 commencement held at the Sun Dome. Two players of note absent for the ceremony were senior LB Tyrone McKenzie and DE Jarriett Buie. McKenzie attended the last half of practice in his cap and gown.

Kerry Klecic

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT