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Injury Ends Verpaele's USF Career

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida senior FS Danny Verpaele will undergo season-ending surgery Thursday, ending his career with the Bulls.

Verpaele suffered a broken right foot Saturday against Syracuse. It's the same injury he suffered to his left foot that sidelined him for the 2005 season.

A third-team freshman All-American in 2004, Verpaele was USF's most versatile defensive back, playing both safety positions and nickel back. He also was a vital contributor on special teams.

"Depth is an issue," USF secondary coach Troy Douglas said. "He's a coach on the field. It hurts a lot. You feel bad for the kid. He did so much to get back and play. Now he'll help me coach a little bit."

Verpaele played in 31 career games with 16 starts, including three this year.

Freshman Quenton Washington or senior Louis Gachette will replace Verpaele in USF's nickel defense.

ODDS AND ENDS: RG Zach Hermann (foot) likely will not play Saturday at Louisville. "I doubt it," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. ... WR Theo Wilson (knee) returned to practice Monday, but his status for Saturday is unknown. ... Lucas Darr (ankle), who plays on special teams, did not practice and will not play Saturday, Leavitt said.

Brett McMurphy

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