TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

USF's Ford Questionable, Williams Due Back

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida RB Mike Ford (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday and is questionable for Saturday's game at UCF, Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said.

However, the status of fellow RB Ben Williams (ankle) has improved.

"I think he'll play," Leavitt said. "He's probable."

Williams' return - if he's close to 100 percent - will provide the Bulls with a boost.

"Ben's always a back you don't have to worry about fumbling or messing up," QB Matt Grothe said. "He's always sound and holds onto the ball well, and he's always going to get you those yards that you need. Ben always is there when you need him."

And while Leavitt said sophomore TE Trent Pupello (ankle) is "50-50," the Jefferson grad, who was out of his protective boot, was far more optimistic.

"I'll be playing," Pupello said. "You can put that in the paper."

NO RESPECT: After senior Marcus Edwards' record-setting performance against Tennessee Martin, one would think he would have earned the respect of his teammates.

However, early in Wednesday's practice during punt drills, SS Carlton Williams playfully needled Edwards from the sideline saying, "Can we get a touchdown this week, please? I think Pat Richardson could've gotten one if he had more chances."

Edwards had seven returns for 124 yards against UTM, while Richardson had one for 29. Also, freshman Theo Wilson had a 67-yard return for a TD on his lone opportunity.

A GOOD START: Junior Jessie Hester, who was second on the team a year ago with 35 catches for 418 yards, caught three passes for 50 yards and two TDs in USF's season-opening win. The two scores are half of the team-leading four he caught last season.

"I just wanted to go out and play my best game possible," Hester said. "I felt really good getting back into the swing of things. Just being able to play a game, you can't take that for granted.

"I would like to expand and get better as the season goes on. You never just want to stay in one spot and feel like you can't get any better. I really want to try to get better every week as the year goes on."

CAPTAINS NAMED: TE Cedric Hill, C Jake Griffin, CB Tyller Roberts and FS Danny Verpaele will serve as captains Saturday.

Gregg Becnel

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT