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Bulls RB Williams Returns To Practice

By GREGG BECNEL

Tribune Correspondent

Published: September 9, 2008

TAMPA - University of South Florida RB Ben Williams (ankle) took part in practice Tuesday for the first time this week. He participated in kickoff drills and position drills during the first 30 minutes of practice, meaning he should be ready to go when the No. 19 Bulls (2-0) host No. 13 Kansas (2-0) on Friday.

"He looked good," Coach Jim Leavitt said in a rain-shortened interview session after practice.

Leavitt also said RB Mike Ford (ankle) and WR Marcus Edwards (ribs) practiced. Edwards, however, was only a spectator during punt return drills.

NOTHING NEW: For most of USF's non-conference opponents, QB Matt Grothe's dual-threat ability presents a unique challenge for the defense.

That won't be the case, however, against the Jayhawks.

"He is a lot like some of the quarterbacks in the Big 12. Most of our quarterbacks can run and throw," Kansas junior safety Darrell Stuckey said. "It's not something that we haven't seen before, but it is something that will prepare us better for our conference games."

STAYING POSITIVE: While Leavitt was noncommittal on who will handle the field goal kicking on Friday, junior Delbert Alvarado's confidence hasn't wavered.

"I'm working hard and trying to get better," the Robinson grad said. "You can't change the past, so you have to move forward. If you get down on yourself and let that beat you up, it's going to be tough."

Alvarado, who missed a game-winning kick in the closing seconds of regulation at UCF, has made just one of four attempts this season.

"The ball's been down, so it's up to me to get the ball up and in," he said. "I haven't been able to do that, so that's all on me. I have to focus on getting the ball up and taking it one day at a time.

"We came back and won at UCF, so I'm staying positive and working hard to try to help this team win ball games."

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