The University of South Florida has had some good linebackers come through its program: Ben Moffitt and current NFL players Kawika Mitchell and Stephen Nicholas.
Freshman Sam Barrington (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) is on his way to joining that elite group.
"He's big. He runs. He's tough. He's focused. He hits," Coach Jim Leavitt said. "He's one of the best freshman linebackers we've ever had here, and we've had some pretty good linebackers here. ... He's one of the best we've ever had as a true freshman."
With starting LB Chris Robinson slowed by an undisclosed injury, there is a chance Barrington, who is eighth on the team with 25 tackles, could get his first start Saturday against Louisville.
"We'll have to see how Chris is," Leavitt said. "Chris is kind of day by day."
MORE PRESSURE: After QB B.J. Daniels struggled with Rutgers' blitz pressure, he should expect a lot of the same in the final three games of the regular season.
"It's a process that we'll go through. I'm sure we're going to see a lot of the same type of odd blitzes that we saw (against Rutgers)," offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. "I'm sure teams will use something similar to that."
Against Rutgers, Daniels was 7-for-17 for 129 yards and two interceptions, and he rushed 16 times for 11 yards.
ODDS AND ENDS: When asked if they would play against Louisville, WR Carlton Mitchell (ankle) and DT Aaron Harris (ankle) both answered, "Yes," as they came off the practice field Tuesday. ... Injured QB Matt Grothe will wear Keeley Dorsey's No. 10 jersey this week. ... Active and veteran military members can purchase lower bowl tickets for Saturday's game for $10 with a military ID.
Gregg Becnel
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