5 questions entering today's USF spring game

You have seen him on TV, at town-hall forums and at booster events, but no one has seen first-year University of South Florida football coach Skip Holtz on the sideline at Raymond James Stadium.

Holtz makes his debut at USF's home stadium tonight during the annual USF Spring Game. However, you'll probably have to wait until the second half to see him on the sideline.

"The spring game, I want to see it from 20,000 feet," Holtz said. "I want to see the big picture. It's my only opportunity to sit down and watch it from upstairs. Up there, it's like a chess game when you are moving pieces around."

Holtz plans to watch much of the game from the press box, something he also did as head coach at East Carolina and Connecticut. He wants to see how the players react to adversity, how they execute what Holtz and his assistants have taught them since spring practice opened March 16.

In perhaps the most-anticipated spring game in USF football history, school officials expect a record crowd, eclipsing the announced crowd of 5,500 at last year's game.

What can fans expect to see? Here is what Holtz hopes they see: "I hope the players go out and play with a lot of passion and excitement and enthusiasm. I want to see them go play. I want to see how they're going to be on game day."

How effective will redshirt sophomore quarterback B.J. Daniels be coming off surgery on his non-throwing shoulder?

At the start of spring, Daniels' status was uncertain. However, he has participated in every practice - adorned in a red jersey to prevent any contact - and looked sharp according to coaches.

"I wasn't even expecting to be out here," Daniels said. "It's a blessing to have my shoulder heal as fast as it did. To be out here and be able to participate is really big for me."

Daniels will work under center much more than he did in former coach Jim Leavitt's offense, and Holtz has made it a priority this spring to rely on Daniels less as a runner. He led the team in rushing last season.

Who is going to carry the bulk of the load at running back with Daniels' role in the running game scaled back and International Bowl MVP Mike Ford kicked off the team for violating school policy?

Sixth-year senior Mo Plancher (581 yards last season) is the first-team halfback, and sophomore Demetris Murray has been one of the strongest performers during spring drills. Murray had just 77 yards in limited duty last season, but he has impressed coaches with his ability to pick up tough yards inside.

"With the circumstances that (developed), Murray has really stepped up and done a good job for us," Daniels said. "I really believe he is going to continue to get better and really help us out."

USF's defense lost six starters, including five - DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DE George Selvie, LB Kion Wilson, S Nate Allen and CB Jerome Murphy - expected to be selected in next week's NFL draft. Who must step up defensively?

Sophomore LB Sam Barrington and senior DL Craig Marshall and David Bedford are three players defensive coordinator Mark Snyder will rely on heavily next season. Snyder also hopes former Armwood star Ryne Giddens, a redshirt freshman defensive end, and linebackers Sabbath Joseph and Jaquian Williams play pivotal roles to help a young secondary.

Snyder has been impressed with the talent he inherited, especially a deep group along the defensive line.

"We threw a lot at them, and they are functioning pretty well within the framework of what we're trying to do," Snyder said. "We've had only 14 practices, and we've probably got 85 percent of our defense in. There is competition all over the field. There is talent out there on defense, and some speed. Don't have a bad practice, because the depth chart can move pretty fast."

Has Holtz firmly established his identity and control over a program that was reeling during the tumultuous exit of Leavitt three months ago?

The answer appears to be a resounding yes, based on the tone at practice this spring. The players have quickly bought into Holtz's approach and the new systems Snyder and offensive coordinator Todd Fitch have installed.

"The attitude has been extremely positive, and they have worked extremely hard," Holtz said.

Who is a player to watch during tonight's game?

The new coaching staff moved sophomore Lindsey Lamar from running back to receiver to utilize his speed more and keep his 5-foot-9, 160-pound frame from taking a beating between the tackles. A former Hillsborough High standout, Lamar has picked up the new position quickly, according to coaches.

A final thought

Regardless of how he plays tonight, Daniels is perhaps the most important player to his team in the Big East. Three walk-ons have taken all the reps behind him - second-teamer Ryan Eppes and recent additions Glenn Fagan and Eric Johnson. Former quarterback Evan Landi has moved to receiver, but he could be called into emergency duty until freshman Jamius Gunsby arrives this fall.