Bulls notes: Receivers remain question No. 1

As the University of South Florida Bulls walked off the field for the final time at Dodgertown, Holtz said the receivers have improved, but added they remain probably the biggest question mark as camp returns to Tampa.

"We've got a lot of new guys out here,'' Holtz said. "We're going to find every answer that we can. As much as I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth, saying that's where I see the most improvement, but I also think that's where we still have the farthest to go.''

The Bulls started working RB Joel Miller and DB Daniel Bryant at receiver this week, hoping to find more options behind key targets Dontavia Bogan, Evan Landi and Lindsey Lamar.

FRESHMAN IMPACT: During USF's stay in Vero Beach, the Bulls gave the true freshmen plenty of reps to fully gauge their potential to play a role on this year's team.

Holtz mentioned that five of the freshmen - OL Quinterrius Eatmon, DB Mark Joyce, RB Marcus Shaw, CB Terrence Mitchell and QB Bobby Eveld - have improved significantly since camp started.

"Those five guys all have a chance to turn and be in our two-deep,'' Holtz said. "That's a lot of freshmen that are all of a sudden in the mix.''

BARRINGTON DUE BACK: Linebacker Sam Barrington was scheduled to be released from the Hillsborough County Jail late Thursday night. The projected starter, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, received six months' probation on one driving charge and has a hearing scheduled for October on the other. He is expected return to the team Friday after missing the final three practices in Vero Beach.

GRISSOM UPDATE: Sophomore DT Cory Grissom continued to wear a protective left boot on his injured left foot on Thursday. Grissom was injured Monday and while Holtz said Thursday that Grissom "is getting better,'' there is no timetable on his return to practice.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "My wife asked me what I was going to do when they left. I guess I'll mow the lawn.'' - Vero Beach resident and new USF football fan Terry Wright, who attended all 13 USF practice sessions at Dodgertown.

BULLS BITS: DE Julian Forte sat out Thursday's practice with an undisclosed injury ... Senior RB Mo Plancher (shoulder) participated Thursday but remains limited in contact drills ... RB Darrell Scott, a transfer from Colorado who won't be eligible to play until 2011, has not practiced much this week due to a sore calf muscle.