USF Preseason Practice: Day 5 Observations

Today the Bulls hit he practice fields in full pads for the first time since spring, and we're really able to begin hitting. Read on to get all the inside info straight from the practice field, plus a bonus Carlton Mitchell video, and because it's the first day in full pads, it's for FREE! Only on USFNation.com

On Friday the pads went on and the gloves are off, and that means the Bulls football team wore full pads for the first time since the spring, and can really start hitting now. The first few days of acclimation are fine, but as Coach Burnham said going through practice in shorts is like “intramural ball,” and now they can really start to evaluate the players.

The Bulls started off doing individual position drills and then went into the much anticipate dynamic stretch routine. Directly after the team stretch, they broke into two groups with a majority going to the east fields to work on special teams, and the offense working out on the far west field.

• On the east field they worked on punt/kick return, and punt/kick return coverage with Carlton Mitchell joining the kick-return team with Murphy & T.J.  Afterwards Coach Leavitt said T.J & Murphy are first options, but Carlton, Theo Wilson, & Daniel Bryant are getting looks. On punts, Marcus Edwards, Nate Allen, Patrick Richardson, and others are getting looks.
• On the west field the offense worked out alone with no defense, and ran a no-huddle offense. All the plays ran in the first two series were running plays by either a back, an end around by a receiver, or a quarterback draw, except for a a short pass by Gregory to Alcin.

The first team offense had several different looks today. Of course Matt Grothe was at QB, behind the O-line that consisted of Ryan Schmidt, Zach Hermann, Jake Griffin, Matt Huners and Marc Dile, Carlton Mitchell, Marcus Edwards, and Dontavia Bogan, with Andrew Ketchell at TE, and either Jamar Taylor at RB or Mike Ford.

The second team consisted of Grant Gregory at QB, behind Jeremiah Warren, Chaz Hine, Jake Sims, Joe Herzhauser, & Mike McGowan, Jessie Hester, A.J. Love, & Jason Sherman, with Trent Pupello at TE, and Richard Kelly or Mo Plancher at RB.

After watching the quarterbacks today, I felt better about the unit as a whole then I did last year at this time.  The No. 1 & 2 quarterbacks looked very impressive today, and both freshman QB’s are showing great promise.

• Grothe Matt continues to look vastly improved, quicker, and much more agile.

• Gregory, has a gun, and runs the offense without missing a beat.

• B.J. Daniels has awesome skills and is very impressive for a freshman.

• Evan Landi is a pleasant surprise and throws a nice ball.

There’s no question that the staff is working the lineman at different positions to find the best combination and in preparation for any injury.

• Schmidt can play guard, tackle and center.

• Marc Dile worked at both left & right tackle & at center.

•  Jake Sims worked at left tackle and at center, but could play on the left.

• Almost all can snap the ball if needed

• Jeremiah Warren worked at right tackle, and can play both guard spots

• Mike McGowan is making a push as 2^nd team right tackle

Big things are expected out of the receiver unit this year, and they are the best looking WR unit that I’ve seen at USF. I didn’t get to watch them a lot today, but all week long they have been impressive.

Here’s our  video interview of Carlton Mitchell after the session. Where he talks about what USF fans have to expect this season, and about playing himself in NCAA '09  Watch Video.

Coach Burnham continues to tinker with the linebackers, while looking for the best combination. Working at middle linebacker today was Kion Wilson with Tyrone McKenzie at strong side and Brouce Mompremier at weak-side linebacker. “We got to see what Kion can do,” said Coach Leavitt after practice. “We know McKenzie can play middle but we got to see what Kion can do.”

• Sabbath Joseph can play both sides, but is still getting a big look at WILL.
• Brouce Mompremier could play middle or Weak-side.
• Alonzo McQueen can play inside or out.
• Chris Robinson can play both sides, and still looks to be down on the depth chart, but coach said that “He’s starting to make a move.”

Helping out the defensive line today was former Bull Richard Clebert. And it was good to see him helping give instruction to all the youngsters on the line.

• Sampson Genus is a force at NT, and is playing better every day.
• Aaron Harris was limited with a back bruise today.
• Cory Grissom drew praise from Coach Leavitt after practice “No question the kid Grissom was the best D-lineman today.”

Murphy and Tyller have been very solid at corner, and still have the edge. Quinton Washington, Tyson Butler, and Theo Wilson are getting looks as they are still trying to find the depth at CB.

Roster changes: Freshman DE Josh Alston, a walk-on from Armwood, has left the team.

Recruit watch: Armwood Safety Angelo Hadley was at practice, and Josh will have the interview up on Monday.

Recruit watch: Matt Grothe's little brother who is going to be a freshmen at Lake Gibson was at practice

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