I'm off, so you guys are on ...

I'm taking the next week off, so you won't see updates from me here. So I'm asking you guys to step up in my absence. I've got five questions for you, and I want your answers in the comments ...

1. If you were Jim Leavitt, which two players would you bring to the preseason media gathering in Rhode Island in two weeks? Usually, it's one offensive and one defensive player, with a preference for seniors. I asked Leavitt on Friday and he said he wasn't sure yet. My guess is linebacker Ben Moffitt on defense, but I'm curious about the offensive player. He could go with quarterback Matt Grothe, who'd generate the most buzz for USF, but he's very careful about keeping Grothe grounded, so I don't think he'll do that this time. Is it a senior lineman, like Walter Walker or Nick Capogna, or perhaps receiver Amarri Jackson? Some schools bring three kids, and I could see Leavitt bringing a second defensive player such as Trae Williams, but to keep it simple, give me your two picks and why.

2. Who will lead the Bulls in rushing yards in 2007? Will it be former walk-on Ben Williams? Much-heralded freshman Mike Ford? Speedy redshirt freshman Aston Samuels? Or Moise Plancher, who's coming off knee surgery that cost him last season? Any votes for defending rushing champ Matt Grothe? Give me your guess and how many yards he finishes with at the end of this season.

3. Which Bulls receiver will lead the team in receiving yards? This one is wide-open, with proven returners such as Taurus Johnson, Marcus Edwards and Amarri Jackson, along with potential breakout stars like freshman Carlton Mitchell. Surely, there's a vote or two from outside those four as well, and yes, Colby Erskin fans, we're calling you out. ...

4. What bowl will USF play in? Of course, no bowl is an option, though I'm not expecting too much of that from my readers here. This isn't what you want, but what you think, so be realistic and don't forget to sign your name so we can give you all kinds of grief in January.

5. Just to mix it up, I'll throw in three quick basketball questions: first, what men's basketball players other than Kentrell Gransberry will average scoring in double figures? Will Stan Heath's team make it to the Big East tournament? And can Shantia Grace lead USF's women's team back to the NCAA tournament?

Those are the questions. I might check in with an update on this post about linebacker LeBrandon Glover, who's transferring out after one season. We'd told you earlier that Glover was considering Elon, which is USF's first opponent, and Leavitt mentioned he has a standing policy not to release transfers to schools that play against USF within a transferring player's remaining eligibility. And while it's be harmless to the outcome of the Elon game to let Glover go there, Leavitt doesn't want to create a precedent by making an exception. I asked Leavitt if he'd let Glover go with the understanding he wouldn't play in the USF-Elon game (which seems a reasonable compromise if Glover truly wants to be at Elon for four years) and he said that wouldn't want to do something like that. All that, plus Jackson State's comparable proximity to Glover's home in Pensacola, have me thinking he's going to opt to play at Jackson. He told me he should have a decision today, so we'll see ... Also, basketball recruit Sean Carter is heading to Oregon State. It's never been easier to make Jay-Z jokes in Oregon. ... Start sending in those answers and have a good Fourth of July.

Comments

[ryan]

Have a nice break, Greg. As for your questions, I imagine the first one is the hardest. I agree that he has to take Moffitt (though for some reason Sam Miller's name keeps popping into my head) and I'll take Capogna on offense as well. I think Capogna was the most consistent OL all year, and he will probably be a Captain this year. #2) I'll take Ford with 1,100 yds and 13 TDs. Samuels will be a great change of pace back (possibly 600-700 yds), but as the year progresses Ford will get more and more carries. #3) I'll take Taurus Johnson. Taurus is just to explosive not to be the go to guy. He's ridiculously fast and even more importantly, he makes great moves while maintaining that speed. #4) I'll take the Gator Bowl with the hope that the Gator Bowl will step up if we deserve this bid. #5) Soleman Bozeman is as safe a bet as any. Heath will get us in the top 12. And...sorry to be a naysayer, but I think with the loss of Dickson, Sheats and Miller; we go NIT next year and then churn out a long run of NCAA appearances after that.

[James R. Wilson]

Greg, I really enjoy your insight into Bulls athletics. I think your paper has the best sports coverage period.

In answer to your query:

1. I say it's Ben Moffitt and Walter Walker who accompany CJL to the BE media conference. If he takes a third player. What about Mike Jenkins?

2. I think Mike Ford will lead the Bulls in rushing. I don't know how Mo Plancher will be coming off injury. If he is 100% he'll give Ford a run for the money.

3. If Amarri Jackson lives up to his potential, I'm still picking Taurus Johnson to lead the Bulls in receiving yards. Marcus Edwards is good too. The freshmen are all too new to rate. This group of receivers should be USF's best ever.

4. I'm saying the Texas Bowl. A win at Auburn and another upset or two and who knows, maybe a BCS bowl game.

5. In basketball, I'm guessing Dante Curry will lead all scorers with Aaron Holmes right behind him. Kentrell will be the no. 3 scorer followed by Amu Saaka who will have a break out year. Those 4 should all be in double figures. I predict Gransberry will lead the nation in rebounding and be a first round NBA pick in 2008.

CSH's first Bull team will not only make the BE tourney but also the NCAA Tourney as well and win at least one game.

Yes, Shantia Grace will lead the Lady Bulls back to the promised land, along with the help of coach Fernandez and a strong 2007 recruiting class.

It's a great time to be a Bull!

[Claudel]

Have a great vacation. 1. Who to the BE meet and greet. On defense that is a no brainer (Moffitt). Offense is a little bit harder. I will go with Jackson. 2. From what I saw in the spring game it will be new FORD truck and he shall finish with a modest 1100 yards (splitting time early before assering himself). 3. Taurus Johnson with Amarri a close second. Amarri will win the award for most trick plays. 4. I think the Gator Bowl is within reach this year, but I think we end up in North Carolina :( 5. I have no opinion on BBALL, yet. That season is far too far away.

[Dave]

Moffit and caponga. mike ford with 833 and 7 td. Taurus Johnson. NC bowl. NO other players in double figures. Yes to big east tourney and no to ncaa or nit. womens team will win the big east.

[Scott Turner]

1. Moffitt and Grothe. I concede your point about Leavitt protecting Grothe from himself, but this may be the best time to put Grothe out there and see how he responds. Better now than in the middle of the season after a big win and a game next week.

2. Ford. Williams will likely start the season and get the bulk of the carries, but Ford has too much big play potential to stay on the sidelines. I look for a scenario much like we witnessed when Hall took over more of the responsibilities around game 3 of his first year.

3. Taurus Johnson, and it won't even be close. They'll all have good numbers because of Grothe's ability to use the entire field, but none have the ability like Johnson to turn a short route into a long score.

4. I'm going with the Mineke (sp?). I don't think the Gator would take us if there is another eligible team. Charlotte took Nave last year so I think that removes them from consideration.

5. Curry and Howard will each average double figures. We'll make the BE tournament. I can't comment intelligently on ladies hoops.

[Anhvu Nguyen]

I am going to go on a limb since no one else has.

1. I believe that Moffitt and Grothe should go because they are the most visible players. Alternatives, Jenkins and Jackson.

2. Mike Ford will lead the Bulls and gain over 1400 yards in a manner similar to Andre Hall's first year at USF.

3. Taurus Johnson will lead USF with over 900 yards. I believe Amp Hill and Jackson both have potential to have breakout years if they stay focus.

4. Here it is, I dare to say now. USF will play USC in BCS bowl. The outcome I will not say. We will be glad just to get there.

5. Gransberry will lead the team in rebounding and scoring and probably lead the nation in rebounding. I also think he will be drafted in the first round. I think Holmes will also score in double figures and possibly Bozeman. USF will make the Big East Tournament and win a game in the tournament. Women's team will make the NCAAs, Jose Fernandez does too good of a job for them not to.

Wishful thinking but GO BULLS!

[BA]

Greg,
As luck would have it I'll be in that neck of the woods on business in two weeks. Can you give me the dates, times, and location? Can the common man attend or do I need to work for a media outlet?

1. Moffitt & Capogna (must protect)
2. Ben Williams
3. TJ
4. Back to Carolina (we will lose to someone we shouldn't and beat someone we shouldn't).
5. Player TBD

Go Bulls!

[Brian]

I hate seeing you out, as all Bulls news seems to drop by the wayside in this town but enjoy yourself. You always do a fantastic job covering the program and it is much appreciated.

I vote Moffitt and Amarri or Taurus.
I see Williams being awarded with the starting nodded at the start of the season while Ford will likely takeover in terms of yardage as the season progresses. Samuels will provide a very flashy change of pace back as well and could have some significant yardage. For receiver, I would guess Taurus winning in terms of yards and Edwards in terms of # of catches. However, I would love to see Erskin and Mitchel have breakout years ... should be quite a few targets to throw on there. As far as a bowl destination is concerned ... USF better win the Big East if we are to stand a chance at landing in a destination better than either of the last two. However, if we have a strong enough season and get some media hype behind it like Rutgers did we may have an opportunity at a better outing.

[Turkey Soup]

1. IMO, He should to pick the most articulate players to take to the media event.

2. Ford, Plancher and company are untested so I'll go with Williams - 600 yards.

3. Taurus Johnson.

4. Muffler Bowl, Charlotte.

5. a. Although I go to some mens BB games I don't even think about the team the rest of the year. b. BE Tourney... with all the hype he better. c. Shantia is a gem, but I'm not sure how well the team will do without Dickson and Miller, but still I'm hoping for them to make it to the dance.

What happened to Glover's sick grandmother? The last time I checked Elon's not closer to Pensacola.

IMO, not releasing him to Elon is a crock, they are a weak 1-AA and certainly not a threat to the Bulls. Rod Smith is a bigger threat at WVU.

Enjoy your time off.

[craig crowder]

1. Moffitt & Capogna-Defensive & offensive anchors.2. FORD 888 yards 3. Taurus Johnson 4.Meineke Car Care Bowl 5.Bozeman....YES-BE Tourney..YES-Women back in the NCAA tourney....

[E.T.]

I'm sure Leavitt puts more thought of perosnally for the players rather than "generating more buzz" and sees which player would enjoy the trip more. I know when a certain basketball player went with a certain coach to this even a few years back did not get along and it was a mistake, especially since they sat next to each other on the flight up there. I don't think Leavitt would choose somebody that he gets along better, just a deserving player. Oh, just an answer is required.

1. Capogna & Jenkins
Based mainly on their past press conferences.

2. Believe Ford will lead all rushers. Feel that as the season moves on, he'll be the man. Samuels will get more catching passes.

3. Have to go with TJ also, but look out for Mitchell & Erskin.

4. USF will win the Big East, and will be in a BCS Game.

5. N/A

Greg,
Thanx for a great blog and have a great holiday.

Go BULLS !!!

[Martin]

1. Moffitt and Capogna.

2. Aston Samuels will lead but Ford will be a close second with a similar setup as Auburn had in Ronnie Brown and Cadillac.

3. TJ but you can't ignore a 4.26-40 at 6'4 and 220 from our own Carlton Mitchell for too long.

4. Muffler Bowl against Miami with USF coming on top to stop the Miami Faithful from complaining about the series recently agreed to.

5. The Puerto Rican kid will be great this year under Heath. Gransberry will declare for the draft after this season. The NFL draft. Mark my words.

[Sandro]

1) Moffitt and Capogna.
2) I think Ford and Williams will get most of the carries with Ford leading in rushing yards. It will be 1100 yards for Ford. Samuels will get a lot of short passes thrown to him.
3) Taurus Johnson will lead the way in receiving, but I believe that Jackson will have a break out year as well. Also the freshmen will also get a lot of catches.
4) I think that we will end up playing in the Gator Bowl, but I'm not counting us out to play in a BCS bowl game especially if we can beat West Virginia early in the year.
5) Basketball is still to far out.

[Larry Goodman]

2. Lakeland High's Jamal Taylor, if he transfers here from 'Bama and is allowed to play under special exemption rules.
He was certainly among the top 10 running backs in the state, the "Ronnie Brown" of the Dreadnaughts, consecutive national champs.
Without Taylor, super back Chris Rainey would have accomplished much less.