Matt Grothe has dropped at least 10 pounds and feels he'll be faster. Mike Ford has gained 10 pounds ... and feels he'll be faster. George Selvie has added 10 pounds, and said the biggest difference as USF opened preseason practice Monday are the higher expectations.
"We're looking to win championship this year. We know we want nothing short of a championship," Selvie said. "It's just a different approach to everything. We know we have a good team, (almost) our whole offense coming back, some good defensive players."
Selvie said he comes into camp at 245, about 10 more than he started last season, when he went on to lead the nation in tackles for loss. Ford, who made a splash as a true freshman last season, said he's up to 233 pounds and has benefitted from a full year in USF's program.
"I'm moving better, faster. It's crazy," Ford said. "I'm just ready. I'm getting the plays better than last year, so mentally, I'm ready to deliver it right now."
Grothe, who led the Bulls in rushing, said he feels better because his weight is down significantly from the end of last season, when it got close to 220.
"I got a little heavy toward the end of last season, and I'm glad to have that weight off," Grothe said. "I'm down around 200 now. Hopefully I can show what I can do."
Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said sophomore Sabbath Joseph has emerged as the player to beat at strongside linebacker, moving ahead of junior Chris Robinson.
USF also picked up an oral commitment Monday from Kendall Kelly, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle from Gainesville. "He's a big human being," Gainesville coach Ryan Smith said. "He's really liked them through the whole process, but he decided today he wanted to become a Bull. He'll be a big-time player for them."
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
I wouldn't want to tackle Mike Ford at that weight. I kind of doubt that he is faster though...
Posted by: Tom | August 05, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Whoa, great pickup on the O-Lineman!
I can't wait to see Ford pound the rock down the throats of UCF...
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | August 05, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I hope that CJL decides to run Ford and Taylor all season. Only bring Williams in on passing downs b/c he is the best reciever and pass blocker, maybe the occasional draw. He should get no more than 5 carries a game. Ford should get 15-20. Taylor 5-10. Grothe should run less this season too with Ford on board and in shape. It doesnt hurt that he knows the playbook this year too. I expect big things out of him this year. If he produces like I believe he can (1100-1300 yrds)then USF can be special.
Posted by: AGW | August 04, 2008 at 10:45 PM
WHOOOO, great news on the verbal
Posted by: A.T. | August 04, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Looking forward to seeing Mike Ford in action.
Welcome, Kendall Kelly.
Posted by: Windbane | August 04, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Welcome Kendall!!!! We need O-Linemen BADLY!!!! You made a very smart decision!
If only Power Forwards with talent made the same choice, USF would be looking up in basketball.
Posted by: Reality | August 04, 2008 at 08:54 PM