USF coach Jim Leavitt, steadfast in not wanting to give rival UCF any extra motivation for Saturday's game in Orlando, said Wednesday night he had nothing to say in response to UCF coach George O'Leary's comments Wednesday that only one side of the rivalry "gets it."
Leavitt did offer a brief injury report, saying his top two running backs, senior Ben Williams and sophomore Mike Ford, are "probable" and "questionable," respectively, to play Saturday as they nurse ankle injuries.
Sophomore Trent Pupello, the team's No. 2 tight end, was on crutches Monday night and in a boot Tuesday, but just had the ankle wrapped as he watched practice Wednesday. Leavitt gave him a "50-50" chance of playing. Saturday's captains will be cornerback Tyller Roberts, from Orlando; tight end Cedric Hill, center Jake Griffin and safety Danny Verpaele.
BASEBALL: Outfielder Brian Hobbs, who started 50 games as a junior and was second on the Bulls with nine home runs last season, is among five returning players not listed on the 2009 baseball roster USF released Wednesday.
No reason was given for the departure of Hobbs, who batted .249 with 34 RBIs last season. Backup catcher Cory Johnson (13 RBIs) and reserve Victor Pina (9 RBIs) also aren't back, along with relievers Drew Malley (Gaither) and Michael Anzivino, who combined for 13.2 innings last season.
In addition to seven players who officially signed with USF last season, the newcomers include five new names, including Land O'Lakes left-handed pitcher Trey Dahl and Lakeland catcher Daniel Rockhold. Coach Lelo Prado could not be reached for comment on the roster changes.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Greg, what's with all the ankle injury in the first game....perhaps they can be blamed on UA shoes!
Posted by: Al | September 04, 2008 at 02:23 PM
As long as Smith stays healthy this year the Pina would not have seen much time. With Lockwood back and healthy we should have a stellar team this year.
Posted by: jarred | September 04, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Somewhat surprised about Hobbs and Pina. But it sounds like they weren't going to get a chance to play much so it might be better off for them. Thanks for the update Greg.
Posted by: JoeB | September 04, 2008 at 12:03 PM
What a clown. "I won't comment, i'll just let me QB run his mouth all week."
Get a clue Jim.
Posted by: SHG | September 04, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I really hope that all three of those can play.
It would be really fun to watch Pupello smash the same OLB three plays in a row.
Posted by: Dave W | September 04, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Way to go CJL
Posted by: DELdaBULL | September 03, 2008 at 10:27 PM