Lamar continues to shine with 30-yard TD run

Here's Saturday's practice report, with help from correspondent Kerry Klecic ...

TAMPA -- Freshman running back Lindsey Lamar continued to impress the USF coaching staff Saturday, scoring a 30-yard touchdown run against the No. 1 defense during the Bulls’ final scrimmage of fall camp, coach Jim Leavitt said.

“Lindsey Lamar has all the athletic ability, but our defense helped out there a bit … a lot of good things today,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt said Lamar's touchdown run was about 60 yards, but we've since been told it was 30 yards, which is long enough against the starting defense not to need any embellishment.

Leavitt said the team went about 70 snaps, with redshirt freshmen B.J. Daniels and Evan Landi splitting reps at quarterback. Senior starter Matt Grothe has been held out of this week's scrimmages, in part because he's a known commodity but also because of a hamstring that has limited him.

"(His) hamstring is bothering him a little bit, but it's not bad," Leavitt said.

Walk-on defensive back Mistral "Skinny" Raymond had an interception, as did safety Nate Allen. Leavitt said kickers Delbert Alvarado and Eric Schwartz, who are the top two options on field goals and extra points, impressed him.

“I like where we’re at right now with our kicking,” Leavitt said. “I like Delbert, I like Eric Schwartz — he really showed me a lot today, so we’re going to go with those two guys right now," Leavitt said.

Offensive coordinator Mike Canales said sophomore Chaz Hine, a walk-on from Newsome who has been placed on scholarship this fall, has earned the starting left guard spot with strong play this preseason.

"I am so proud of Chaz Hine," Canales said. "He stands out to me so well right now. He's working so hard. He's earned the spot at left guard. I tipped my hat to those guys today. I said 'We were successful today because we were able to run the ball. When you run the ball, you give yourself a chance, because there's so many things you can do off a run. We ran the ball very well Wednesday night, too."

With Hine in at left guard, Canales said sophomore Jeremiah Warren is working as the first-team left tackle, ahead of junior Jamar Bass. "(Warren) has really stepped up his effort, his focus and concentration," he said. "He's playing with a lot of urgency, and he's a big kid, 6-5, 320, can move like a guard."

Canales said junior Zach Hermann "looks go good" at right guard, and junior Sampson Genus is "the cowbell" of the line as starting center. "He leads that line. It's amazing what he's doing," he said. "And (redshirt freshman right tackle) Mark Popek is just getting better and better with each and every practice. We're very pleased."

Other notes: Freshman Bradley Battles, who went home Thursday because of NCAA clearing house issues, watched practice Saturday. Leavitt said he can’t practice while the Bulls wait on his situation  ... Sophomore Patrick Hampton is working as a first-team defensive end over senior Aaron Harris … Senior receiver Theo Wilson, Lamar and sophomore receiver Patrick Richardson are competing for the starting punt returning job. ... Walk-on kicker Diego Palacio, who was to be brought in as another option on kickoffs, will not be with the team. "In and out fast," he said. "If they can't kick and don't look good, then they're not going to stay out here. I don't waste their time or my time."

Comments

[Mr. Snrub]

could it be too early to say "Lamar=Noel Devine"?

[Ken]

It's getting close!!!

[Steve O'Neal]

Lamar sounds like he will be a great addition to the offense with his speed and athletic ability. I'm hopeful that the O-line will be an improvement over last year and allow the offense to be more productive. We will know soon. FOOTBALL FINALLY!! GO BULLS!

[Accountability]

Greg,
I for one APPRECIATE your diligent efforts to keep us informed about all of the latest happenings with the BULLS. You are sure earning your money.

I've looked at the UF and FSU (SP Times)Blogs and they don't provide near the info you do.

Keep up the GREAT work! GO BULLS!!!

[Turd Ferguson]

Bah!

You disappoint me once again, Mr. Auman.

Consistency...is it too much to ask?

[JupiterBull]

Steve, I've heard they'll announce it 2 weeks prior to kick off, for TV sake. I'm hoping for a 330 game.

[Steve W]

GA, any idea what time the FSU game will be?

[G.A.]

Drop it. Just because you got caught being someone you're not, it doesn't mean you get to tell me when I check other people. The objectionable post was deleted. Move on.

[Turd Ferguson]

And the culprit is............

???

[G.A.]

Please, no name-calling. As a general rule, if you have a comment to make, no matter how impressive it seems, if it has the word "douche" in it, it probably isn't going to be that great.

[JupiterBull]

Seriously, guys! Turd's comment was legit, so why tweak him? Who cares what his name is? I have a confession to make: Jupiter Bull is not my birth name.

I'm excited about seeing some new speed in space (dare I say, like Percy Harvin?), so having a change of pace back gives us ways to keep the defense on it's heels. Now...let's play! I just booked my hotel for Tally, and will be there screaming for our Bulls, and looking to leave town with a Top 25 ranking.

[Turd Ferguson]

OOOOOOOHHHHHH.....good one!

SNAP!

Oh, by the way, Greg -- in the interest of consistency and integrity (that being YOURS), I'm sure you'll tell us the other screen name of whoever posted that, right?

Right?

[Turd Ferguson]

START LAMAR.

(that is all)

[561]

Great update Greg.

Nice to see Theo and company returning punts. We're gonna light up the Big East with special teams this year...their all in for a surprise!!!!