Notes From USF Practice - Day 14 - End of Vero Beach

Mark Popek (74) continues to miss time with headaches. (Picture: www.usfnation.com)

From Adam Adkins (via Twitter) - Here are some notes from the last day in Vero Beach for the Bulls (bet they are glad to be headed home).

AA reported that guard John McGhin was out of practice today with ice on his back, adding to the back issues for the Bulls (Tabuteau and Thompson have been plagued with back spasms all practice). Thor Jozzwiak took over snaps with the first team.

Mark Popek was still out with headaches. He suffered the head injury during the scrimmage and continues to be out. Starting to believe this is a mild concussion of some kind. Coaches are playing it careful with him.

Elkino Watson continued to get snaps with the 2nd team defense. Antoine Pozniak also took snaps with the second team, continuing to work on his transition from linebacker to defensive end (needs to add a lot of weight, but has the frame and explosiveness).

Tight end Jake Carlton made some nice grabs (name we haven't heard much on during the camp). Andre Davis and Ruben Gonzalez continue to impress everyone with their ability to get up in the air and make catches against coverage (something to watch out for this season maybe).

Kevin McCaskill took snaps at guard today as well, most likely to get experience if he needed to shift over.

Holtz also stated these freshman would contribute this season and would not redshirt (all other freshman would redshirt). Kenneth Durden, Darrell Williams, Elkino Watson, Thor Jozwiak, Tye Turner, Andre Davis, Ruben Gonzalez, and Antoine Pozniak.

Durden is not a surprise because of the lack of depth and play making ability in the depth chart at corner. Thor gives the Bulls depth and versatility and Williams seemed to step up (although it scares me to have a 245-pound freshman taking snaps at left tackle). Watson became a wrecking ball in the middle and should get his chance. Turner is probably going to get a majority of snaps at fullback (Sanchez back at linebacker gives him more chances). Andre Davis and Ruben Gonzalez continue to make great strides at wide receiver, although it will be interesting to see if they can get on the field with the depth chart stacked with receivers. Antoine Pozniak is a big surprise to me personally. The converted linebacker now defensive end is explosive and has the skill set, but lacks the size. He may be a special teams player for now (reminds me of a Reshard Cliett type player, needs time but will be a force to deal with).

Once again, kudos to Adam Adkins and Greg Auman for their always incredible reporting live from Vero Beach. Between the distance and the ungodly heat outside, it must have been a work trip and a half. We are always grateful for their updates (which we pass along) and add in our thoughts and commentary as always.

Vero Beach 2011 (second year of this kind of trip). The team seems to be in one piece (always a good sign) and the players are a lot further ahead than they were last season). We will have a full post Vero Beach wrap up tomorrow, including my thoughts on how this trip is different from last seasons' and what it will mean for the success this year.

Also make sure to stay tuned to TBO.com and Bull Report from Adam Adkins for more notes and news from the final day of practice.