From Greg Auman and USF Athletics - Football season draws ever closer as the team reported for the first day and Coach Skip Holtz addressed the media for the first press conference of the 2012 season.
Holtz stated that the team would begin in shorts the first two days on campus and would leave for Vero Beach on Wednesday. The team will hit the pads on Friday in the first real scrimmage of the season.
There were some important notes on a few players that were no longer with the team and would not be reporting to Vero. Back-up offensive lineman John McGhin, who recently graduated, would not return to the team. He was a reserve that was not expected to see a lot of playing time. Former walk-on receiver Stephen Bravo-Brown and tight end Isaac Virgin (never realized the talent) are also not returning this season. 2012 recruit Jarvis McCall will enroll in the spring and will not be part of the team this season. Holtz also stated, walk-on receiver Jordan Duval, who was recently arrested on campus, was no longer with the team.
Running back Johnny Sitton and defensive end Aaron Lynch were still waiting to hear on the hardship waiver decisions from the NCAA. Sitton, who left USF, went to a smaller college, returned for his final season and Lynch, who transferred from Notre Dame in the summer, would be huge additions if they could play this season.
On the injury side, Holtz mentioned that defensive tackle Cory Grissom, who fractured a bone in his ankle this summer, should be ready to go by the season opener. This is great news for the Bulls who need depth at the tackle position. Holtz said that Luke Sager and Todd Chandler are two players he is eager to watch this fall. Defensive end Anthony Hill, who tore his ACL, is progressing, and could even work his way back late this season, but most likely, they will be cautious with him and pencil him in for 2013.
Holtz mentioned that depth is much stronger this season, although he wants to see more from the reserve offensive lineman this year and hopes they continue to progress. Holtz stated the second corner position is still up for grabs. Fidel Montgomery is still the leader at the position, but Kenneth Durden and George Baker will be in contention (don't overlook Chris Bivins back there as well to get a look as a reserve).
On special teams, Holtz stated that on returns, Lamar, Shaw, and Hopkins will be the key guys to watch this year (don't overlook Mitchell as well, maybe even Dunkley). He stated that Veron is not in the running for punter this fall because he was out for the spring and Holtz has not seen enough of him to even place him in the battle. This is alright with Mattias Ciabatti getting the nod out of spring and JBK battling with him.
On offensive, Holtz had a lot to mention about this unit that statically improved last season. Holtz mentioned the depth at tight end and said McFarland is progressing well and he is eager to see what Price can do this fall. Holtz stated there are at least 9 receivers on the roster that could all be starters, showing the great depth on this team. Holtz had nothing but praise for Daniels as well, mentioning how he has become a vocal leader, even more focused than ever. Daniels has had 3 offensive coordinators in his career and another year under Fitch should see better numbers. The biggest battle, as Holtz alluded to again, is the number two quarterback position behind Daniels that will be a battle this fall.
Holtz overall was very confident about this season. He stated the disappointments from last season are a huge motivation for him and the seniors on the team. He stated they are ready to go and aren't looking ahead at any game, instead, ready to focus on each task and challenge themselves to be better and finish strong. Can't wait for this year to get started already!
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