A quick-hit practice report from Vero Beach

Posted Aug 9, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Aug 10, 2010 at 11:58 AM

Here are some quick-hit notes from USF’s first practice in full pads—and first session since moving camp from Tampa to Vero Beach on Sunday night:

—QB B.J. Daniels said the Bulls seemed to turn it up a notch today in full pads; he liked the intensity and said the transition is going well rooming with different guys. In the case of Daniels, he is rooming with defensive back Jon Lejiste.

—USF coach Skip Holtz said the folks at the Vero Beach Sports Village have really rolled out the red carpet for the Bulls. There are signs promoting USF’s visit posted all around the complex. He said last night that the team talked some about the history that surrounds the place, including all the great Dodger players like Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese who trained here more than 50 years ago.

—OL Jacob Sims, OL Jeremiah Warren and TE Chase Griffiths were held out of practice due to precautionary reasons. All three are battling concussion-like symptoms.

—Several players struggled with the heat despite the nice ocean breeze. DE Ryne Giddins, DT Cory Grissom and TE Jeff Hawkins were the most notable players who had to take breaks from the heat.

—The Bulls’ main practice field is on the outfield grass of one the baseball diamonds at Dodgertown, but not the main one, Holman Stadium, where the Dodgers used to play their home spring training games until moving to Arizona following their 2008 camp.

—WR Isaac Virgin was a popular interview subject after practice. Virgin played at Fort Pierce Westwood High, the same school that produced former major-league All-Star catcher Charles Johnson. Several of Virgin’s relatives attended Monday’s practice.

—Speaking of attendance, approximately 50 fans came and went during USF’s practice Monday afternoon.

—Former Houston Astros GM Tim Purpura was one of the early visitors. Purpura was Houston’s GM from 2005-07, replacing Gerry Hunsicker, who is now an executive with the Rays. Purpura now works for Minor League Baseball, which is based in St. Petersburg and owns the Vero Beach Sports Village.

Check back later for a more complete notebook from today’s practice.