Depth still main concern after second USF scrimmage

Posted Aug 20, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Aug 20, 2011 at 09:45 PM

USF coach Skip Holtz said there were some encouraging and discouraging things during the Bulls second fall scrimmage, but the most concerning thing with two weeks before the team’s first game continues to be the team’s depth.

“I feel pretty good that our ones have made a lot of strides, a lot of progress and are doing a lot of good things,” Holtz said after the team’s workout Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, which was closed to the public and media.

“I just don’t feel good enough about our depth, and that’s what I’ve been talking about ever since we came to camp. I’m trying to get ready for a season, not for a game, and to get ready for a season we need those twos to come. We need to develop some consistency and some stability with our twos.”

Preventing USF coaches from getting a solid read on those backups, particularly at the most concerning positions at offensive line and cornerback, is a host of minor injuries. A handful of players vying for spots in the two-deep depth chart there – CB Ernie Tabuteau (back) and OLs John McGhin (back) and Tony Kibler (shoulder) – missed practice time in Vero Beach. Others left Saturday’s scrimmage or were limited – OLs Kibler and Thor Jozwiak (shoulder) – and a few more – CBs Spencer Boyd (knee), George Baker (groin) and Kenneth Durden (ankle) – were unable to participate.

“We haven’t been able to get the consistency there to develop that stability,” Holtz said. “It’s frustrating right now because it seems like as soon as a guy starts making some of those strides and getting himself into that mix, it’s like he’s got a two or three day nick.”

As for the scrimmage, big plays on offense seemed at a premium, with Holtz remembering only a few – runs by WR/RB Lindsey Lamar and RB J.J. Peterson, and a reception by WR/TE Evan Landi. Holtz was pleased with the work of the first-team offense, which was limited to three possessions but took two of those into the red zone against the second-team defense. The sour note, though, was both ended in a field goal after miscues.

“I fumbled a snap under center, we had a penalty, a holding, and then I think we had a sack as well,” QB B.J. Daniels said. “We’re getting into the red zone, but we’ve got to be able to put (the touchdown) on the board.”

The defense, meanwhile, forced four turnovers – a pair of interceptions, one by CB Quenton Washington, and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown by DE Claude Davis. According to DE Ryne Giddins, Davis’ return was 40-50 yards.

“Ones, twos and threes, I think we had a lot of improvement from where we were last week in the scrimmage,” S Jerrell Young said. “There were a lot of people running around and flying to the ball and knowing what they were doing and not just thinking. Any time you play defense when you can run around and not just thinking it’s that much better.”

WET FAN FEST: USF Fan Fest was disrupted a bit by a thunderstorm midway through the two-hour event, but players and coaches continued to make the best of the annual opportunity to greet fans, signing autographs in the covered area around the team locker room.

“You look forward to it,” Young said. “These are the people that come out and support you and fill the stadium up, and it’s a blessing to have them come out here and let them know that we’re thankful for them being here.”

Holtz positioned himself in the postgame media room, not only taking the time to sign autographs but also posing for pictures with each fan. Holtz was thrown for a loop on one item presented to him – a green flamingo. The coach said, with confidence, it was the first green flamingo he’d ever autographed.

NEW UNIFORMS UNVEILED: USF unveiled its new uniforms for 2011, with Daniels, Giddins, Landi and LB Sam Barrington modeling the new attire. There were some minor modifications with the designs, and the addition of a new green helmet with gold logo.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference to players, though, was a much snugger fit. Daniels joked about needing help just getting his on over his shoulder pads, but players see an advantage.

“It’s going to be hard for (offensive linemen) to hold me,” Giddins said.

Holtz allows players to determine the uniform scheme for each game with a team vote, but it seems it might be a tough call for the season opener at Notre Dame, especially with the helmets.

“I like all of them. I couldn’t even pick which one to wear in the first game,” Daniels said. “If it was up to me, I’d switch every quarter.”

I posted pitcures of USF’s new uniforms on my Twitter account @TBO_USFBulls. It’s another reason to follow me there if you are not already.