DT Grissom shows progress

Posted Aug 8, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Aug 8, 2012 at 11:00 AM

As the University of South Florida Bulls prepared today for their first practice during the 11-day training camp at Vero Beach, coach Skip Holtz was encouraged by the progress of a player still limited by recovery from an injury—senior DT Cory Grissom, who broke his ankle during a non-contact drill in spring football.

Holtz suggested that it’s possible for Grissom to be ready for the Sept. 1 season opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga, although the Bulls probably have the safety of unveiling Grissom against Nevada (Sept. 8) or Rutgers (Sept. 13).

Grissom has played ijn 34 games, starting 28, during his USF career.

“He’s a lot further along than I would’ve expected,’’ Holtz said. “Watching him run around and doing some of the things he’s doing ... I would say he’s definitely on track. We just have to make sure we don’t take any steps backward. We’re still going to ease him into this process slowly.’‘

In the meantime, Holtz said junior Luke Sager, sophomore Todd Chandler and sophomore Elkino Watson are the names to watch on the interior defensive line.

“I wouldn’t say (I’ve stepped it up) because we all work at the same pace in case things do happen,’’ Chandler said. “We’re just trying to stay in Cory’s ear and keep him upbeat, so he won’t get down. You want to keep him around the program because if you have an injury like that and you’re by yourself, you’re liable to shut down. So we’re all just trying to stay in Cory’s ear and keep him upbeat. We just want to keep rolling.’‘