Hester may not make WKU trip

Posted Sep 10, 2009 by Brett McMurphy

Updated Sep 10, 2009 at 09:35 PM

University of South Florida WR Jessie Hester, whose school record 22 consecutive games with a catch were snapped last week, may not make the trip to Western Kentucky.

“He didn’t look good to me today,” USF coach Jim Leavitt said. “I didn’t think he was as sharp today. If he’s not ready, he won’t go. If he is, he will.”

Hester is still recovering from torn ankle ligaments suffered in the spring. Last season, Hester led the Bulls with 54 receptions for 579 yards, both totals the second-most in school history.

“That injury has been pretty frustrating for him I’m sure (with this being his) senior year,” Leavitt said. “I remember saying a long time ago how worried I was about him. I obviously was right.

“If you don’t see a guy coming around responding, it’s hard. He’s not in the flow, right now. He’s not.”

Leavitt said he was still undecided who would start opposite George Selvie at left defensive end. It’s between Craig Marshall, Ryne Giddins, Jason Pierre-Paul and David Bedford. Leavitt also said he needed to speak with defensive coordinator Joe Tresey to determine who they would replace Jerrell Young (broken arm) with at strong safety. Senior Jerome Murphy could start at strong safety or cornerback.

“There’s a lot of different combinations,” Leavitt said.

QB Matt Grothe, RB Mo Plancher, DE George Selvie and LB Kion Wilson will serve as USF’s senior captains for the second consecutive game.