Holtz installs a new approach to help players stay fresh in camp

Posted Aug 8, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Aug 8, 2010 at 07:17 PM

TAMPA – If the first three practices are any indication, a Holtz New Era has truly arrived at USF.

To help beat the heat and keep players fresh, first-year USF football coach Skip Holtz is giving players five-minute Powerade breaks in the middle practice, a different approach than the one used by former coach Jim Leavitt. In past seasons, the team often practiced in the heat without a significant break.

“That’s different,’’ receiver/quarterback Evan Landi chuckled. “I feel we have a little more rest here and there.’’

Said receivers coach Phil McGeoghan: “That’s a great change of pace. The guys see something like that and they respond to it.’’

Holtz said he has used the mid-practice break for several years to help keep practices lively and avoid a sluggish finish. Since camp opened Thursday, the temperatures have been in the 90s each day with the heat index averaging around 110.

In addition to Powerade breaks, Holtz often has the Bulls working without wearing their helmets during individual drills to avoid overheating, and to make sure players are getting proper nutrition, the team attends dinner together around 9 p.m., giving players enough time to cool down and regain their appetite.

“If we’re going to be sluggish when we come out of the break, we’ll eliminate the break,’’ Holtz said. “It’s amazing how much emotion and enthusiasm and excitement we have coming out of the break, because everybody feels better, the temperature has dropped a couple of degrees and they feel better about going back in there and getting done what we need to get done.’’

INJURY REPORT: Holtz said senior WR Colby Erskin, who recently was awarded a sixth year of eligibility due to three major knee injuries in his career, suffered a knee injury at practice Saturday.

The severity was not immediately known following Saturday’s practice.

“He walked off the field,’’ Holtz said. “It’s just unfortunate. It was just a collision out in space.’’

Sophomore TE Andrea Shields, who played at Wharton High, did not practice due to an ankle injury.

PADDED PRACTICE: The Bulls practiced in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) for the first time on Saturday, creating a more intense practice. The Bulls go in shells again Sunday and then practice in full pads for the first time Monday in Vero Beach.

“I’ve got to slow Coach (Mark) Snyder down,’’ Holtz quipped in reference to his defensive coordinator’s intense approach. “It’s the first day in pads, and he wants to blitz, twist, loop – he is throwing the kitchen sink at the offense right now.’’

BULL BITS: Holtz said sophomore OL Josh Garvin has been excused from practice the past couple of days due to personal reasons … The Bulls practice today from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and then leave to resume camp in Vero Beach starting Monday through Aug. 19; all practices in Vero Beach are open to the public.