Leavitt confident in Roberts, Murphy

Posted Aug 27, 2008 by Brett McMurphy

Updated Aug 27, 2008 at 06:44 PM

With kickoff for Saturday’s season opener less than 72 hours away, Tribune correspondent Gregg Becnel files USF’s Wednesday practice report. Enjoy.

One of the University of South Florida’s most scrutinized positions for Saturday’s opener against Division I-AA Tennessee-Martin is at cornerback, where the Bulls lost NFL draft picks Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams.

The players stepping under the microscope this year are senior Tyller Roberts and junior Jerome Murphy, who have combined for two starts and three interceptions in their careers.

Despite the lack of starting experience, USF coach Jim Leavitt is confident Roberts and Murphy will be up to the challenge.

“Jerome and Tyller played a lot of football. They have practiced for a number of years,” Leavitt said. “They played a lot of snaps. Those guys have done well, and I expected
them to.”

Leavitt also wants to see how two promising redshirt freshmen perform.

“Tyson Butler and Quenton Washington, those two are the immediate backups,” Leavitt said. “Both run extremely well and are going to be counted on to play a lot of football this year. … I expect them to play well and do some good things. They will probably make some mistakes here and there, but they are going to have to play well for us to be successful.”

TWO IN, TWO WAIT: Junior CB Theo Wilson, who should see action Saturday, and freshman TE Andreas Shields, of Wharton, cleared up their academic issues and are eligible. Freshmen CB George Baker and OL Sean Hirlinger are the last two awaiting clearance, Leavitt said. 

CAPTAINS: Seniors RB Ben Williams, C Jake Griffin and LBs Brouce Mompremier and Tyrone McKenzie will serve as captains for Saturday’s game. Leavitt said the captains will be chosen on a weekly basis.

ODDS AND ENDS: NT Sampson Genus, who has been hobbled by an ankle injury suffered earlier in camp, “has been going full go the last few days,” Leavitt said. … Suspended freshman LB Quavon Taylor will be eligible to return to the team on Monday.