Leavitt: “I’d like to make field goals”

Posted Oct 5, 2009 by Gregg Becnel

Updated Oct 5, 2009 at 08:49 PM

It hasn’t hurt the University of South Florida yet, but with a tough three-game stretch on the horizon – vs. No. 8 Cincinnati, at Pittsburgh and vs. West Virginia – the Bulls need to find a kicker they can trust.

“I’d like to make field goals more than miss them,” Coach Jim Leavitt said. “I’m not going to worry a lot about it; just keep working at it. If I thought we weren’t doing all we could do, then it would bother me.”

The position has been in flux since Maikon Bonani suffered a back injury and was lost before the season started. Delbert Alvarado held the job first but lost it after missing three of four attempts. Eric Schwartz replaced Alvarado, but hasn’t fared much better, hitting just two of five attempts.

“Those guys will compete every week. If Schwartz misses enough, then I’ll go back to Delbert,” Leavitt said. “What’s that magic number? I don’t know. Hopefully he won’t miss again. … The bottom line is you have to make them.” 

ODDS AND ENDS: The status of RBs Lindsey Lamar (hip) and Aston Samuels (stomach) is “day to day,” Leavitt said. … As a precautionary move, LB Kion Wilson (hand) was limited in practice Monday.