Tampa Tribune staff writer Eddie Daniels recently wrote about former USF WR Johnny Peyton in the Tribune’s Pasco section and Peyton’s future destination. Here are some excerpts from Daniels’ story:

Peyton said the only place USF coach Jim Leavitt will release him to is Akron and Peyton doesn’t seem to mind playing for Zips coach J.D. Brookhart, a former collegiate wide receiver who likes the passing game. Brookhart has established a passing offense since coming in 2004 from Pittsburgh, where he was wide receivers coach and recruited Peyton out of Pasco. “Of course, you know, it’s J.D.,” Peyton said when asked about Akron’s appeal. “I just want to be in a passing offense. I just want to catch the ball. I just want to play football. I just want to play.”

Nothing is set in stone with Akron and Peyton may not have a school until this summer, but he said he has talked to Zips director of football operations Reno Ferri in hopes of establishing a future. Peyton played in 11 games last season. He wasn’t allowed to travel to the Meineke Car Care Bowl because he was tardy or missed various team functions throughout the year. The dismissal has given Peyton plenty to think about.

“I can’t sit here and tell you I was a perfect angel,” Peyton said. “I ain’t going to sit here and tell you that everything that was done was justified. We had a misunderstanding, but hey, we’re OK now. We’re both going on. I’m gone. I’m going on about my life now. And whatever happened is in the past. I learned a lot from that situation. I learned a lot. It made me hungrier.”

The only options he has now point out of state. Peyton said Leavitt told him he would not be released from his scholarship to play in Florida. Instead, his alternative may be to play in northeast Ohio.

“I need to get away. I just need to get far away from home,” Peyton said. “I think it will help. I think I’ll be a little more focused, less distractions.”