Quick notes from football practice

Posted Mar 16, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Mar 16, 2010 at 06:37 PM

In another first on the USF beat for me, I’m writing a couple of football notes from the basketball arena.

The media got to hang out for the first 30 minutes of USF’s first football practice under new coach Skip Holtz.

From what I saw, lots of energy and focus as the Holtz Era opened. Here are a few highlights:

—Yes, Holtz did have a whistle around his neck as he monitored the field from station to station. He also looks like he has lost a few pounds since he got here. Regardless, the players seemed to be in high gear on a perfect day to open spring practice—not too hot and humid compared to normal.

—B.J. Daniels wore a non-contact red jersey as he participated in conditioning drills. He seemed to be moving around fine despite the recent shoulder surgery that will limit him this spring.

—Jason Pierre-Paul was on the practice field working out in preparation for USF’s Pro Day on March 30. He looks in good shape and perhaps a little more muscular since the end of last season.

—One area of focus from the portion of practice I saw was agility drills. The players were grouped into position pools and Holtz and offensive coordinator Todd Fitch watched the skill players closely. Coaches often use these drills to determine athleticism and search for players who might be capable of becoming play-makers. Holtz said that is one of his top priorities this spring—identifying the players who have the greatest potential of eating up chunks of yards each time they touch the ball.

—Former Leavitt assistant Carl Franks, now in an administrative role, was at practice chatting with players and media members. Franks appeared refreshed and enjoying his new role.

Check out tomorrow’s Tampa Tribune for a story off Holtz’s first practice.