USF practice notes: Mitchell makes good first impression

Posted Aug 6, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Aug 6, 2010 at 09:35 PM

TAMPA – The biggest victory for USF since Skip Holtz took over the program came when former Hillsborough High athlete Terrence Mitchell changed his commitment from Florida State to USF.

After two days of fall practice, Mitchell has made a strong impression while working at cornerback.

“I like what I’ve seen so far,’’ defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said after Friday’s practice. “He’s got some skills.’’

The secondary is one of USF’s biggest question marks following the departures of corner back Jerome Murphy and safety Nate Allen. According to Holtz, Mitchell is the leading candidate to play right away among the true freshmen.

“He is doing great,’’ Holtz said. “He does a lot of things instinctively. When you put him in some team situations, he’s picked the defense up extremely fast. He’s got a lot of football knowledge. He has definitely got a chance to get in this mix and compete for a spot in the two-deep.’’

ERSKIN UPDATE: Based on reactions on fan message boards, a lot of USF fans questioned why Holtz allowed WR Colby Erskin back on the team when Erskin was granted a sixth year of eligibility recently.

Erskin was part of the messy split with former coach Jim Leavitt, and in parts of three seasons, he has just seven catches for 86 yards. However, Holtz saw a player determined to play his final season after a knee injury – the third major knee injury of his career – limited Erskin to only four games last season.

“He was extremely persistent,’’ Holtz said. “His attitude has been extremely positive. He says his knee feels really good. I’m excited to have him back. He has played here and he’s got probably has more experience than anybody on the offensive side of the ball at receiver other than (Dontavia) Bogan. With the situation we’re in, he could be an asset for us.’’

MOVING MARC: He is listed as a running back on the roster. He played quarterback in high school. So far in camp, sophomore Victor Marc is trying to learn a new position and as the back-up slot receiver behind Lindsey Lamar.

“We’re just trying to get him comfortable with that,’’ receivers coach Phil McGeoghan said. “He has some ability that can help us there.’’

BULL BITS: Auburn transfer Dontae Aycock, formerly of Chamberlain High, participated in his first practice Friday. “He’s got great feet. He has a lot of ability,’’ Holtz said … Redshirt freshman WR Isaac Virgin missed a portion of practice battling flu-like symptoms … The Bulls will hold their first practice in Vero Beach on Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.