Depth Chart updates

[Reliable Source]

Good explanation on the Popek move. Good to hear about Cliett too

USF Bulls

Williams moves up to starter on USF depth chart

JIM REED/STAFF

Darcel Stewart gets an autograph from USF football player Quinterrius Eatmon at Raymond James Stadium.

By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2012

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TAMPA --

Last week, University of South Florida sophomore offensive lineman Darrell Williams was an anonymous, inexperienced player for the Bulls. Now, at least according to USF's initial depth chart, Williams is the starting left tackle, charged with protecting the blind side of senior quarterback B.J. Daniels.

In truth, USF coaches have raved about the potential of Williams. He "had a slight idea something might happen" last spring when Bulls offensive-line coach Steve Shankweiler said he wanted to start his best five players, regardless of position, and Williams was in that group.

Williams switched spots with senior Mark Popek, who has 21 starts at tackle but was moved to left guard, a position he had never played.

"I'm trying to play as hard as I could and I'd like to start, but whatever happens, happens," said Williams, who played left tackle for three seasons at Orlando Evans High.

USF coach Skip Holtz said the moves at offensive line and linebacker — sophomore Reshard Cliett was elevated to first-team strong-side linebacker, shifting senior Sam Barrington to the middle, ahead of senior Mike Lanaris — were conceived to create depth.

"We also need to see if these guys are ready to be a starter," Holtz said. "It's a little different when you're always going against the second team.

"It's not fair to this team to wait until there's an injury or adversity to say we're going to move Sam Barrington back inside and it's halftime of the Rutgers game. We can study our options now while we're creating some depth and some versatility."

Odds and ends

David Aristil, USF's track and field All-American in the 400-meter hurdles who competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, has been added to a deeply stocked Bulls receiving corps. Aristil, who hasn't played football since high school, has one season of eligibility. … Freshman LB Tashon Whitehurst, challenging for playing time, was on crutches with an ankle injury during Sunday's Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium. Holtz said he doesn't yet know the injury's severity. … Holtz said he believes freshman TE Sean Price will have a "big impact" this season and freshman WR D'vario Montgomery "has the look of a playmaker." … The Bulls will hold two-a-day workouts today and Wednesday, making up for last week's rainout in Vero Beach. USF will scrimmage on Friday and Holtz said he should then have a final depth chart heading into game-week preparations for the Sept. 1 opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga.

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[KB]

Freshman LB Tashon Whitehurst, challenging for playing time, was on crutches with an ankle injury during Sunday's Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium. Holtz said he doesn't yet know the injury's severity. …

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TASHON WHITEHURST â€@The_Truth_21

Game week next week gotta get real deal focus in this week

this is from 1 hour ago, so i hope it's not too bad.

[BullFan98]

Any reports on his injury? Sprain or worse?

[Greg Auman]

No Holtz today, so still not sure.

[Reliable Source]

GA posts Tabuteau makes nickel pkg and prolly will get scholly. Bivins likely RS(sorry Southie). Baker hanging on to corner spot over Durden. Lejeiste will rotate in.A little surprising Coach Smith goes with 5 DB's with Cliett(former safety) making the ones. We have a lot of faith in our DL, rightfully so. They are gonna be awesome I think, huge battles there in offseason and i think it has made all of them better. Elkino is going to be a huge part of this program for next couple years..

http://www.tampabay....-nickel-defense

[cmhatter]

looks like bivins is redshirting

[GaUSFBull]

I think it's a good call on Bivins, if he's not 100%.

[cmhatter]

me too... who knows what would have been if he didnt mess up his knee

[Skingraft]

Not even two weeks to go gents

[Reliable Source]

Not even two gents

huh?