Post by rainman on Sept 25, 2007 5:38:29 GMT -5
Leavitt: WVU outstanding
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN— Coach Jim Leavitt of 18th-ranked South Florida didn’t feel like he had to say much about West Virginia on the Big East’s weekly media teleconference Monday.
“We know West Virginia is outstanding. Eyerybody knows that,” he said of the Bulls’ opponent in Friday night’s Big East opener at Tampa for both teams. “It will be a real challenge for us.”
Leavitt always has said WVU quarterback Patrick White is very good, as he proved in a victory and a loss to the Mountaineers the past two years. He cited a couple of instances in which he made big plays even though the Bulls covered him very well.
He also talked about the value of senior fullback/tight end Owen Schmitt to the WVU offense.
“The guy is so big and strong,” he said. “He can block. He can run. You’ve actually got to be aware of him. You can’t focus on just one guy back there.
“They all are that good. And they’ve got a lot of weapons on the perimeters, too. That’s why they are ranked fifth in the country. Those guys are pretty impressive.
Leavitt, who’s the only head coach USF has had in its 11-year football history, agreed with the general perception that the WVU defense finally is coming around and playing its best football.
“I think they’ve played awfully well,” he asid. “No question. They get the football back to their offense a lot. And they do a great job of that. They’re awfully good.
“They do a real good job in their run defense and their pass defense. They’re active and they move. I think they’re awful good.”
Asked about his sophomore quarterback, Matt Grothe, Leavitt said he couldn’t compare him with either White or Louisville’s Brian Brohm yet because USF hasn’t played against a Big East team yet.
“Those other guys are pretty good,” he acknowledged. “But Matt has done a good job. He’s done some good things.”
The coach did admit that he has an extra dimension with his mobility. “It’s always a good thing.,” he said.
Grothe was honored as the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Defensively, Leavitt lauded the play of his two senior starters at the cornerback positions. Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams were highly instrumental in USF’s 24-19 of West Virginia in Morgantown.
“They’re really good guys,” the veteran coach said. “I’m particularly excited that both are going to graduate this year. I really mean that.
They have great demeanor. They’re fun to be round. They work hard and try to do their best. Both are very good tacklers.”
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN— Coach Jim Leavitt of 18th-ranked South Florida didn’t feel like he had to say much about West Virginia on the Big East’s weekly media teleconference Monday.
“We know West Virginia is outstanding. Eyerybody knows that,” he said of the Bulls’ opponent in Friday night’s Big East opener at Tampa for both teams. “It will be a real challenge for us.”
Leavitt always has said WVU quarterback Patrick White is very good, as he proved in a victory and a loss to the Mountaineers the past two years. He cited a couple of instances in which he made big plays even though the Bulls covered him very well.
He also talked about the value of senior fullback/tight end Owen Schmitt to the WVU offense.
“The guy is so big and strong,” he said. “He can block. He can run. You’ve actually got to be aware of him. You can’t focus on just one guy back there.
“They all are that good. And they’ve got a lot of weapons on the perimeters, too. That’s why they are ranked fifth in the country. Those guys are pretty impressive.
Leavitt, who’s the only head coach USF has had in its 11-year football history, agreed with the general perception that the WVU defense finally is coming around and playing its best football.
“I think they’ve played awfully well,” he asid. “No question. They get the football back to their offense a lot. And they do a great job of that. They’re awfully good.
“They do a real good job in their run defense and their pass defense. They’re active and they move. I think they’re awful good.”
Asked about his sophomore quarterback, Matt Grothe, Leavitt said he couldn’t compare him with either White or Louisville’s Brian Brohm yet because USF hasn’t played against a Big East team yet.
“Those other guys are pretty good,” he acknowledged. “But Matt has done a good job. He’s done some good things.”
The coach did admit that he has an extra dimension with his mobility. “It’s always a good thing.,” he said.
Grothe was honored as the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Defensively, Leavitt lauded the play of his two senior starters at the cornerback positions. Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams were highly instrumental in USF’s 24-19 of West Virginia in Morgantown.
“They’re really good guys,” the veteran coach said. “I’m particularly excited that both are going to graduate this year. I really mean that.
They have great demeanor. They’re fun to be round. They work hard and try to do their best. Both are very good tacklers.”
