Spring football practice is in full swing across the country as teams continue work toward fall camp and the 2013 season. A number of teams teams will hold their spring games today, including Florida, Nebraska and Baylor. Here’s a look at the various happenings leading up to today’s spring game schedule.
College football spring practice 2013: Wisconsin loses a LB while USF gets unique with its spring game
Tired of boring spring game formats? Well, you’re in luck as South Florida’s Willie Taggart decided to spice things up with one of the more unique setups you’ll see.
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Wisconsin:
The Badgers lost a key piece of their 2013 defense on Friday as defensive end/linebacker David Gilbert decided to forgo his final year of eligibility due to a foot injury. Bucky's 5th Quarter has more on the news.
David Gilbert, the defensive end who would be moving to linebacker in the switch to the 3-4 this season, missed spring practice because of a recurrence of problems with his right foot and has now decided to call it quits because of this latest injury.
Gilbert was expected to be one of Wisconsin’s main pass rushers. His departure weakens an area where the Badgers were already lacking depth.
South Florida:
Spring game formats vary from team-to-team but for the most part they follow a general format. Some teams run through a series of glorified drills, while others play a mock game. South Florida’s Willie Taggart is making USF’s spring game more interesting, with a unique format. Cocahing Search has the details.
First, the coaching staff was divided into two separate staffs, with defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and defensive backs / assistant head coach Ron Cooper as acting head coaches for the Green and White teams, respectively. The rest of the staff was divided between them.
Then, a free agency period began last Saturday. Each team had to recruit and "sign" one offensive and one defensive player using methods allowed by NCAA rules. The free agency period ended Thursday and noon, and the signings were announced on USF's Twitter account.
On Saturday, a draft will be held for remaining players. Following the first 30 picks, the players will be dismissed from the room and the coaches will select the remaining rosters.
In addition to the unique format, the two USF teams will also go through practices as units leading up to the game.
Missouri:
The Missouri Tigers may utilize their tight ends a little differently next season, including lining them up in a three-point stance more often.
Tight ends Eric Waters and Sean Culkin, the only scholarship players at the position, are putting their hand on the turf more often. Henson has spent the bulk of his career coaching tight ends and he's taken over the position this year. It's no secret the Tigers are using more formations with the tight end attached to the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance.
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