USF Football begin practice with high hopes

     Skip Holtz and the rest of the USF football team are eager to put the disappointment of last season behind them.

     The process starts Monday as the Bulls begin their Fall camp with meetings and afternoon practices in shorts on campus. The team will then travel to Vero Beach to continue camp, and plan to have their first practice in pads on Friday.

    "This team is really excited about reporting to camp and we're really ready to get started," Holtz said Sunday afternoon from the Lee Roy Selmon Athletic Center.

     Holtz sported a grin for the majority of the press conference, as did quarterback B. J. Daniels while he addressed the media afterwards.

     "Just from a maturity standpoint, I feel we're further along because we have a lot of seniors. Our strength is in our numbers."

     Daniels hopes to improve upon his decision making, something that got him into trouble at times last season.

    "Don't turn the ball over. Be consistent and just know that one play shouldn't affect the next play."

    For the Bulls, September could be a make-or-break month for their season. The Bulls open on the road against Nevada, return home to play a Rutgers team that's returning the majority of its starters and then close out the month against Florida State. However, Holtz isn't worried about the challenges their opponents pose, he's looking forward to the team playing to its potential.

    "With what we went through last year I don't think we need a big game to motivate us. Right now I think the challenge is within us."

    USF's scrimmages are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 13th and Saturday, Aug. 18th in Vero Beach. The Bulls return to Tampa for Fan Fest at Raymond James Stadium Aug. 19th from 2-4 p.m.