Matt Grothe has dropped at least 10 pounds and feels he'll be faster. Mike Ford has gained 10 pounds ... and feels he'll be faster. George Selvie has added 10 pounds, and said the biggest difference as USF opened preseason practice Monday are the higher expectations.

"We're looking to win championship this year. We know we want nothing short of a championship," Selvie said. "It's just a different approach to everything. We know we have a good team, (almost) our whole offense coming back, some good defensive players."

Selvie said he comes into camp at 245, about 10 more than he started last season, when he went on to lead the nation in tackles for loss. Ford, who made a splash as a true freshman last season, said he's up to 233 pounds and has benefitted from a full year in USF's program.

"I'm moving better, faster. It's crazy," Ford said. "I'm just ready. I'm getting the plays better than last year, so mentally, I'm ready to deliver it right now."

Grothe, who led the Bulls in rushing, said he feels better because his weight is down significantly from the end of last season, when it got close to 220.

"I got a little heavy toward the end of last season, and I'm glad to have that weight off," Grothe said. "I'm down around 200 now. Hopefully I can show what I can do."

Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said sophomore Sabbath Joseph has emerged as the player to beat at strongside linebacker, moving ahead of junior Chris Robinson.

USF also picked up an oral commitment Monday from Kendall Kelly, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle from Gainesville. "He's a big human being," Gainesville coach Ryan Smith said. "He's really liked them through the whole process, but he decided today he wanted to become a Bull. He'll be a big-time player for them."