Nearly seven weeks after he suffered a heart attack after a personal workout, USF defensive line coach John Hendrick had his first full day back on the job Monday, reminded of how much he missed football.

"That saying that you don't miss your water 'til your well runs dry is very appropriate," the 48-year-old said after Monday's second practice. "My well was dry for quite a while. I'm just happy to be back. I feel really blessed and fortunate to be able to continue doing what I love to do so much."

Hendrick, who returned to the team for a walkthrough practice Sunday afternoon, said he'll need some time to adjust to the rigors of coaching -- doctors hadn't allowed him to spend significant time outside in the heat, and he said he'll be especially careful to stay hydrated and not overwork himself at practice.

"I'm feeling my way," he said. "I was a little bit more frenetic this afternoon than I was this morning. I'm working myself back in. I feel good. I really do."

Hendrick will work closely with defensive ends coach Kevin Patrick, who also joined USF's staff this spring and has overseen the entire front four in Hendrick's absence. Hendrick will work from the press box this fall, while Patrick will work from the sidelines. "He's a little bit more ... let's say, a little more highstrung, a little more exciteable than I am," Hendrick said.

Defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said it was good to have Hendrick back and get another set of eyes on the defensive line. USF coach Jim Leavitt said his return was encouraging on a personal level.

"It was just good to see John feeling good. That's more important than anything else," Leavitt said. "He and Kevin will work together, and everything will work out fine."