USF coach Jim Leavitt said he was moved by the strong showing of fans for Sunday's Fan Fest event at Raymond James Stadium, where he signed autographs with players for more than two hours.

"It's amazing to me how nice they are. I sit under a tent, and I can't tell you how many people would say 'We appreciate you being out here,''' Leavitt said. "The only thing I kept thinking about is that I'm sitting in the shade, people are bringing me water and iced tea. I'm signing a football. How hard is that? It isn't hard. They're standing in line for 45 minutes in the sun, and saying 'Thank you' to me? ... No need to be thanking me. I appreciate you being out there."

DEPTH CHARGE: Leavitt said he's encouraged by his team's depth, evident in the number of starting positions still up for grabs. "We've got more competition going on right now than I've seen in a while," Leavitt said. "I mean, real competition."

Leavitt pointed to defensive line, where All-American end George Selvie is certainly a lock, but the Bulls are considering several combinations for the remaining three positions. Monday's morning practice saw three newcomers -- sophomores David Bedford and Craig Marshall and freshman Cory Grissom -- working with the second unit and challenging projected starters.

RECOVERING: First-year defensive line coach John Hendrick, who has not been with the team since suffering a heart attack in early July, said Monday he hopes to rejoin the team this week if he is cleared by a specialist today.

Hendrick said he feels good and has been cleared for light exercise such as brisk walking. It's unclear to what extent he would resume coaching duties once he rejoins the staff; first-year defensive ends coach Kevin Patrick has worked with the entire front four in Hendrick's absence.