Former USF offensive lineman Ryan Schmidt, an undrafted rookie who signed with the Titans this spring, was cut Wednesday as Tennessee made its final roster cuts before opening preseason camp.

Schmidt could latch on with another team this week, but his release leaves USF with 12 players vying for roster spots as NFL teams open preseason camp. That doesn't include rookie linebacker Tyrone McKenzie, who will miss the 2009 season after suffering a knee injury with the Patriots this summer.

Four Bulls are all but assured of making regular-season rosters: linebackers Kawika Mitchell (Bills) and Stephen Nicholas (Falcons) and defensive backs Mike Jenkins (Cowboys) and Anthony Henry (Lions).

The other eight need a strong preseason to make the cut: running back Chad Simpson (Colts), receivers Taurus Johnson (Chiefs) and Huey Whittaker (Jets), offensive linemen Matt Huners (49ers) and Marc Dile (Bucs), defensive end Jarriett Buie (Bucs), linebacker Craig Kobel (Jets) and cornerback Trae Williams (Eagles).

-- As we reported last week, the Big East formally announced that its baseball tournament will be back at Clearwater's Bright House Field for 2010 and 2011.

-- Nice scheduling get for UConn, which landed a home-and-home with Michigan, playing in Ann Arbor in 2010 and at Rentschler Field in 2013, the Hartford Courant reports.