Monday's notes from Times correspondent Kerry Klecic ...

TAMPA — USF defensive coordinator Joe Tresey was direct
Monday when asked what the most important thing for his defense will be on
Saturday when the Bulls open against Wofford: assignments.

Tresey said responsibility will be important for his defense
to stop Wofford’s option-running attack.

“No. 1, everyone has to know their job, and once they do
everyone has to play fast,” he said. “From there, it’s tackling and not giving
up big plays.”

Tresey said, 60 percent of the Terriers’ offense it will be
option-type runs. He said the defense is getting a lot of reps in its three
linebacker base defense, rather than Tresey’s preferred nickel.

If the Bulls go in a base, Tresey said sophomore Quenton
Washington and senior Jerome Murphy would most likely start at corner despite
freshman Kayvon Webster’s strong camp.

Aside from senior Kion Wilson, who will start in the middle,
Tresey said senior Chris Robinson, junior Sabbath Joseph and freshman Sam
Barrington and junior Jacquian Williams are competing for spots at linebacker.

Tight end out: Senior tight end Kenneth Luberice, who
coach Jim Leavitt referred to as a potential starter last week, left practice in
an ankle boot. Luberice is listed as the Bulls’ No. 3 behind senior Ben
Busbee and junior Andrew Ketchel. Leavitt said he didn’t think it was broken.

“I’m not sure if he’ll play Saturday,” Leavitt said.

Spires leaves team: Senior linebacker Donte Spires,
who was battling for a spot on USF’s two deep roster, left the team because of
academic and financial reasons, Leavitt said.

Spires, a Plant graduate, spent a year and a half at a Pearl River Community College
before coming to USF, but Leavitt said he has a redshirt year available. Spires
will not be in school this fall.

“He’d be much better off having an entire spring ball,”
Leavitt said. “We lose Kion (Wilson). We lose Chris (Robinson). We lose some
seniors there, so we thought it would be best to go the other direction.

Hester and Love status: Leavitt said senior Jessie
Hester and junior A.J. Love — both listed as No. 2s at receiver on USF’s depth
chart — are still not 100 percent. He said he doesn’t know if they’ll play
Saturday. Junior Dontavia Bogan, who’s listed as a starter at receiver and kick returner, is 100 percent and practicing.

Other notes: Popek missed Monday’s practice because of
the flu. Leavitt said two or three players missed practice in camp because of
flu symptoms … Largo freshman walk-on Ryan Eppes is working as the scout team
quarterback this week, simulating the Terriers’ option attack.