NEWPORT, R.I. -- There's still no official announcement, but USF coach Skip Holtz, enjoying the sunset over Naragansett Bay on Monday night, confirmed that USF will leave Sunday to train for two weeks at the Vero Beach Sports Village. What's more, the Bulls will start preseason camp a day earlier than previously expected, with practice starting Thursday on campus -- USF's first four practices will be in Tampa before heading east.

We still don't have a full schedule of when the Bulls will be practicing, but Holtz may make the Vero Beach sessions open to the media, with the other practices likely sticking with his spring model of having just the first half-hour open to reporters. With the Bulls out of town, USF's "Fan Fest" event at Raymond James Stadium is expected to be held on Aug. 22 when the Bulls return, rather than Aug. 14 as previously announced.

What else can I report from Monday night's clambake? I do not have an official count of just how many lobsters were devoured by USF center Sampson Genus, though I definitely saw him going back for a second plate. The tragedy of the night might be that Bulls quarterback B.J. Daniels was unable to enjoy much of the feast, as he's allergic to shellfish. There still was plenty of non-seafood fare for him -- the chorizo was outstanding.

Lots more coming on Tuesday, with the league's preseason poll due at 9:30 a.m. and interviews with players and coaches shortly thereafter.