Tuesday, April 9, 2002

Defensive backfield beginning to take shape for FIU Football

hile FIU head coach Don Strock is cautious about handing out starting assignments with still 142 days to go until his program's first-ever game next Aug. 29 against St. Peter's, one area he believes is pretty well set is the defensive backfield.

Entering spring practice two weeks ago, Strock said that if the season started tomorrow, sophomore Kevin Timothee (Ft. Lauderdale/Plantation) and freshman Kris Thomas (Tamarac/ American Heritage) would line up as his starting corner backs and freshmen Nick Turnbull (Miramar/Flanagan) and John Haritan (Casselberry/Lyman) would play safeties.

He would use the spring mainly to identify capable back ups and additions for the nickel and dime packages.

With just three days remaining to spring drills, little has changed.

"We're not in any hurry to make changes in the defensive backfield because we feel pretty good about this group," Strock said, "but you're always looking for depth back there.

"(Sophomore) Gregg Moss (Miami/Norland) and (freshman) Gerrod Bodie (Miami/Palmetto) have done a good job this spring and have become leading candidates for nickel and dime roles, but you realistically need eight or nine guys who can come in and play.

"Basically, all the guys here have improved, but to build a successful team, you are always looking to improve what you already have. We'll be counting on some of the freshman coming in August to step up and help fill the bill."

IU's 90-minute workout in full pads Tuesday focused on play review and special teams' play with emphasis on live field goal attempts.

"This was the first time we went live on field goals and overall, I was pleased with the effort," said Strock. "Special teams are an important one-third of the game and we'll continue to work hard in that area. You never know when three points can be the difference in a game."

Linebacker Dane Ireson (Elverson, Penn.) left practice early after a contusion to his right quadriceps muscle and tight ends Joe Struyf (Marathon/Marathon) and Joe LoCorto (Boca Raton/Pine Crest) sat out the day with the flu and bruised ribs, respectively.

The team takes Wednesday off before returning to the practice field for the last two spring workouts on Thursday and Friday, April 11-12 at 3:30 p.m. Spring practice concludes this Saturday with the Blue/Gold Scrimmage at FIU Community Stadium that kicks off at 1:00 p.m.

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