The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida • Page 28

6C THE PALM BEACH POST THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007 NFL 1 nfr FClfTiTnPl i Vick likely to deal, according to sources FLOliJS STATE Offensive line sees several cnan ges A person close to the case says the quarterback's top priority is trying to save his football career. Some players left the team: Others have switched positions. "I'm not saying all those guys were weak. I'm just saying they weren't up to coach Trickett's standards of a ballplayer," Claude said. As for Grosso, coach Bobby Bowden wasn't ready to write him off.

"I'm usually pretty patient with them," he said. "So we can get him some time to think about it before we know for sure." Noteworthy: Bowden said he could see separation between quarterbacks Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee, but was mum on who was leading the race to start The Seminoles will have their first scrimmage tonight Darius Mc-Clure, a safety, was carted off the field following the last play of goal-line drills with a right leg injury. Mister Alexander, a safety who sat out last season with a knee injury, delivered what Bowden called the hit of the day during goal-line drills. practice for violating team rules. John Frady, a senior who started all 13 games at center last season but was third on the depth chart this fall, will move to tight end when he returns to practice following off-season ankle surgery.

With these moves, former defensive lineman Ryan McMahon is now the 1 starting center. Caz Piurowski, a former tight end, is a contender at right tackle. The line's projected starters on average are 25 pounds lighter than last season, at 286 pounds compared with 311. Starting guard Jacky Claude said all that change in a short time is a bit of a shock, but he said some people don't mesh withTrickett's fiery coaching style and view of an offensive lineman. "It surprises me, but if we want to win 10 or more ball games, you need to deal with tough men and men who can handle the pressure," Claude said.

By DEREK REDD Special to The Palm Beach Post TALLAHASSEE Florida State's offensive linemen have thinned in size and in, numbers. New offensive line coach Rick Trick-ett's preference for lighter, faster linemen has spurred several Seminoles to drop 20 to 30 pounds during the spring and summer. And three players have either left the unit or the team altogether since practice began. Anthony Grosso, a freshman tackle, left the team this week. No reason has been specified for his departure.

Matt Hardrick, a sophomore tackle, was dismissed before the first day of fall FLORIDA ATLANTC Defensive linemen coping with injuries Campbell's brother makes impression which have not been made public. On Monday, a federal grand jury in Richmond will begin hearing new allegations against Vick. Vick's attorneys are seeking a deal that limits his prison time and saves his NFL career, according to people with knowledge of the negotiations. Meanwhile, a plea agreement hearing for one of Vick's co-defendants has been delayed until Friday. Purnell Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach had his plea hearing pushed back from today to Friday in US.

District Court in Richmond. He will now appear at 9:15 a.m., following co-defendant Quanis Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, at a plea hearing at 9 a.m. Friday. The hearings originally showed up Monday on the docket of US. District Court Judge Henry E.

Hudson. The rescheduling of Peace's plea hearing will not affect the timing of Vick's decision about his own plea deal, one of the people with knowledge of the case said. Vick's legal team not only must negotiate with the US. Attornes Office, but also with the NFL, as well If Vick cannot secure a deal that saves his NFL career, he could decide to go to trial, risking a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted. Vick stands indicted of a single count of conspiracy to cross state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture; and buy, transport and receive dogs for animal fighting.

The maximum penalty for the conspiracy charge is five years in prison. But if Vick were to plead guilty, he is expected to face no more than a year in prison, according to federal guidelines. If Vick could negotiate a deal that drops the conspiracy charge and allows him to only admit a role in the dog-fighting offenses which are misdemeanors he could face even less time. By JEREMY REDM0N and BILL RANKIN Palm Beach Post-Cox News Service RICHMOND, Va. Facing the possibility of a new indictment that includes racketeering charges, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will most likely join his three co-defendants and agree this week to a plea deal with prosecutors in his federal dogfighting case, according to two people with knowledge of the case.

Vick has not made a final decision, the two people familiar with the case said, because he wants to hear from the NFL what a guilty plea would do to his football career. "It is a very good chance he will plead guilty," said one of those people, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He definitely wants to play football agaia His love is for football And he would love to play for the Falcons again. But first and foremost is to get back on the field." Vick's attorneys were still consulting with him Wednesday about what he wants to do. If Vick accepts the deal before the end of this week, a court hearing could be scheduled for him to enter a guilty plea as early as next week.

Vick has been banned from Falcons training camp while the NFL investigates the charges. Federal prosecutors announced at Vick's arraignment last month they will seek a superseding indictment before the end of this month. And that indictment includes at least one additional charge under the federal RICO statute, both people said. RICO, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, targets organized crime and racketeering as well as enterprises affecting interstate commerce. The prosecutors have given Vick until Friday to decide whether to take the plea deal, the details of Jared Campbell Calais Campbell a crutch during the scrimmage.

Josh Savidge, also a junior, missed the scrimmage with a sprained left knee. Both players will have tests today to determine the extent of the injuries. "It's good to get the opportunity, but it would be better if they weren't hurt" Monzon said. "We need them out here." Offense piles up points: Coach Howard Schnellenberger wasn't happy with the scrimmage, which the offense won 42-15. Schnellenberger only counted scoring for the first and second teams and said the score was 30-15.

"I guess because it was our third practice of the day and the sixth day of practice, we. didn't look real crisp on either side of the ball," Schnellenberger said. Quarterback Rusty Smith was 7-of-ll for 89 yards. "We ran the ball really good today," Smith said. "That takes a lot of pressure off me, so that's a good thing." marcusnelsonpbpost.com By MARCUS NELSON Palm Beach Post Staff Writer BOCA RATON Florida Atlantic was down to its backups at defensive tackle and nearly had to start a third-string player for Tuesday's scrimmage.

Gil Monzon wouldn't let that happen. Monzon, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound senior from Boynton Beach, had already received a cut on his left leg during practice that day that needed stitches. But he knew he wouldn't start in the fall's first scrimmage if he allowed the trainers to stitch him up. He taped the wound instead for a chance to play. "I just wanted to play because we're too banged up right now," Monzon said.

Monzon and redshirt sophomore, John Mertilus practiced with the first team at defensive tackle after injuries kept both starters out of the scrimmage. Junior defensive tackle Jervonte Jackson, who has a sprained left ankle and is expected to miss at least the rest of the week, stood with By JORGE MILIAN Palm Beach Post Staff Writer CORAL GABLES Calais Campbell, the University of Miami's 6-foot-8 standout pass-rusher, may not be the only member of his family who will contribute to the Hurricanes' defense this year. Jared Campbell, a freshman who is his shorter (6 foot) and younger brother, has moved his way past fellow freshman Joseph Nicolas to UM's No. 2 defense behind All-ACC safety Kenny Phillips. Jared may have solidified his hold on the spot during Wednesday's scrimmage by intercepting a Kyle Wright pass.

"The biggest thing Jared does is he hustles on every play," said UM defensive backs coach Wesley Mc-Griff. "He is wide open. He's definitely showing signs that he's ready to play." UM coach Randy Shannon said Wednesday he expects five or six freshmen to contribute this season and Campbell appears certain to. be in that group. "I don't have redshirting on my mind," Campbell said.

"I'm trying to definitely get on special teams, but there is a second-team safety opening. That's what I have my eye on right now." Calais Campbell, a junior, finished third in the ACC last season with 10! sacks and won all-conference honors. Jared Campbell is just beginning to build his college resume. "I have to prove myself, obviously," said Jared, a native of Aurora, Colo. "Everybody thinks I'm just 'little brother' here.

But, it'll give me more to work for. I'm trying to do everything he's done." jorgemilianpbpost.com EE Coaches adjust to new players ft 1 7 -X xy 30 MlguBlDlivD v.x 'vu-; "sir'- minimi v. 1 can't ever remember going Into a meeting room where there were so many young kids that we were counting GREG MATTISON, UF co-defensive coordinator" yy i -v 4a UFw ic play," said fifth-year senior Clint McMillan, who is vying to start "It's up for grabs, so ifs all going to depend week in, week out who performs the best" Only defensive end Derrick Harvey, a junior, and strong safety Tony Joiner, a senior, started last fall Few others played significant minutes. That means the Gators will defend their Southeastern Conference and national titles with one of the least-experienced units in big-time football. "This might be one of the youngest groups I've ever worked with," said Mattison, who has been coaching for more than three decades.

"I can't ever remember going into a meeting room where there were so many young kids that we were counting on. The good thing is that I don't know if I've ever been in a room where there is that much talent either." Outside of Harvey and Joiner, the projected starting lineup has only one player with more than two career starts. Senior free safety Kyle Jackson started 12 games before losing his spot midway through the 2005 season. Junior tackle Javier Estopinan started two SEC games last season; McMillan and linebackers Dustin Doe and Brandon Spikes each have one career start, though none came against SEC competition. Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson is the most seasoned at his position, with no starts but significant minutes in 13 games, including the SEC and BCS championship games.

That all-around inexperience means several true freshmen have legitimate chances to play soon. Meyer signed one of the nation's top-rated recruiting classes in February, and expects only a few of those 25 freshmen to redshirt Several including safeties Major Wright and Jerimy Finch, corner Joe Haden, end Justin Trattou and tackles Torrey Davis and John Brown could be on the field by the opener Autographed DontreUc Willis Rdding dm courtesy of Mings on Scratch Off Friday presented by MetroPCi First 15,000 fans get a Scratch Off card, 100 lucky farts will be instant winners. Dig oat your neon and leg warmers as celebrate 80'sRetm Night! Budweiser Fiesta UtJna Happy Hour at The Strike Zone at 6ateH before the game from 5 to 7 p.m. Kffli Inning Party at the Strike Zone CBS 4 for $54 deal 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 2 Marlins game day programs starting at $54! tores and starting by mid-season. "If there's a young guy, or anybody that plays the spot better than you, he's going to get the spot" Joiner said.

"Guys come out every day, a little more intensity added to the practice when you know you're playing for a spot" But the youth also means changes for the coaches. Meyer is asking his staff to be creative, to develop schemes that fit these young players who don't yet have the skills to replicate Moss, McDonald or free safety Reggie Nelson. At the same time, coaches also are trying to teach fundamentals. With the season opener barely more than two weeks away, ifs a difficult balance to find. "If you're always working on being creative," Meyer said, "are you really learning how to be a fundamentally sound football player?" Marshall to be honored: Former Florida linebacker Wilber Marshall, a two-time Ail-American and 1983's national Defensive Player of the Year, will be enshrined in Florida's Ring of Honor next month.

Marshall becomes the fifth player to receive the honor, joining Em-mitt Smith, Danny Wuerffel, Jack Youngblood and Steve Spurrier, who were all enshrined last year. Marshall's name will be unveiled above the north end zone of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium before Florida's game against Auburn Sept 29. lindsayJonespbpost.com I iv Tminlrtr nraeantoii hu IM I avi te Hku-xu. '1 The Strike Zone at Gate Start the party with autograph sessions, music The Mermaids and more! Opens at 5 p.m. mm Autograph session with Jon Secada from 530 6:00 p.m.

Autograph session with members of Hues Traveler from 6:00 630 p.m. Matins players autograph session (kids only) 6:00 6:20 p.m. Marlins Mirror Dice presented by Popular Mortgage for the first 5,000 cars Sergio Mitre T-shirt courtesy of Budweiser for the first 25,000 fans 21 and older End the night with a Fireworks Spectacular presented by Match Up Promotions I di roe-W lUariiMltoifflaDMnrMontorihufatrmrfaanriDiihlivfaHuififttinnnftfanc MUJI iff ure jumcuniccMif iwi rniuif juiiuti, aiuTiiraumuuiiiy jikwjiiih junuoy, nauiu iuiict, oiiu vuimiikjiiuu wii tos Marlins. Plus, enjoy the Family Fun Zone and the Nestle Drumstick Diamond Dash Marlins Annual Ice (ream Festival to benefit the Marlins Community Foundation and the ALS Recovery Fund. Call i 305-623-6497 for tickets and information.

last game of the series! Don't miss the Monday matinee at 1:05 p.m On the Web: See blog updates on FAU, UM, FSU and UF at PalmBeachPost.comsports XL I -v -i HicPdlm Beach Ftel I miiijmnnm iUMiHEirH'.