RunningtheBulls.com - Notebook: Shaw a question mark

September 4, 2012

Phil Neary
RunningtheBulls.com Publisher

One game into the season, the injury bug has already hit the Bulls, as the team may be without one of its top running backs this Saturday at Nevada.

"The only one I'm concerned about is Shaw," coach Skip Holtz said. "I don't know that we'll have him."

Shaw, a junior from Arcadia, has had a good fall camp and is an expected impact player this season, if healthy.

USF does have depth at running back, however, with senior Demetris Murray the top option and junior Bradley Battles and redshirt freshman Willie Davis also in the mix.

Lindsey Lamar, who switched from receiver to running back in the offseason, decided recently to take a redshirt this season after falling behind Shaw on the depth chart, though those plans could be affected depending on how long Shaw is out.

"If Shaw can't go, we've talked about playing Lindsey," Holtz said. "I would have loved to have (redshirted Lamar), but we also have to do what's best for this team. We have to be prepared to take the redshirt off and say, 'Let's go.'"

The Bulls received some good news on other injured players. Sophomore Darrell Williams, a projected starter a left tackle, missed the opener witha sprained ankle but there's a good chance he'll play on Saturday, Holtz said.

Surviving the elements

Playing Nevada in Reno means USF will make its longest road trip in school history. It also means the Bulls will have to play at a high altitute, something they aren't accustomed to.

"We've got some great challenges, not only on the field, but with the long travel, the altitute -- all those things we need to consider," Holtz said. "On the field, (Nevada) is a good football team."

The Wolfpack beat Pac-12 member California 31-24 last Saturday.

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