One valuable piece of Miami’s offensive line, right guard Danny Isidora, returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since breaking his foot on the first day of August training camp.
Asked about Isidora’s return, Hurricanes coach Al Golden didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, calling it “a big day to see him out there.”
Isidora, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound redshirt freshman, was listed as Brandon Linder’s backup before his injury. He had surgery in early August. Last week, Golden said Isidora could return to game action in mid-October.
Golden wouldn’t speculate further Tuesday but said the team would be careful with Isidora, given the stress his size could place on his foot.
In addition, Golden said starting center Shane McDermott, of Palm Beach Central High, will return to practice Wednesday. McDermott suffered a foot injury Sept. 7 against Florida and wore a walking boot on the sideline during Saturday’s 77-7 win over Savannah State.
In McDermott’s place, senior Jared Wheeler is expected to get his second career start Saturday at South Florida (noon, ESPNU).
Quarterback Stephen Morris, who suffered a bone bruise on his right ankle against Savannah State, threw 40 passes Tuesday and surprised his coach with how well he transferred his weight while throwing. Morris is expected to play against USF (0-3), but his workload has yet to be determined.
“Stephen did well today,” Golden said. “Was it 100 percent today? No. Did he do everything? No. But he did a lot. … Hopefully he’ll continue to make progress throughout the week.”
Golden said receiver Rashawn Scott (shoulder/collarbone) should start running soon. Scott, injured making a diving catch Aug. 31 against Florida Atlantic, has been spotted at practice this week moving well and not wearing a sling.
Sophomore safety Deon Bush, making his return from offseason sports hernia surgery, admitted to fatigue against Savannah State but said he “pushed through it.”
“I’m not exactly sure when I’m going to be 100 percent,” Bush said. “It all starts in the mind.”
USF names QB: At his Tuesday news conference in Tampa, USF coach Willie Taggart named sophomore Steven Bench his starting quarterback. Bench was 8-of-23 for 128 yards and one touchdown with one interception in USF's last game, a 28-10 loss to FAU.
The Bulls’ offense ranks 116th in the nation in passing yards, 121st in points scored and 120th in total yards. Golden, however, said USF’s offense presents a challenge, especially coming off a bye week.
“If you’re going to put any wrinkles in, that’s the time to put them in,” Golden said.
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