After leaving Saturday’s game in the third quarter, defensive end Emerson Morris was rushed to have surgery on his lower leg. Morris suffered a break of both the tibia and fibula.

“Emerson is not with us the rest of the year, so we will have to make some changes,” USF coach Jim Leavitt confirmed.

Also injured in Saturday was true freshman defensive end Derek Carter. Carter suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the fourth quarter and will undergo surgery Friday. Leavitt said the surgery probably will end his season as well.

Trio of redshirts change positions

In a group of changes for the future, Leavitt said Frank Davis will move from defensive tackle to the offensive line and John Marshall will switch from tight end to defensive end. Marcus Edwards, son of New York Jets coach Herman Edwards, will probably be moving back to wide receiver. All three are redshirting this season, and Leavitt said the moves were for the players’ “future development.”

Coach pleased with O-line

Leavitt said he was happy with the performance of senior Ken Dawson, who was switched to right guard after an injury to Alex Herron forced Jimmy Fitts to center.

“We’re happy with Ken, he’s doing a good job,” Leavitt said. “It’s not easy to move into offensive guard. He’ll probably be more successful in time.”

Lineup changes

Senior running back Derrick Rackard suffered a sprained left ankle in Saturday’s game and is questionable for Saturday’s game against Utah.

“If (Crossley) practices well, we evaluate on practice as well. If he does that I would anticipate him starting,” Leavitt said.

Blackwell gets night off

Quarterback Marquel Blackwell attended Monday’s night practice but did not participate. Leavitt said Blackwell is not injured but may need a little more rest after the win against North Texas.

“We’re just kind of resting him a little bit,” Leavitt said.

“He’s just bruised. He could have practiced, but we just thought we’d give him the night off.”