Grothe's recovery encourages Love

As expected A.J. Love was not on the USF depth chart that was released this week. The receiver tore his ACL in the spring game and has a long road to recovery after surgery.

But the Southeast High graduate could return in late October or early November, which would enable him to play about half the season. Everything would have to go smoothly in his rehabilitation and he would have to get rid of any rust that might accumulate while he is out.

If Love is unable to play he could still be healthy and available to work out for NFL teams before next spring’s draft.
The 6-2, 205 pound receiver should be encouraged by former USF quarterback Matt Grothe, who tore his ACL in the third game of last year and was lost for the season.

Grothe went through his surgery and rehab and this weekend will attend the Tampa Bay Bucs rookie minicamp.

Grothe finished his USF days as the all time Big East Conference career total offensive leader. Just as he did coming out of high school, he is fighting a perception that he is not tall enough or quick enough to play in the NFL and doesn’t have the arm strength.

When Love gets himself back to health, he won’t have to worry about any perceptions, real or imagined. He has the size, good speed and has shown a good knack for getting open, catching passes and gaining yardage after the catch.