Strength in Unity.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

South Florida, Francois agree on seven year extension following first BCS bowl victory
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

South Florida and coach Malcolm Francois have agreed to a contract extension to keep him with the Bulls through 2026, the university announced Friday.

"It's not often a coach gets an opportunity to move back to their home state and coach the team they played for," Francois said in a statement. "What we've been able to do in the first seven seasons makes me incredibly excited for the growth of the program over the next seven."

The extension is rumored to be in the $6 million/year range, making Francois one of the highest paid coaches in all of college football following yet another 12 win season for the Bulls, their third under Francois. After winning just five games in 2013, the Bulls have won at least nine games since that season while winning their respective conference in four of those six seasons.

Francois' will now need to decide if the team will look to hire an offensive coordinator after he took over play calling duties from Marcel Smith this season following early season struggles. Smith has taken the head coaching job at Washington, joining defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis as assistants that have left for head coaching jobs. Rekstis was hired by Mississippi State to replace Dan Mullen.

With Bobby Petrino getting the ax at North Carolina, USF might be an interesting landing spot for the offensive genius given his affinity for the talent in Florida. Doc Holliday and Matt Campbell along with Steve Sarikisian also make sense, should Francois want to focus back on a CEO type of role.

Manny Diaz is also viewed as a top candidate for the defensive coordinator job along with defensive coordinator Nathan Mack.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

Bulls bolster recruiting efforts with additions of Holliday as OC, go with the fiery Diaz on defense
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

The USF coaching staff was ransacked this offseason, that's to be expected when you win twelve games, dominate #1 Kansas State and then toy around with Michigan before deciding to get serious in the bowl game. They've reloaded the coaching staff with some names that carry weight in their home state.

The Bulls hired former Marshall head coach Doc Holliday to be their offensive coordinator and Manny Diaz as their defensive coordinator.

Holliday spent the last few seasons in Cal as their offensive coordinator, leading them to a 9-4 record and the nation's top ranked passing attack and scoring offense. Before Holliday got to Marshall, Holliday traveled to the University of Florida in 2005 and became the Gators' associate head coach, safeties coach, and recruiting coordinator under head coach Urban Meyer. In 2005, Holliday was named one of Rivals.com's Top 25 Recruiters, while also tutoring a secondary that only allowed 52.3% of passing to be completed which was 16th best in the nation. Holliday's prowess as a recruiter in the state of Florida was one of the reasons why Bulls head coach Malcolm Francois was eager to land him.

It remains to be seen who will call plays on offense, however, and if the Bulls will move to a more spread passing offense under Holliday which he deployed at Cal.

There's no questions who will be calling plays on defense with the Diaz hire who also has ties to the state. Diaz is from Miami and went to school at Florida State before eventually becoming a graduate assistant for the Seminoles. Diaz's run at West Virginia was not successful but his aggressive style of defense fits USF perfectly.

"I think having two guys that have head coaching experience is going to help this team tremendously," said Francois, "Manny's a fiery guy, he fits our program and our defense and we're going to keep being aggressive. Doc [Holliday] is a true and tried kind of guy, he's seen it all, done it all so he brings a tremendous amount of experience, just a wealth of knowledge that's going to help this program beyond the field."

Notable Head Coaching Changes
North Carolina :: Todd Grantham replaces Bobby Petrino (fired)
-----
Kansas :: Jerry Kill replaces Charlie Weis (fired)
TCU :: Jim Fleming replaces Gary Patterson (fired)
Texas Tech :: Steve Ellis replaces Matt CAmpbell (fired)
UCF :: Darrell Hazell replaces George O'Leary (retired)
West Virginia :: Jeff Casteel replaces Manny Diaz (fired)
-----
Oregon State :: Danny Langsford replaces Nick Holt (fired)
Washington :: Marcel Smith replaces Steve Sarkisian (fired)
-----
Alabama :: Pete Rekstis replaces Dan Mullen (fired)

[Deuce2223]

Re: Strength in Unity.

Great way to close out the year. Win over your instate rival, win over #1 K-State to win the Big 12 and a Sugar Bowl win over what looked to be a pretty solid Michigan team though I am confused how they got to be #3 with 3 loss's and didn't even win play in the Big Ten title game.

Looks like you got a solid group of returning players that should help push you toward a national title if you stay away from a upset loss or maybe take a loss early in the season.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

Great way to close out the year. Win over your instate rival, win over #1 K-State to win the Big 12 and a Sugar Bowl win over what looked to be a pretty solid Michigan team though I am confused how they got to be #3 with 3 loss's and didn't even win play in the Big Ten title game.

Looks like you got a solid group of returning players that should help push you toward a national title if you stay away from a upset loss or maybe take a loss early in the season.

I thought the season was a lost one for sure after we lost two games early on and my stick skills were rusty and I just mentally was tired with the Tulane playbook.

I had built a custom PB a few years back and figured I'd dust it off and the season really took off after that. Excited about next season and definitely think we can make a run at the title again.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

Francois, Holliday have work cut out with them as QB room gets makeover
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

After seeing graduate transfer Steven McKenzie bolt to Boston College and have a successful senior campaign with 3,100 yards passing and 35 touchdowns, Brandon Tidwell is following suit. Tidwell will follow former offensive coordinator Marcel Smith to Washington as a graduate transfer.

This wouldn't be too bad if that was the extent of the Bulls loss at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore David Johnson declared for the draft, joining recruiting classmate David Ross. Johnson threw 19 interceptions his sophomore season after throwing 18 his freshman year and saw his role diminish throughout the season as USF moved to a two-QB system that had team success. Nevertheless, Johnson's arm talent convinced him that going to the draft is his best option.

Johnson's decision to leave early is almost the perfect punctuation to what was a rollercoaster of a ride. He arrived as a four-star QB, already better than the incumbent starter in Grant Oliver but seniority kept Oliver a starter. Johnson ran off McKenzie, broke records as a freshman that was turnover prone but also electric. USF brought in Justin Fuentes to fix him, didn't work. Marcel Smith lost his play-calling duties in part due to Johnson's turnovers and then, USF brought in Doc Holliday to work his magic but the Doc and Johnson experience failed to see a single snap.

USF is also losing redshirt senior Mario Greer to graduation, leaving them with just two scholarship quarterbacks.

2020 Players Leaving » Career Stats
#1 David Johnson (QB, Rs Sophomore): Declared Early » 574 of 807, 7277 yards, 44 touchdowns, 37 interceptions, 155 carries, 272 yards, 6 touchdowns.
#8 David Ross (HB, Junior): Declared Early » 320 carries, 1693 yards, 23 touchdowns.
#68 Derrick Drew (T, Rs Senior): Pro Draft » 36 pancakes, 18 sacks given up.
#7 Shelton Richardson (LB, Senior): Pro Draft » 262 tackles, 79 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacs, 2 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles.
#6 Corey Sharp (WR, Senior): Pro Draft » 126 receptions, 1537 yards, 10 touchdowns.
#11 Brandon Greer (QB, Rs Junior): Transfer (Washington) » No stats.
#10 Jay Stevens (WR, Senior): Graduation » 86 receptions, 1106 yards, 7 touchdowns.
#15 Mario Greer (QB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 4 of 6, 32 yards, 2 interceptions.
#93 Jamey Little (DT, Senior): Graduation » 19 tackles, 9 tackles for loss.
#74 Kenny Brantley (C, Senior): Graduation » 13 pancakes, 4 sacks given up.
#73 Isaac Gutierrez (T, Senior): Graduation » 15 pancakes, 9 sacks given up.
#95 Bryan Walker (DE, Rs Senior): Graduation » 3 tackles, tackle for loss.
#12 Fred Hooper (DE, Senior): Graduation » 90 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 8 sacks.
#52 Matt Thompson (LB, Senior): Graduation » 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss.
#40 Robert Holland (TE, Rs Senior): Graduation » 61 receptions, 619 yards, 2 touchdowns.
#37 Mike Clark (S, Senior): Graduation » 2 tackles.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

The stage is set for yet another exciting signing day as Pittman commits ahead of NSD
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

With National Signing Day just hours away, USF got a bit of an early Christmas present in the form of Texas quarterback James Pittman committing to the Bulls.

Pittman is a six-foot-six, 220 pound dual-threat quarterback that fits the version of the Bulls offense that we saw last season. With the team down to just two scholarship quarterbacks following transfers, draft declarations and graduation, Pittman's importance can not be overstated from a depth perspective. He joins Jeremy Thomas in the class as the team's two QBs for this cycle.

While Pittman's addition is certainly needed, Bulls fans have their eyes on bigger fish. There's the two big guys, literally, in Derek Charles and Brian Smith. If USF goes 0 for 2, this class is a disaster with not a single offensive linemen. If they go 2 for 2, it's a potential top five class. If they manage to split them and perhaps do the same with cornerback Sonny Understood and tight end Ben Hawthorne preferably landing Sonny, it's a hell of a class. If they go 0 for 4, once again, the class goes from a decent class missing key pieces to potentially a meddling class that is top heavy.

The Bulls have been busy, extending offers to quarterback Eugene Shaw, wide receiver Willie Whitaker and safety Cedric King, all three-star prospects. At this moment, they are not 'commitable' offers and rather just feelers in case things go really, really wrong on NSD.

2020 USF Recruiting Class
HB Troy Henry [HB #3]: 5'10", 195lbs | Alexander City, AL | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 275 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
WR/DB Brandon Burns [ATH #11]: 6'1", 197lbs | Hanford, CA | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 270 Squat Max
ATH Erik Bass [ATH #22]: 6'0", 246lbs | Athens, AL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
S Sam Peterson [S #8]: 6'1", 179lbs | Glenrcok, WY [IMG Academy] | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
WR John Dixon [WR #43]: 6'3", 213lbs | Lake Wales, FL | 3-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 290 Bench Press Max, 235 Squat Max
QB Jeremy Thomas [QB #21]: 6'1", 242lbs | Calhoun, GA | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 230 Squat Max
LB Montrell Jennings [LB #30]: 5'11", 231lbs | Pinellas Park, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
TE Martin Rushing [TE #32]: 6'7", 260lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yard dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
QB James Pittman [QB #38]: 6'6'", 220lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
S Pierre Hodge [S #36]: 6'0", 195lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 395 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
S Chris Wade [S #26]: 6'1", 177lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 335 Squat Max
FB Terrance Holland [FB #15]: 6'1", 250lbs | Carol City, FL | 2-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max

2020 USF Recruiting Board
T Derek Charles [T #3]: 6'5", 269lbs | Burbank, CA | 4-star :: Boise State, USF, Oregon, Oklahoma, Colorado State
CB Sonny Underwood [CB #1]: 6'1", 181lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star :: Iowa, USF
TE Ben Hawthorne [TE #6]: 6'3", 242lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star :: Northwestern, USF, Notre Dame, Kentucky, Army
G Brian Smith [G #1]: 6'4", 309lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star :: Florida, Georgia, Georgia State, USF, Auburn
QB Eugene Shaw [QB #49]: 6'2", 212lbs | Glendale, WI | 3-star :: USF, Texas Tech, NC State
WR Willie Whitaker [WR #135]: 5'11", 185lbs | Mountain Home, ID | 3-star :: USF, TCU, NIU, Texas Tech
S Cedric King [S #57]: 6'2", 187lbs | Salisbury, NC | 3-star :: USF, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Georgia, Texas Tech
T Roger Spencer [T #91]: 6'7", 280lbs | Boca Del Mar, FL | 2-star :: Tulane, Cincinnati, Rice, Ohio, USF
--------------
T Ryan Williams [T #8]: 6'4", 280lbs | Cartersville, GA | 4-star :: Committed to Florida

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

Not a sweep but Bulls get much needed help up front on National Signing Day
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

USF simply couldn't strike out on it's only offensive line targets this recruiting class and they didn't, landing NLIs from four-star guard Brian Smith and four-star California tackle Derek Charles.

USF was able to beat out some top west coast teams for Charles while also going head to head with SEC teams for Smith. They weren't as successful with cornerback Sonny Underwood with the Miami product sticking with his previous commitment to Iowa. Tampa tight end Ben Hawthorne ultimately went with the Wildcats of Northwestern while tackle Roger Spencer signed with Ohio.

The Bulls did add another QB to the class in Eugene Shaw out of Wisconsin to give the nation's sixteenth ranked recruiting class.

2020 USF Recruiting Class
HB Troy Henry [HB #3]: 5'10", 195lbs | Alexander City, AL | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 275 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
G Brian Smith [G #1]: 6'4", 309lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 480 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
WR/DB Brandon Burns [ATH #11]: 6'1", 197lbs | Hanford, CA | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 270 Squat Max
ATH Erik Bass [ATH #22]: 6'0", 246lbs | Athens, AL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
T Derek Charles [T #3]: 6'5", 269lbs | Burbank, CA | 4-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
S Sam Peterson [S #8]: 6'1", 179lbs | Glenrcok, WY [IMG Academy] | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
WR John Dixon [WR #43]: 6'3", 213lbs | Lake Wales, FL | 3-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 290 Bench Press Max, 235 Squat Max
QB Jeremy Thomas [QB #21]: 6'1", 242lbs | Calhoun, GA | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 230 Squat Max
LB Montrell Jennings [LB #30]: 5'11", 231lbs | Pinellas Park, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
TE Martin Rushing [TE #32]: 6'7", 260lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yard dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
QB James Pittman [QB #38]: 6'6'", 220lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
QB Eugene Shaw [QB #49]: 6'2", 212lbs | Glendale, WI | 3-star | 4.98 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
S Pierre Hodge [S #36]: 6'0", 195lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 395 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
S Chris Wade [S #26]: 6'1", 177lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 335 Squat Max
FB Terrance Holland [FB #15]: 6'1", 250lbs | Carol City, FL | 2-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max

2020 USF Recruiting Board
CB Sonny Underwood [CB #1]: 6'1", 181lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star :: Committed to Iowa
T Ryan Williams [T #8]: 6'4", 280lbs | Cartersville, GA | 4-star :: Committed to Florida
TE Ben Hawthorne [TE #6]: 6'3", 242lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star :: Committed to Northwestern
T Roger Spencer [T #91]: 6'7", 280lbs | Boca Del Mar, FL | 2-star :: Committed to Ohio

Top 25 Recruiting Classes
1. USC
2. Notre Dame
3. Alabama
4. Wisconsin
5. Michigan
6. Texas
7. Florida
8. Michigan State
9. Minnesota
10. Ohio State
11. Stanford
12. Clemson
13. Penn State
14. Georgia Tech
15. Georgia
16. USF
17. Missouri
18. Iowa
19. Oregon
20. Texas A&M
21. Tennessee
22. UCF
23. South Carolina
24. Texas Tech
25. Northwestern

Top 247 Five-Star Prospects
Jake Anderson [ATH #1]: 5'11", 210lbs | Manhattan, KS | 5-star :: Committed to Kansas
Carl McKinney [LB #1]: 6'2", 218lbs | Pharr, TX | 5-star :: Committed to Texas
Larry Harrell [OLB #1]: 6'3", 238lbs | Bradley, WV | 5-star :: Committed to Ohio State
Nate Pugh [HB #1]: 6'1", 205lbs | Westland, MI | 5-star :: Committed to Navy
Spencer Parrish [WR #1]: 5'10", 192lbs | Germantown, WI | 5-star :: Committed to Wisconsin
Phil Bates [WR #2]: 6'0", 193lbs | Sun Valley, NV | 5-star :: Committed to USC
Trent Monroe [ATH #2]: 6'1", 223lbs | Binghamton, NY | 5-star :: Committed to Alabama
Leroy Thomas [ATH #3]: 6'1", 215lbs | Ormond Beach, FL | 5-star :: Committed to Colorado
Brad Coleman [ATH #4]: 6'1", 273lbs | Fairdale, KY | 5-star :: Committed to Michigan
Brian Hamilton [HB #2]: 5'9", 189lbs | Jupiter, FL | 5-star :: Committed to Ohio State
Jeremy Witherspoon [ATH #5]: 6'4", 268lbs | La Vergne, TN | 5-star :: Committed to Vanderbilt
Lamar Phillips [ATH #6]: 6'1", 177lbs | Richmond, KY | 5-star :: Committed to Georgia
Steve Moses [WR #3]: 6'2", 210lbs | Rutland, VT | 5-star :: Committed to Florida State
Kyle Randle [TE #1]: 6'5", 265lbs | Fair Plain, MI | 5-star :: Committed to Notre Dame
Michael Woods [DE #1]: 6'1", 270lbs | Cloveleaf, TX | 5-star :: Committed to Texas
Roy Harris [DT #1]: 6'2", 270lbs | Euclid, OH | 5-star :: Committed to Wisconsin
Jim Beck [DT #2]: 6'4", 277lbs | Weatherford, TX | 5-star :: Committed to Nebraska
Mike Leach [ATH #7]: 6'1", 213lbs | Groton, CT | 5-star :: Committed to USC
Chad Thomas [ATH #8]: 6'1", 203lbs | Mansfield, OH | 5-star :: Committed to USC
Ron Fine [DE #2]: 6'1", 246lbs | Missoula, MT | 5-star :: Committed to Oregon
Troy Henry [HB #3]: 5'10", 196lbs | Alexander City, AL | 5-star :: Committed to South Florida
Norris Fontaine [OLB #2]: 6'4", 236lbs | Port Charlotte, FL | 5-star :: Committed to Notre Dame
Chase Meyers [ILB #3]: 5'11", 216lbs | Worthington, OH | 5-star :: Committed to Ohio State

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

USF, Notre Dame Football agree on three-game series starting in 2021
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

The South Florida Bulls and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced Thursday that they will play a three-game series — two in Indiana, one in Florida — starting in 2021.

The two teams have played each other just once before: a 23-20 upset by the Bulls, then led by Notre Dame alumnus Skip Holtz, over the Irish in 2011.

The Bulls will travel to South Bend in 2021 and 2024 while hosting Notre Dame in 2023. The late addition of Notre Dame to the 2021 non-conference schedule wraps it up for the Bulls as they will host Florida that season and go on the road against USC and BYU.

USF still has an open slot in 2023 with talks of them potentially scheduling a series with Iowa as they also have an open slot in 2026. The idea would be to schedule a home-and-home with the Hawkeyes as they continue to expand their national brand.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Everything is riding on the shoulder of Michael Harrell
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

USF didn't land quarterback Michael Harrell until the eleventh hour of National Signing Day, keeping the Miami product from the likes of the University of Miami and FIU, where his dad is on the staff. If USF had failed to do so, they would be in a very, very, very bad situation right now.

Harrell enters 2020 as the Bulls only quarterback with a single snap to his name following David Johnson going into the draft, Mario Greer graduating and Brandon Tidwell transferring to Washington.

A look at USF’s quarterback situation:

Projected depth chart
#7 Michael Harrell, So. | 6'2", 214lbs | 82 ovr, 80 spd, 85 thp, 78 tha
#10 Jeremy Thomas, Fr. | 6'1", 242lbs | 71 ovr, 67 spd, 82 thp, 81 tha
#16 Eric Shaw, Fr. | 6'2", 212lbs | 64 ovr, 57 spd, 83 thp, 72 tha
#15 James Pittman, Fr. | 6'6", 220lbs | 63 ovr, 79 spd, 77 thp, 69 tha
#18 Eric Whitworth, Rs Fr. | 6'5", 206lbs | 55 ovr, 52 spd, 73 thp, 68 tha

Expected starter: Does it even need to be said?

Major storyline: Doc Holliday has been calling plays during the spring and fall camp so it's to be expected that he'll continue to do so when the season starts. Harrell was good as a runner last season in Malcolm Francois' run heavy offense, will he have similar success as a full-time starter? He only threw the ball 90 times last season compared to his 106 rushes.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Reynolds finally gets his opportunity following Ross' departure
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

When USF switched their offense around last season, Brian Reynolds was the odd man out. The team had their lead back in Ross who was more of a bruiser, James Thomas brought some versality while Greg Johnston was the fastest of the bunch. Reynolds was a cross between Ross and Thomas while not being as fast as Thomas or as powerful as Ross.

He'll get his shot now with Ross in the NFL and if Reynolds number switch to the coveted number one jersey is any indication, he's due for a big season.

A look at USF’s running back situation:

Projected depth chart
#1 Brian Reynolds, Rs Sr. | 6'0", 235lbs | 88 ovr, 88 spd, 98 acc, 87 btk, 77 car
#25 James Thomas, So. | 5'10", 199lbs | 82 ovr, 88 spd, 85 acc, 85 btk, 81 car
#6 Troy Henry, Fr. | 5'10", 195lbs | 72 ovr, 93 spd, 92 acc, 68 btk, 63 car
#32 Greg Johnston, Rs So. | 6'0", 204lbs | 72 ovr, 94 spd, 88 acc, 68 btk, 66 car
#13 Scott Kimbrough, Rs So. | 6'0", 205lbs | 75 ovr, 87 spd, 88 acc, 70 btk, 99 car
-------
FB #40 Terrance Holland, Fr. | 6'1", 250lbs | 71 ovr, 80 spd, 83 acc, 74 car, 70 rbk

Expected starter: We'll see how OC Doc Holliday handles the position but Reynolds and Thomas project to be the top guys.

Major storyline: Five-star Troy Henry is going to try to crack that rotation at running back and has the speed to do so. He's more explosive than Johnston and be an interesting name to watch.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: How will the receivers fare with Harrell at quarterback?
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

USF receiver Mike Holmes had a strong end to to the season as did Marco Mason and it's no coincidence that it came as David Johnson also started to get it going. Johnson is gone now and so is receivers Corey Sharp and Jay Stevens, opening the door of opportunity for a plethora of receivers.

A look at USF’s receiver situation:

Projected depth chart
#4 Mike Holmes, Jr. | 6'0", 184lbs | 86 ovr, 95 spd, 95 acc, 80 cth
#8 Matt Hill, Rs Sr. | 6'1", 202lbs | 86 ovr, 90 spd, 88 acc, 89 cth
#12 Marco Mason, Jr. | 6'2", 211lbs | 81 ovr, 93 spd, 86 acc, 80 cth
#81 James Ellison, So. | 5'11", 189lbs | 67 ovr, 94 spd, 83 acc, 61 cth
#84 Joel Green, Rs So. | 6'1", 199lbs | 76 ovr, 88 spd, 86 acc, 81 cth
#80 Chad Hale, So. | 6'2", 188lbs | 68 ovr, 89 spd, 85 acc, 69 cth
#85 John Dixon, Fr. | 6'3", 213lbs | 67 ovr, 94 spd, 76 acc, 61 cth

Expected starter: Holmes is WR1 with Hill and Mason following up as the next two receivers in any order.

Major storyline: Hill had a decent freshman campaign with 14 catches but caught just 2 passes in 2018 and 12 in 2019. Mason projects to be WR2 but Hill will be an interesting case study as a fifth year senior whose probably got the best hands of the bunch.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Can Bass live up to the offseason and preseason hype?
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

You cannot get the coaching staff at USF to stop talking about freshman tight end Erik Bass. The former four-star recruit was a running back in high school and is making the switch to tight end at the next level and at 246 pounds, Bass is sure fun to watch running down the field.

Bass is part of a group that got some experience last season with Wayne primarily being used as a blocker.

A look at USF’s tight end situation:

Projected depth chart
#26 Erik Bass, Fr. | 6'0, 246lbs | 69 ovr, 88 spd, 88 acc, 70 cth, 65 rbk OR
#83 Joe Wayne, Jr. | 6'4", 256lbs | 79 ovr, 76 spd, 77 acc, 67 cth, 72 rbk
#86 Jonathan Lamb, So. | 6'6", 236lbs | 74 ovr, 75 spd, 74 acc, 68 cth, 74 rbk
#88 Brian Knox, So. | 6'4", 252lbs | 73 ovr, 76 spd, 74 acc, 70 cth, 72 rbk
#87 Martin Rushing, Fr. | 6'7", 260lbs | 65 ovr, 75 spd, 81 acc, 68 cth, 71 rbk

Expected starter: Bass will be the vertical threat while Wayne is the more traditional, inline tight end. Wayne started at fullback last season and got some valuable reps while backing up Robert Holland.

Major storyline: Bass has been compared to Aaron Hernandez by the coaching staff, citing his ability to play three positions as a receiver, tight end as well as carrying the football. His blocking needs work but he might be the best athlete they've had at the position in a while.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Bulls go with a true freshmen combo on the right side, will it survive?
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

The USF offensive line struggled in the first few games of the season and it wasn't until Malcolm Francois installed a power running offense out of the shotgun that the Bulls running attack got going. They ran almost exclusively behind the combo of Derrick Drew and Brian Brown. Drew is gone now and so is their center Kenny Brantley as well as right tackle Isaac Gutierrez.

A look at USF’s offensive line situation:

Projected depth chart
LT - #69 Victor Tucker, Jr. :: #76 Quinton Payne, Rs Sr. :: #75 Frank Lucas, Rs Fr.
LG - #79 Brian Brown, Rs Sr.
C - #65 Jamie Babcock, Rs So.
RG - #77 Brian Smith, Fr. :: #64 Maurice Williams, Rs So.
RT - #78 Derek Charles, Fr. :: #72 Nic Haynes, Rs Jr.

Expected starters:
#69 Victor Tucker, So. | 6'4", 318lbs | 83 ovr, 83 str, 88 pbk, 88 rbk
#79 Brian Brown, Rs Sr. | 6'0", 325lbs | 84 ovr, 81 str, 89 pbk, 90 rbk
#65 Jamie Babcock, Rs So. | 6'4", 339lbs | 85 ovr, 79 str, 86 pbk, 87 rbk
#77 Brian Smith, Fr. | 6'4", 309lbs | 77 ovr, 88 str, 80 pbk, 85 rbk
#78 Derek Charles, Fr. | 6'6", 302lbs | 72 ovr, 85 str, 76 pbk, 83 rbk

Major storyline: USF once again is very loaded on the left side as they moved Victor Tucker, the only other returner starter besides Brian Brown, to tackle alongside Brown. The Bulls are going to start with two true freshman Brian Smith and Derek Charles on the right side and in a few years, they could be NFL guys but can they get it done in year one?

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Bennett makes the switch to give USF an experience defensive line
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

It seemed that every season, USF was force to find a new combo at defensive end, moving guys around. This year, the Bulls have a loaded defensive line with plenty of experience.

Chuck Sanders returns after a Freshman All-American season and a few outside linebackers made the official move to put their hand in the dirt in Mark Bennett, a starter last year at outside linebacker, and his backup James Tucker while reserve defensive end Chris Allen kicks out to his more natural defensive tackle position to form a very good front four.

A look at USF’s defensive line situation:

Projected depth chart
DE - #9 Chuck Sanders, So. :: #98 John Mansfield, So. :: #91 Derrick Farris, Rs Fr.
DT - #14 E.J. Newsome, Jr. :: #96 Ben Woodard, Rs. Jr :: #94 Justin Barry, Rs So.
DT - #41 Chris Allen, Sr. :: #90 Ben Jennings, Rs Jr.
DE - #11 Mark Bennett, Rs Sr. :: #97 Mark Hawkins, Rs So. :: #57 Matt Stewart, Rs So.

Expected starters:
#9 Chuck Sanders, So. | 6'3", 246lbs | 80 ovr, 76 spd, 74 acc, 82 str, 88 fmv, 76 bsh
#14 E.J. Newsome, Jr. | 6'3", 271lbs | 83 ovr, 69 spd, 82 acc, 83 str, 78 pmv, 82 fmv, 77 bsh
#41 Chris Allen, Sr. | 6'4", 284lbs | 80 ovr, 71 spd, 80 acc, 85 str, 85 pmv, 84 fmv, 83 bsh
#11 Mark Bennett, Rs Sr. | 6'1", 244lbs | 87 ovr, 84 spd, 99 acc, 86 fmv, 90 bsh

Major storyline: A very natural switch for Bennett who played on the line a lot last season as a stand up linebacker. He figures to have a similar role as Shelton Richardson last season so he could be due for a very big season.

[Thugger Jackson]

Re: Strength in Unity.

2020 USF Bulls football preview: Stewart ready to be the next great linebacker for the Bulls
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

With All-American honors as a true freshman, it's hard to imagine a better start for linebacker Scott Stewart. His running mate Shelton Richardson is off to the NFL and Mark Bennett is putting his hands in the dirt as a defensive end, giving Stewart two new book end linebackers in Albert Young and Derek O'Neill.

A look at USF’s linebacker situation:

Projected depth chart
WILL - #50 Derek O'Neill, Rs Sr. :: #59 Ryan Fletcher, Rs So. :: #51 Nate Clark, Rs Fr.
MIKE - #54 Scott Stewart, So. :: #55 Rob Matthews, Rs Sr.:: #56 John Jacobs, Rs Jr. :: #52 Montrell Jennings, Fr.
SAM - #42 Albert Young, Rs So. :: #53 Stephen Hill, Fr.

Expected starters:
#50 Derek O'Neill, Rs Sr. | 6'3", 230lbs | 81 ovr, 87 spd, 94 acc, 80 tkl, 78 bsh, 88 hit power
#54 Scott Stewart, Fr. | 6'3", 246lbs | 78 ovr, 79 spd, 87 acc, 82 tkl, 80 bsh, 85 hit power
#42 Albert Young, Rs Jr. | 6'1", 237lbs | 85 ovr, 83 spd, 96 acc, 75 tkl, 99 bsh, 94 hit power

Major storyline: We know what USF has in Stewart but the wild card is Young who is the transfer from Northwestern. He got onto the field last season due to his prowess against the run and figures to have a big season.