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USF Preview for 2018: Positions
It is that wonderful time of year where hope is renewed for all college football fans.
The spring and summer have made way for promise and confidence that this will be your team’s season to shine like never before!
In 2017 USF was feeling high and mighty walking into the season with new head coach Charlie Strong and Heisman Trophy hopeful Quinton Flowers at quarterback. What was supposed Heaven on Earth turned into a late-season nightmare: USF lost to Houston at home and suffered a Black Friday loss (in thrilling fashion) to rival UCF at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando.
The Bulls did win 10 games, including a repeat win in the Birmingham Bowl. USF also finished with a top-15 defense and the tenth-most points per game in the nation (38.3). However, they had to watch their dream season be realized by the Knights. UCF would go on to win the American Athletic Conference Championship and a Peach Bowl win over Auburn on New Year’s Day to help cap off an undefeated season. To make matters worse for USF the NCAA recently recognized UCF as a national champion for 2017 thanks to the Colley Matrix ranking system.
USF has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2018 season.
REPLACING A LEGEND ISN’T EASY
The biggest question mark for this team has been who would replace Quinton Flowers – arguably the greatest player in USF Football history - at quarterback?
The first chance will go to graduate transfer Blake Barnett who has a rocket for an arm and the ability to run despite his 6’5” frame. If offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert has chosen correctly, then the Bulls offense could be in good shape. But don’t be surprised if Barnett is on a tight leash for someone like Brett Kean or Chris Oladokun (Sickles): both have been in this system for two years and could step in when needed. As noted on the first depth chart, Kean and Oladokun are Co-QB2.
A STABLE FULL OF BACKS
There are playmakers all over the depth chart at running back. Florida transfer Jordan Cronkrite has the ability to explode out of the backfield and challenge any defender by staying low and fighting for extra yards after contact. He can turn up field and hit any open hole created by the offensive line. Elijah Mack is bigger version of Cronkrite at 6’1”, roughly 230 lbs. Mack can lower his shoulder and punish a linebacker for trying to tackle him high. Guys like Trevon Sands and Duran Bell Jr. (Hillsborough) should both be able to contribute. Bell has track speed and can be used in a few situations for the Bulls.
GO LONG
Week 1’s depth chart release by USF presented a surprise at wide receiver. Stanley Clerveaux is listed ahead of Darnell Salomon. Though there is no shock seeing Tyre McCants at the slot and Randall St. Felix at the outside spot. Tight end is loaded with talent led Mitchell Wilcox (Tarpon Springs) who recently received high praise from Charlie Strong – who said during Tuesday’s weekly press conference “I don’t know if there is a better tight end in the country than Mitch Wilcox.” But don’t be surprised if Frederick Lloyd Jr. and Ole Miss Transfer Jacob Mathis (Berkley Prep) get some time.
HOLD THE LINE
The offensive line will be one of the most important units for USF. Led by Billy Atterbury (Clearwater Central Catholic) who can move around on the line but seems to have settled at right guard. Fellow Bay Area native Michael Wiggs (Lake Gibson) will be at center. Protecting the blind side of Blake Barnett will be left tackle Eric Mayes, who grew up not far from Tampa down in Sarasota. Rounding out the O-line will be Marcus Norman at right tackle and Demetris Harris at left guard.
QUANTITY OVER QUALITY
Replacing guys like Deadrin Senat (Atlanta Falcons) Bruce Hector (Robinson/Philadelphia Eagles) and Mike Love (Countryside/Buffalo Bills) won’t be easy for the Bulls defensive line. That’s why quantity might just make up for the quality of players lost to the NFL. There could be between 10-12 defensive linemen rotate in and out this Saturday night at Ray Jay. Defensive ends Greg Reaves (Manatee) and Kirk Livingstone will get the start off the edge. Kevin Kegler and Kevin Bronson will start on the inside at defensive tackle. Expect to see players like Josh Black (Sickles), Kelvin Pinkney, and Vincent Jackson (Jesuit) working their way into the front. Freshmen like Tyrone Barber and Ryshawn Yates will also see time. Bronson said “it’s amazing watching what these young guys can do out there.”
AUGGIE IS IN TALLY
USF’s all-time leading tackler Auggie Sanchez (Northeast) is now up in Tallahassee serving as a graduate assistant under former Bulls coach Willie Taggart. It’s a big blow to no longer see number 43 roaming the middle of the field for this defense. Nico Sawtelle and Khalid McGee will lead the way for the Bulls.
SWAG IN THE SECONDARY
There will be three Bay Area alums starting in this secondary: cornerbacks Mike Hampton (Hillsborough) and Mazzi Wilkins (Plant) will try to keep receivers in check along with strong safety Mehki LaPointe (Armwood). Ronnie Hoggins is one of the leaders of this group and will start at nickel while Jaymon Thomas will be at free safety. Hoggins, Thomas, and Wilkins are all returning starters. Expect redshirt freshman Bentlee Sanders (Tampa Catholic) to begin to make his mark on the field in 2018.
JUST FOR KICKS
Emilio Nadelman is now a graduate assistant for USF as his team has been trying to figure out its kicking situation. Jake Vivonetto will be the kicker and 27-year-old sophomore Trent Schneider (Australia) will be the punter. Quarterback Kyle Trina (Plant) will hold on field goals.
PREDICTION TIME
Week 1: vs. Elon – Win
Analysis: The Phoenix enters 2018 as the 12th-ranked team in FCS. Elon has a young but talented QB who will have a veteran offensive line. The defense is also filled with older guys. Never sleep on a team with upper-class talent. And we all remember how tough Stony Brook was for a Bulls team with Quinton Flowers. If Blake Barnett and the offense cannot click, expect a battle.
Week 2: vs. Georgia Tech - Loss
Analysis: Georgia Tech is actually picked to finish 3rd in the ACC Coastal Division behind Miami and Virginia Tech. The Yellow Jackets did receive eight first place votes in the ACC Preseason Poll. Tech can score. Maybe the noon kickoff time helps USF, but until we see this Bulls offense I have to go with a Georgia Tech team that is off a 5-6 season and should be improved.
Week 3: AT Illinois – Win
Analysis: Lovie Smith and his staff have done a great job in recruiting. I just don’t know if they will be a year better. I expect a close game, but I will take USF on the road to move to 2-1 on the season.
Week 4: vs. East Carolina* - Win
Analysis: The Pirates seem to make things interesting with the Bulls. Last season ECU put up 31 points in a losing effort (61-31). In 2016, USF beat the Pirates 38-22 at Ray Jay. USF should win this game on talent alone, but talent will have effort, which should lead to a nice win for USF.
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: AT UMass - Win
Analysis: UMass just scored 60 in it’s season-opener against Duquesne. First time the Minutemen have done that since 1999 when they scored 62 against UConn.
I think UMass can score and this game is in Amherst. But I’m taking the Bulls.
Week 7: AT Tulsa* - Win
Analysis: Tulsa has talent, but I do not think they can hang with the defense or (hopefully a high-scoring) offense of USF. Road games this time of year start to get tricky. We saw it wasn’t easy at home on Senior Night against Tulsa. I think USF survives.
Week 8: vs. UConn* - Win
Analysis: USF is currently on a six-game winning streak against the Huskies. The games are usually closer in East Hartford than in Tampa. I like USF to make it seven consecutive wins over Randy Edsall’s bunch.
Week 9: AT Houston* - Loss
Analysis: Ed Oliver is a stud defensive lineman; Houston has some talent and D’Eriq King returns at QB. I think there are some issues with this team, and Bulls fans will point to a lucky 4th down play in 2017. I think USF will play well but with this game on the road, I give it to the Cougars.
Week 10: vs. Tulane* - Win
Analysis: This game will not be a blowout but I expect USF to rebound after a loss to Houston. It wasn’t easy in New Orleans a year ago, why should it be easy now?
Week 11: AT Cincinnati* - Win
Analysis: I think Luke Fickell and his staff will have the Bearcats much improved in their second season. The tough thing for Cincinnati is they have Navy the week before USF and UCF to follow. Not easy for them. Not a gimme, but I like USF in this one. But I wouldn’t be shocked if USF loses this game.
Week 12: AT Temple* - Win
Analysis: If things break this way for USF, then this is the moment. This is the game that determines how much the UCF game will count. Remember a couple years ago when everyone pointed to that loss to Temple (then led by current-Baylor head coach Matt Rhule) as the reason Willie Taggart and the Bulls didn’t play for a conference title? Geoff Collins had the Owls improving week-by-week in year one. I expect Temple to be a solid team that can give anyone some trouble. They had a decent quarter vs. UCF last season.
Week 13: vs. UCF* - Loss
Analysis: McKenzie Milton and the Knights could be standing on the doorstep of another undefeated season. The defense might not be as good without Mike Hughes or Shaquem Griffin. Or maybe it will be just fine with Randy Shannon as defensive coordinator? Expect a high-scoring game. It will feel like two years ago when USF pulled away against a UCF squad that wasn’t quite ready. The big thing helping the Bulls is this game is at Ray Jay. I can’t go against UCF, especially if they can be two wins away from a possible spot in the College Football Playoff. Knights win this one by 17.