White provides depth to Bulls

Posted Apr 30, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 30, 2012 at 03:38 PM

The University of South Florida men’s basketball team received some depth on the inside when Kore White, a transfer from Florida Atlantic University, gave a verbal commitment to the Bulls.

White (6-foot-8, 245 pounds) averaged 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds last season for the Owls. He played his freshman season at Marshall University before a transfer to FAU. White is permitted to transfer again because of the NCAA’s graduate exception rule. White is completing his bachelor’s degree at FAU and will attend graduate school at USF, where he has one season of eligibility.

Coach Stan Heath’s Bulls were 22-14 last season and finished one victory short of the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. They are losing Augustus Gilchrist and Ron Anderson Jr. on the inside. White will bolster USF’s inside presence, which includes senior Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, junior-college center Waverly Austin, freshman Jordan Omogbehin and incoming freshman Zach LeDay.

White attended Fort Lauderdale Dillard High School, where he helped it to a 29-2 record and the Class 5A state title as a senior.

 

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No draft picks, but free-agents galore

Posted Apr 28, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 28, 2012 at 09:41 PM

When the University of South Florida football program held its Pro Day in March, Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots was the only NFL head coach to attend. Apparently, guard Jeremiah Warren made enough of an impression.

Although the Bulls had no players taken in the seven-round draft—the program’s first shutout since 2006—five USF players were known to have signed free-agent deals with NFL teams on Saturday night. That included Warren, who signed with the New England Patriots.

The others:

* Running back Darrell Scott, who left early after his junior year following only one season with the Bulls, signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

* Offensive lineman Chaz Hine, who settled in at center last season, signed with the hometown Bucs. Hine is from Newsome High School.

* Cornerback Quenton Washington also signed with the Bucs.

* Safety Jerrell Young, from Gibbs High School, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

* Wide receiver A.J. Love signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

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Exposure, but at what cost?

Posted Apr 27, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 27, 2012 at 04:45 PM

On paper, how could you argue with your team’s football conference opener landing on stand-alone national television?

Surely, the University of South Florida Bulls will get great exposure when they face Rutgers in the Big East Conference opener on Thursday night, Sept. 13 at 7:30. The game was originally scheduled for a Saturday, but moved to accomodate ESPN. The Thursday night lineup has become college football’s version of “Monday Night Football.’’ And this game has a great built-in storyline with Rutgers coming to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, where its former coach, Greg Schiano, now leads the Buccaneers.

But this will not be an easy proposition for the Bulls. And we’re not even taking into account USF’s 0-8 record on ESPN Thursday night games since the Bulls joined the Big East. The ESPN change has forced a scheduling problem.

USF had previously scheduled a non-conference game at Nevada for Saturday, Sept. 8. With TCU pulling out of the Big East and joining the Big 12, league members had to scramble a bit to fill their schedules and Nevada was an intriguing addition (the Wolf Park visit Tampa in 2015).

It has added up to a potential logistical problem for USF, though.

The Bulls would like an early kickoff at Nevada, so it can fly home and begin preparations for Rutgers on an already short week. Rutgers is scheduled to face Howard University at home on Sept. 8.

Nevada wants to accomodate USF. Nevada spokesman Chad Hartley said the Wolf Pack would probably be fine with a 12:30 p.m. (local time) kickoff.

But USF-Nevada scheduling is now in the hands of the Mountain West Conference, which is exploring television options. “The Mountain Network,’’ the league’s television network, recently folded, so the game could land on the CBS College Sports Network.

Stay tuned.

Either way, USF looks like it’s going to be pressed into tight preparations for its Big East opener.

 

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USF spring ball: Notes and quotes

Posted Apr 24, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 24, 2012 at 12:50 PM

There were 15 total practices. That included three scrimmages (one to set the depth chart, one called the “Green and Gold Bowl’’ and another designated as the spring game). And now it’s done.

The University of South Florida football program has completed its spring football drills. Coach Skip Holtz said he believes the Bulls are well on their way to burying last season’s disappointing 5-7 finish and building toward something special in 2012.

Here’s a look back and a look ahead:

OFFENSIVE MVP

Sophomore WR Andre Davis. He looked every bit the playmaker he became for Jefferson High School, where he was known as “Freak Show’’ because of his sick athletic skills. Davis had two touchdowns in each of the first two scrimmages, along with six receptions (and a 41-yard catch) in the spring game. USF’s receiving corps appears to be ridiculously deep. There are weapons galore. Davis has the potential to be the best of them all.

DEFENSIVE MVP

Junior DE Ryne Giddins. Those who remember Giddins at Armwood High School probably wouldn’t recognize the kid now. The angular, sleek body has bulked up, making for a power-speed combination on the edge. Giddins looked unblockable at times. He accounted for 10 sacks in the three scrimmages (although most came against a QB wearing the red non-contact jersey). No one ever questioned Giddins’ talent. He just needed more consistency. He has the look of a first-team All-Big East Conference performer.

FIVE IMPRESSIVE PLAYERS

(Excluding Davis and Giddins, who have a category all to themselves)

* Senior OLB Sam Barrington – His leadership skills and experience will be invaluable for USF’s defense. He’s so reliable, it’s easy to take him for granted. “I’ve kind of been assuming that teaching role since my sophomore year,’’ Barrington said. “But it’s a role I embrace. I want to set a good example.’’

* Senior QB B.J. Daniels – If it seems like Daniels has been around forever, well, he has. Not many college football teams have the luxury of a four-year starter. USF must take advantage of that. Daniels has matured and grown in USF’s system. He should leave not only with some of the most impressive numbers in USF history, but in the state of Florida as well. “The first thing I have to do now is deliver the football, that’s my job,’’ Daniels said. “If I have an opportunity to take off (running), I’m not going to second guess myself or fall shot. That’s when you make mistakes. I’m going to play comfortable and relaxed.’’

* Junior FS JaQuez Jenkins – Holtz raved about the impact Jenkins made on USF’s defense. “I’ve been impressed,’’ Holtz said. “He gives us that free safety we haven’t had here, tall, lanky, athletic, can cover a lot of ground. He’s playing with an attitude right now.’’

* Senior RB Lindsey Lamar – He moved from receiver to running back, where his impact could be dramatic. “It looks like it has been a productive move for us,’’ said Todd Fitch, the offensive coordinator. “The productivity is what you see. He has a little burst back there, a little speed. (In one scrimmage) we had a blitz pickup on third down. He stood up and faced the linebacker and stopped the charge. That was fun for us to watch.’’

* Sophomore C Austin Reiter – It’s the big problem spot on USF’s offensive line, replacing Chaz Hine (and the stability of Sampson Genus before that). Reiter erased all worries with an excellent spring performance. “He’s always been talented, but he’s just an undersized guy,’’ Fitch said. “He has shown good ability to go in and run the line, make the calls. As he develops and gets game experience, he has a chance to be a really good player.’’

FIVE NEWCOMERS TO WATCH

* Sophomore DT Todd Chandler – We’re calling Chandler a newcomer, even though he has been around the program for two years. But after a redshirt year, last season was lost to academic ineligibility. He was a highly-touted prep prospect who now seems poised to realize his potential. “He’s starting to become a leader for that redshirt freshman group,’’ Holtz said. “I was proud of the way he handled adversity last year. He didn’t play in a game, but he practiced every day and he practiced hard. He plays with great emotion and passion. Now we just have to channel that.’’

* Sophomore WR Chris Dunkley – The University of Florida transfer is pure magic in the open field. There were brief glimpses of that during the spring, but probably not enough to excite the masses. When the bullets are live, though, we’re betting that Dunkley will have a significant impact on USF’s offense. “What he’s learning now is you have to earn your keep,’’ Fitch said. “He’s as talented a guy as we have on our football team.’’

* Freshman DE Eric Lee – He enrolled early from Daphne (Ala.) High School and already has his name on the map. Coaches love his yes-sir, no-sir approach, his work ethic and the experience he already has gained. In time, he might be viewed as a recruiting steal. “If I didn’t know he was a freshman coming in here, I’d think he has been here a couple of years,’’ said Chris Cosh, the defensive coordinator. “He should be going to the prom in the next month. He has a chance to play real early. I like where he’s at right now.’’

* Junior G Lawrence Martin – The transfer from Merced (Calif.) College and one-time player for Daytona Beach Seabreeze High. Coaches were impressed with his willingness to shift to right guard and learn a new stance, although left guard is his natural position. Either way, he’s going to push for major playing time.

* Junior DE Tevin Mims – The transfer from Navarro Junior College and freshman player at the University of Texas is a high-motor, productive pass-rusher. Expect him to challenge Julius (JuJu) Forte for a starting spot. He wears No. 99, which is an eye-opening designation for any Florida-based defensive lineman because it conjures memories of potential Hall of Famers Warren Sapp (Bucs) and Jason Taylor (Dolphins).

FIVE SPRING STORYLINES

* Injuries. There was a big one in the final week when senior DT Cory Grissom broke his ankle during a non-contract drill. The loss would be huge, but Holtz said he believes Grissom will be ready for part of training camp and the Sept. 1 opener against UT-Chattanooga. Senior DE Anthony Hill (torn ACL) will miss the 2012 season. Others missing significant spring-practice time included senior OL Danous Estenour and senior TE Andreas Shields, two probable first-team players.

* Depth. Injuries wrecked several units of USF’s team the past two seasons. The Bulls have solidified their roster to the point where the two-deep is reliable. In some cases, third-teamers are viable options.

* Backup QB. Daniels is set as the starter. Meanwhile, junior Bobby Eveld and redshirt freshman Matt Floyd are battling to become the backup. That battle might last until the week before USF’s opener. It’s that close.

* Reshuffled Staff. There’s a new defensive coordinator in Cosh (Kansas State) and a new receivers coach in Jerome Pathon (San Diego). Meanwhile, responsibilities on the offensive staff were juggled. Fitch, the offensive coordinator, has shifted from running backs to quarterbacks. Peter Vaas went from quarterbacks to tight ends. Larry Scott moved from tight ends to running backs. Holtz said it opened a direct line of communication from Fitch to the quarterbacks – a common sense move, really – and everyone else has embraced their new roles.

* The Cornerbacks. Senior Kayvon Webster is set at one cornerback. The other spot has significant competition between junior-college transfers Fidel Montgomery and Joshua Brown, along with redshirt freshman Kenneth Durden. And that doesn’t even account for true freshman Chris Bivins Jr., who enrolled early but couldn’t participate in spring due to an injury. Some think Bivins might be good enough to start right away.
 
FIVE SPRING OBSERVATIONS

* Players are responding to the style of Cosh, the new defensive coordinator. Cosh is big on details, accountability and communication. No one is throwing former defensive coordinator Mark Snyder (now at Texas A&M) under the bus, but getting back to basics seems to be agreeing with USF’s defensive veterans. “It’s a game of excitement, emotion and passion,’’ Cosh said. “I want the kids to love the game and be enthusiastic about it. As a coach, you have to be a good example of that.’’

* Eveld and Floyd are competent backups and could fill in during a crisis. But is either player the long-term starting QB answer beginning in 2013? The Bulls didn’t get a quarterback on signing day. They desperately need a good one (or two) next February.

* USF’s speed – on both sides of the ball – might be the team’s most impressive characteristic.

* Lamar is going to have a big season. USF must find creative ways to utilize his skills.

* The Bulls have as good a chance as any team to win the Big East title. We thought the same thing last season, but as it turned out, the depth was flimsy and the ball didn’t bounce USF’s way at all in the final minutes of tight contests. That run of late-game misfortune is bound to change.
 
FIVE NOTABLE QUOTES

“I guess I’m a sheltered kid. I live in a bubble. I don’t have Facebook, Twitter and all that kind of stuff. I just enjoy the atmosphere, being around college football. I want to be part of something I’m always going to remember.’’ – Daniels on how he handles the inevitable criticism of playing a high-profile position.

“You’re born with it.  Maybe it’s instilled in you the way you were raised. I was raised tough. We had very little when I was coming up. My dad was a carpenter, so you know I was tough. If I spoke wrong, I got hit, backhanded. Kids are different these days. … We got to keep pushing them and we got to keep getting them tough.’’ – defensive backs coach Rick Smith as he questioned the overall toughness of his secondary unit.

“Last year, I was basically like Bambi. Now I’m an actual deer. I feel way better.’’ – Sophomore WR Ruben Gonzalez on how he has improved with a year’s experience.

“We just call him the ‘Avatar.’ He’s a freak. He’s starting to get it mentally, on and off the field and it’s making him excel that much faster.’’ – Senior TE Evan Landi on fellow TE Mike McFarland (6-5, 247), who wowed coaches, teammates and fans alike with spectacular catches.

“Why would anyone want to hire you? You were 5-7.’’ – Jennifer Holtz, Skip’s wife, reacting to reports that USF’s coach was a possible candidate for the opening at Arkansas.

THE 2012 SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 1 – UT-Chattanooga

Saturday, Sept. 8 – at Nevada

Saturday, Sept. 15 – Rutgers*

Saturday, Sept. 22 – at Ball State

Saturday, Sept. 29 – Florida State

Saturday, Oct. 6 – at Temple*

Saturday, Oct. 20 – at Louisville*

Saturday, Oct. 27 – Syracuse*

Saturday, Nov. 3 – Connecticut*

Saturday, Nov. 17 – at Miami

Friday, Nov. 23 – at Cincinnati*

Saturday, Dec. 1 – Pittsburgh*

*—Big East Conference game
 

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Holtz excited about adding Lynch

Posted Apr 23, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 08:55 PM

The University of South Florida football program potentially added one of the most significant impact players in its history on Monday.

Defensive end Aaron Lynch, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound five-star high-school recruit from Cape Coral who earned freshman All-American honors last season at Notre Dame, made it official by completing his transfer and signing with USF.

Under NCAA rules, Lynch is expected to sit out next season and be ready for 2013 with three years of eligibility remaining. At Notre Dame, he played in 12 games and started six. He had 33 tackles and a team-high 5 1/2 sacks.

On April 13, when announcing he was leaving the Fighting Irish, Lynch said he wanted a return to his home state. Lynch is finishing classes at Notre Dame and is expected to enroll at USF this summer.

“It’s a huge get for us,’’ USF coach Skip Holtz said. “He’s not only extremely talented in football – everybody saw that on the field last season – but he’s a good student and a great young man. He’s going to be phenomenal for our program.

“When you think about the (defensive ends) we have now, Ryne Giddins, Tevin Mims and JuJu Forte, they’re all going to be juniors. You plug Aaron Lynch into that equation and it’s very, very exciting.’’

Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium, Lynch attended USF’s spring game as he completed an official campus visit. Afterward, he was all smiles as he interacted with players and posed for photographs.

“He knew what he wanted and that’s one of the things that made this process very quick,’’ Holtz said. “He’s very mature. As he said, ‘I’m not looking to go through the recruiting process again. I just want to get it right.’ This is where he wanted to be.

“I think when he got around our players, he felt comfortable and sensed a family atmosphere and environment. It’s what he thought it was, so he was done. If he had come here and it wasn’t what he thought it was, if he found reasons not to be here, he probably would’ve kept going. So I think it speaks volumes about where the program is right now.’’

The Bulls were 5-7 last season and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2004. They have 15 returning starters, including senior quarterback B.J. Daniels. The Bulls are expected to contend in the Big East Conference race. They will also face a challenging non-conference schedule that includes a home game against Florida State (Sept. 29) and a trip to Miami (Nov. 17).

USF was actually the first school to offer Lynch a scholarship during his high-school days, where he was rated the nation’s third-best defensive end and the 28th-best prospect overall, according to Rivals.com.

But his decision-making process was tumultuous. He orally committed to Florida State, switched to Notre Dame, changed back to FSU, then recommitted to Notre Dame about three weeks before National Signing Day in 2011.

The drama continued last week when Lynch’s mother, Alice, made a Twitter appeal to former Irish standout Justin Tuck, asking him to convince her son to stay at Notre Dame. By then, though, Lynch was on his way to Tampa for his USF visit.

“I’ve always known and appreciated the affinity Aaron has for his home in Florida,’’ Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said in a statement when Lynch announced his transfer plans. “However, the stark reality is you can’t make it at Notre Dame if your head and heart are not here.’’

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Louisville@USF (if rain stays away)

Posted Apr 20, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 20, 2012 at 10:11 AM

The University of South Florida baseball team (26-12, 10-2 Big East Conference) begins a big home three-game series tonight against the Louisville Cardinals (26-11, 8-4)—and, of course, it’s all contingent on the predicted rain staying away. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday night’s game is set for 6 and Sunday afternoon’s finale is at 1.

Tonight, the Bulls are expected to start ace LHP Andrew Barbosa (4-3, 2.30), who is tied for the Big East lead in ERA and leads the league in strikeouts (62).

Here are the current Big East standings for teams at .500 or better in the conference:

* USF 10-2 (26-12)

* Connecticut 9-3 (21-16)

* Louisville 8-4 (26-11)

* St. John’s 8-4 (22-15)

* Rutgers 7-5 (21-15)

* Seton Hall 7-5 (20-16)

* Notre Dame 6-6 (19-16)

USF also has a three-game home set against Connecticut on May 11-13.

The Bulls are in position to claim their first regular-season championship in baseball since winning Conference USA in 1996.

But as USF coach Lelo Prado himself said, “There’s a lot of baseball still to be played.’’ If the weather cooperates, the Bulls begin a critical stretch tonight.
 

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USF’s MVP: Anthony Collins

Posted Apr 18, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 18, 2012 at 10:16 PM

In a decision that should surprise absolutely no one, freshman point guard Anthony Collins was named the John and Cynthia Ruzic Most Valuable Player for the University of South Florida men’s basketball team during Monday night’s awards banquet.

Collins was the pivotal player for USF, which went 22-14 and came within one victory of reaching the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. Collins also claimed the team’s free-throw shooting award (84.7 percent).

USF coach Stan Heath said Collins, from Houston, was initially spotted by assistant coach Reggie Hanson. When Heath got his first look, he immediately wanted to offer a scholarship. And when Collins settled into a regular starting role this season, Heath said he knew USF had found its permanent point guard.

Other award-winners:

Academic Award—Toarlyn Fitzpatrick.

Defensive Player of the Year— Hugh Robertson.

Most Improved Player Award— Victor Rudd Jr.

Mr. Clutch—Shaun Noriega.

Chairman of the Boards— Toarlyn Fitzpatrick.

Bull Pride Award—Ron Anderson Jr.

Chris Howard Perseverance Award— Augustus Gilchrist.

Mr. Highlight—Jawanza Poland.

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Nash had a few good moments

Posted Apr 18, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 18, 2012 at 09:37 PM

In the long run, Blake Nash might be remembered as someone who briefly passed through the University of South Florida’s basketball program. Just another name. After coming over from Williston (N.D.) State, Nash, a 6-foot point guard, registered only one USF season before announcing his transfer on Wednesday.

Nash, who worked behind freshman point guard Anthony Collins, saw his minutes drop drastically during Big East Conference play. And he had a very forgettable sequence during the third-round NCAA tournament loss against Ohio University. With Collins needing a breather, Nash had the ball taken away on two straight possessions.

Overall, he averaged 3.4 points per game. As for the future, with Collins established and recruiting reinforcements on the way, an increase in minutes probably didn’t seem likely.

But he also had a few nice moments, none bigger than Jan. 5 road victory at Villanova. Nash, who spelled the injured Collins, had a season-high six assists and 12 points. At the time, with USF’s Big East status very much unknown in the early season, defeating the Wildcats did wonders for the Bulls’ confidence.

Nash might have been generally anonymous to USF fans, but he shed some brief light during a conversation one day before the Bulls faced Ohio in Nashville, Tenn.

His favorite basketball player was always Kobe Bryant.

He liked to play golf, a relatively new pastime, and said he was fairly long off the tee.

He thought a lot about his little brother, Brentod, who was just 14 when he died in 2008. He wears a tattoo of Brentod’s name. He has dedicated games to him.

“He looked up to me,’’ Nash said. “I know he’s watching. I hope he’s proud.’’

Good luck to Blake Nash at his next stop, wherever that might be.

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It’s ‘USF Men’s Basketball Squad Day’

Posted Apr 18, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 18, 2012 at 03:32 PM

The University of South Florida men’s basketball team, which tied a school record with 22 victories and came within one win of reaching the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16, was honored Thursday morning by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioner.

County Commissioner Les Miller, an alumnus of USF, read a proclamation that declared Thursday as “USF Men’s Basketball Squad Day’’ in Hillsborough County.

“We’re so honored and so privileged to receive an award like this,’’ said Heath, who was joined by USF president Judy Genshaft, senior players Ron Anderson Jr. and Augustus Gilchrist, athletic director Doug Woolard and assistant athletic director Barry Clements in receiving the proclamation. “Coaches get awards, but the players are what make it happen.

“I’m so proud of our guys, who are doing it both on and off the court. We’re proud to be part of this community. We look forward to more NCAA tournament appearances.’’

Here is the proclamation in full:

Whereas the people of Hillsborough County recognize the value of sports and take great pride in the county’s excellent system of local and regional parks, playgrounds and athletic fields and the wide array of recreational programs for people of all ages and;

Whereas Hillsborough County is proud to be the home of the University of South Florida, one of America’s top tier research institutions offering undergraduate, Masters, Doctorate and non-degree programs which have added to our quality of life and;

Whereas, in addition to its global reputation as an elite academic powerhouse, USF is Tampa Bay’s only Division I university and a member of the Big East Conference, which provides world-class competition for more than 500 scholar-athletes in 19 varsity sports, bringing national and international attention to our region, offering top-level and affordable family entertainment for Bulls fans to play a significant role in Tampa Bay’s sports and economic development portfolio and;

Whereas, the spotlight burned even brighter when the USF men’s basketball squad, under the tutelage of head coach Stan Heath, the Big East 2011-12 coach of the year, took a unique style of play into the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 1991-92 season, winning the first round in one of the world’s most watched sporting events and;

Whereas, tying a school record of 22 wins, the Bulls frustrated their opponents, setting the school’s single-season record for scoring defense and also setting a Big East scoring defense record in this incredible competitive basketball conference and;

Whereas, while their awesome defense captured the attention of the nation, there’s no doubt that solid team play and unselfishness are the characteristics of coach Heath’s 2011-12 squad, a close-knit group of talented and poised competitors who win by creating opportunities for one another while having fun playing the game they love and;

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Board of County Commissioners for Hillsborough County recognizes April 18, 2012 as USF Men’s Basketball Squad Day.

Hillsborough County hereby requests all residents join in honoring this phenomenal team, its coaching staff, university leadership and its legions of basketball fans in recognition of the very positive national recognition that they have brought to this program, school and county.

     

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Pork Chop leftovers: Assessing USF’s DL

Posted Apr 17, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 17, 2012 at 02:58 PM

Heading into the final week of spring football practice at the University of South Florida, before a clean getaway, I was thinking about players the Bulls could least afford to lose.

Senior quarterback B.J. Daniels, certainly. Probably senior linebacker Sam Barrington and senior cornerback Kayvon Webster. You might suggest senior tight end Evan Landi, senior safety Jon Lejiste or even senior place-kicker Maikon Bonani because of his career-long consistency.

But you could make a big case for the overall value of senior defensive tackle Cory Grissom, the guy known as “Pork Chop,’’ an experienced run-stuffer who has started 25 consecutive games. Now Grissom (6-foot-2, 316 pounds) is down. Monday, he fractured the fibula in his right ankle during a non-contract drill and was carted off the field. He will have surgery on Thursday. The timetable for his return is uncertain and will remain that way because the recovery time can’t be predicted that precisely.

USF must at least confront the possibility of playing the season without Grissom, who could petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility and a return in 2013. Even if Grissom recovers on the fast track, he figures to miss much of training camp and perhaps the start of the season.

So what’s ahead for a potentially Grissom-less defensive line at USF?

Here are some names to watch:

Junior DE Ryne Giddins (6-3, 283)— Giddins, the former Armwood High School standout and a second-team All-Big East selection, is entrenched on one side of the line. He had 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss last season. In Saturday’s Green and Gold Bowl, Giddins had three sacks. “I think Ryne’s practicing the way he’s playing,’’ USF defensive coordinator Chris Cosh said. “I really appreciate his energy and the way he’s playing.’‘

Sophomore DT Elkino Watson (6-2, 287)— Watson made a nice impact last season as a true freshman with 33 tackles and nine tackles for a loss. He’s a candidate to start at an interior position. “I’ve got a lot of guys on my tail to make sure I don’t settle for being mediocre,’’ Watson said.

Junior DT Luke Sager (6-3, 282)— Sager was listed as a first-team defensive tackle on USF’s intial spring depth chart. He played in 12 games last season, but had a minimal impact with 10 tackles, although he forced two fumbles and recovered one. Earlier in spring practice, Sager said he was taking his lead from Grissom. “I feel like I’ve made a good effort this spring by just showing the coaches and showing Pork Chop that I could take this (starting) spot. I always notice what Pork Chop does. You watch him and know what you need to do.’‘

Sophomore DT Todd Chandler (6-0, 306)— If ever there’s a time for Chandler to live up to his press clippings, it’s right now. Chandler was a highly rated prep prospect out of Miami Northwestern High School when he became part of Skip Holtz’s first recruiting class in 2010. He took a redshirt, then became academically ineligible and missed all of last season. With Grissom down, Chandler’s emergence would be a welcome sight at USF.

Junior DE Julius Forte (6-2, 255)—“Ju-Ju’’ figures to start on the opposite side of Giddins. Forte’s listed backup, senior Anthony Hill, suffered a torn ACL last week. Last season, Forte had 21 tackles, three sacks and six tackles for a loss. “Coming out of high school, I didn’t know too much,’’ Forte said. “I just knew how to put my hand in the dirt and get after the ball. They’ve been teaching me every day, my coaches and my teammates. Without them, I’d be running in quicksand.’‘

Junior DE Tevin Mims (6-3, 250)— Mims, a junior-college transfer who played at the University of Texas as a freshman, has caught everyone’s eye with his hustle, attention to detail and experience. “I like him,’’ Forte said. “He’s open-minded toward learning. A lot of times, transfer players might think they know a lot. But he’s very eager to learn and very talented. I have a great feeling about him.’‘

Freshman DE Eric Lee (6-3, 234)—The true freshman from Daphne, Ala., will carry a lot of momentum into training camp. He’s a yes-sir, no-sir type who has gained valuable experience in the spring after enrolling at USF in January. Pushing for a starting position might be unrealistic this early, but he will contend for ample playing time. “If I didn’t know he was a freshman coming in here, I’d think he has been here a couple of years,’’ Cosh said. “He should be going to the prom here in the next month. He’s really a mature young man. He’s got a chance to play real early. I like where he’s at right now.’‘

Others

Freshman DE Antoine Pozniak (6-2, 223)— Enrolled early in 2011, but redshirted last season.

Freshman DE Clavion Nelson (6-3, 269)— Redshirted last season.

Freshman DT James Hamilton (6-2, 330)— Enrolled early in January from Orlando Olympia HS

Junior DT Demi Thompson (6-1, 281)— Missed entire season last year due to back injury.

Freshman DT Cody Sanfratello (6-0, 265)— Redshirted last season.

Freshman DL Guito Ervilus (6-5, 230)— Will begin in training camp, recruited from Orlando Oak Ridge.

Freshman DL Daniel Perry (6-7, 225)— Will begin in training camp, recruited from Fort Lauderdale University School.

     

 

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