Strength in Unity.

Post by **Soapy** » 26 Aug 2021, 16:00

Francois tabs Bob Shoop as next defensive coordinator
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

After months of speculation, the only move that USF Bulls fans saw happen is that one veteran defensive coordinator was replaced with another as Malcolm Francois Sr. finalized his staff for the 2030 season, putting an end to rumors of his exit.

Replacing Pat Fitzgerald will be former Pittsburgh Panthers defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. The Panthers defense finished 5th in the ACC last season in scoring defense in what was a middle of the pack unit overall. Shoop fields a similar defense as Fitzgerald with four-down linemen with a heavy dose of nickel looks with five defensive back. Shoop's biggest assignment will be retooling a defensive line that was dominant last season and finding a way to replace B.J. Patton's production and impact.

Notable Head Coaching Changes
Duke :: Mike Elko replaces Rashad Smith (fired)
NC State :: Scott Frost replaces Jeremy Walker (fired)
South Carolina :: Terrell Potts replaces Mark Stoops (fired)
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Maryland :: Brian Wright replaces Steve Ellis (left for new job)
Nebraska :: Rod Carey replaces Kyle Flood (fired)
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Iowa State :: Mike Bajakian replaces Mike Williams (fired)
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Auburn :: Steve Ellis replaces P.J. Fleck (fired)
Mississippi State :: Matt Wallerstedt replaces Pete Rekstis (fired)
Texas A&M :: Hugh Freeze replaces Jason Candle (fired)

SEC Coaching Staff Changes
Auburn OC | Mac Andrews replaces Mark Harrell (fired)
Georgia OC | Bryan Zeigler replaces Aaron Jones (contract expired)
LSU DC | Mark Stoops replaces Sean Ridgeway (contract expired)
Miami DC | Rashad Smith replaces Dave Arranda (fired)
Mississippi State DC | Bo Pelini replaces Greg Ward (fired)
Mississippi State OC | Jonathan Pratt replaces Mike Jones (retired)
Tennessee DC | Brian Hayden replaces Nick Holt (retired)
Vanderbilt OC | Morris Carter replaces Matt Satterfield (contract expired)
USF DC | Bob Shoop replaces Pat Fitzgerald (left for new job)

Post by **Soapy** » 26 Aug 2021, 16:15

Byrd, Montgomery and Whitehead declare for draft as Bulls left with questions on offense
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

USF's offense, when quarterback Antonio Whitehead was healthy, was among the nation's best. Without him, they were among the worst even with standout receiver Corey Montgomery in the lineup. They'll have to do without both next season.

Both Whitehead and Montgomery, along with receiver Derrick Byrd and defensive tackle Nate Stewart, were among the four underclassmen that decided to forgo their senior season.

It was expected for Montgomery who had two 1,300-yard seasons as a Bull and almost 1,000-yard season during his true freshman season. There's very little left to prove for the former five-star. Whitehead's decision is a bit surprising but considering the exodus of his top three targets in Montgomery, Byrd and senior tight end Jean-Jacques Francois as well as the bulk of his offensive line, it's likely the smart decision for the redshirt sophomore who led the nation in passing during his one season as a starter despite missing two and a half games.

2029 Players Leaving » Career Stats
#4 Corey Montgomery (WR, Junior): Declared Early » 242 receptions, 3619 yards, 35 touchdowns, 35 carries, 546 yards, 6 touchdowns.
#10 Antonio Whitehead (QB, Rs Sophomore): Declared Early » 354 of 439, 4417 yards, 43 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 105 carries, 433 yards, 7 touchdowns.
#81 Derrick Byrd (WR, Junior): Declared Early » 106 receptions, 1348 yards, 10 touchdowns.
#15 Nate Stewart (DT, Junior): Declared Early » 44 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 9 sacks.
#73 James King (LT, Rs Senior): Pro Draft » 35 pancakes, 20 sacks allowed.
#1 B.J. Patton (DE, Rs Senior): Pro Draft » 174 tackles, 94 tackles for loss, 47 sacks, 2 interceptions, touchdown, 6 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries.
#82 E.J. Jones (DT, Rs Senior): Graduation » 35 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 sacks.
#62 Andrew Smart (G, Rs Senior): Graduation » 49 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed.
#19 George Mobley (QB, Senior): Graduation » 84 of 110, 1022 yards, 7 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 22 carries, 25 yards.
#23 Greg White (DE, Senior): Graduation » 114 tackles, 53 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, forced fumble.
#2 Marcus Hodge (CB, Senior): Graduation » 87 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 6 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, forced fumble.
#32 Ronnie Smith (HB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 124 carries, 573 yards, touchdown.
#65 Bryan McDonald (RT, Rs Senior): Graduation » 2 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed.
#88 Jean-Jacques Francois (TE, Senior): Graduation » 228 receptions, 2671 yards, 31 touchdowns, 36 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed, 43 carries, 166 yards, 5 touchdowns.
#84 Nick Thompson (TE/FB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 4 carries, 8 yards, touchdown, 6 receptions, 13 yards, 1 sack allowed.
#79 Jason Harrington (C, Rs Senior): Graduation » 10 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed.
#56 Kenny Frye (LB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 70 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, interception.
#16 Jermaine Robertson (S, Senior): Graduation » 50 tackles, tackle for loss, interception, 2 pass breakups.
#93 Jim Horner (DE, Rs Senior): Graduation » 11 tackles.

Post by **Soapy** » 26 Aug 2021, 16:47

Former Florida defensive back Anthony Keith enrolled at USF; other recruiting news
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

Former University of Florida defensive back Anthony Keith has transferred to the University of South Florida. It was unclear at first if the former Gator, who announced his retirement from the sport last October citing mental health reasons, will play football for the Bulls. He was spotted at a team event recently and when speaking to those within the program, the expectations is for him to redshirt this season and potentially play in 2031.

A gifted athlete physically, Keith was listed at six-foot-four and 219 pounds on Florida's roster as a true freshman. Many within the recruiting industry view him as more of a big nickel or potentially even weakside linebacker at the college level. With a year to get his body right, it remains to be seen what Keith's body looks like twelve months from now, heading into the spring.

How does Keith's addition change things heading into the final turn into National Signing Day? Not much. The staff would still like to add another off-ball linebacker in Kelvin Davis. They were able to close the deal this time last season with Mark Johnson, another Maryland linebacker. Can they close the gap on Virginia Tech and Michigan State who have built a lot of momentum? It remains to be seen.

While five-star receiver Chris Williams is the biggest name left on the board, he might not be the most important. Antonio Whitehead's decision to declare early leaves a big hole at quarterback in terms of both a potential starter as well as depth with just two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster in James Brown and Todd Woods. Physically, three-star quarterback Brandon Wilson is more talented than both of them and would have had a decent shot at pushing for a starting job had he committed during the early signing period and been able to participate in the spring. Nevertheless, the Bulls now need his signature come NSD now more than ever.

2030 USF Recruiting Class
OLB Adam Hughes [OLB #1]: 6'4", 230lbs | Redstone Arsenal, AL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
HB/WR Courtney Lane [ATH #11]: 5'11", 213lbs | Chickasha, OK | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Mx, 295 Squat Max
DE Aaron Spurlock [DE #3]: 6'5", 259lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
HB Roger Shaw [ATH #20]: 6'2", 218lbs | Alhambra, CA | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
T Justin West [T #6]: 6'5", 288lbs | Pottsville, PA | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
CB Kareem Hunter [CB #5]: 5'9", 175lbs | Front Royal, VA | 4-star | 4.30 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
ILB Brent Pearson [ILB #9]: 6'0", 230lbs | Newport Beach, CA | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
WR Brent Cunningham [WR #34]: 5'10", 176lbs | Waco, TX | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 330 Squat Max
HB Terrance Small [HB #60]: 5'11", 197lbs | Plantation, FL | 3-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
P Adam Cain [P #5]: 6'4", 215lbs | Tamiami, FL | 3-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
DE Rick Hunter [DE #92]: 6'1", 252lbs | Venice, FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
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DB Anthony Keith: 6'4", 219lbs | Miami, FL [University of Florida] | 66 ovr, 80 spd, 82 acc, 76 tkl, 56 mcv, 70 zcv, 76 hit power, 64 bsh

2030 USF Recruiting Board
WR Chris Williams [WR #3]: 6'3", 214lbs | Juneau, AK | 5-star | Rutgers, USF
OLB Kelvin Davis [OLB #3]: 5'11", 211lbs | Dundalk, MD | 4-star | Virginia Tech, Michigan State, USF
DE Shawn Bell [DE #21]: 6'4", 240lbs | Merrillville, IN | 4-star | Ohio State, USF
DE Jerome Powell [DE #24]: 6'3", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | USF, Auburn
T Lance Williams [T #11]: 6'8", 324lbs | San Jose, CA | 4-star | USF, Oregon
T Luis Butler [T #14]: 6'5", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Wisconsin, USF
G Zach Woods [G #18]: 6'3", 288lbs | Belvedere Park, GA | 4-star | Clemson, USF, Georgia Tech
QB Brandon Wilson [QB #17]: 6'2", 196lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | USF, Houston
HB Ron Jackson [HB #46]: 5'11", 218lbs | Lauderdale Lakes, FL | 3-star | USF, UTSA, Texas Tech
QB John Brown [QB #65]: 6'2", 199lbs | Myrtle Grove, FL | 3-star | USF, Navy

Post by **supahotfire** » 26 Aug 2021, 17:03

excited to see how u utilize Courtney Lane. Shaw on the other hand looks like the second coming of Darren McFadden :obama:

sucks to lose ur two record setters

Post by **Soapy** » 26 Aug 2021, 17:17

Count · Post by **Count** » 26 Aug 2021, 19:48

5* recruit out of Alaska going to Rutgers :rip:

Post by **Soapy** » 26 Aug 2021, 20:55

Magee, Francois Sr. have their work cut out for them with depleted offense
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

In the two games that former USF quarterback Antonio Whitehead did not start in last season, the Bulls offense finished with 13 and 10 points respectively. In those games, senior quarterback George Mobley got the start with an experienced offensive line that had four seniors and three multi-year starters, a receiving corps that consisted off the Bulls all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns; Derrick Byrd and tight Jean-Jacques Francois who finished the season with almost 1,000-yards.

They won't have Whitehead or any of that when they take their first snap next season and it showed in what was not just a sloppy spring game on Saturday but a poor showing overall from the offense as Team Rocky narrowly beat Team Bulls 10-9 thanks to a late game winning touchdown by Pookie Harrell.

While last year's spring game was also low scoring in nature, it was more so attributed to the sloppiness. On Saturday, there was an evident lack of developed, SEC ready talent both on the offensive line and at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore James Brown finished the day 10 of 21 with a touchdown and two interceptions while Woods went 4 for 6 with an interception as well in what looked like both teams were trying to hide their quarterbacks.

Other notes from the spring:

True freshman Roger Shaw wasn't able to put the exclamation mark on the strong spring he had with a solid spring game, a byproduct of playing with the second-team offensive line and going up against the first-team defense for the most part. Shaw got a heavy workload, however, with 13 carries compared to the 16 that E.J. Thomas had as well with Team Bulls.

We know Harrell is going to be the lead back and Thomas is a good short-yardage option with eight touchdowns last season but the Bulls need another home run hitter and they might have found it in Shaw who is starting to create some separation between him and Anthony Montgomery as RB3.
USF could start two true freshman at tackle in Justin West at left tackle and potentially either Luis Butler or Lance Williams at right once they get on campus. Redshirt freshman Michael Browser got the start in the spring game and looked lost out there in terms of pass protection as he just doesn't have that natural bend that you need to have to be an elite starting tackle. It seems destined now that the former five-star recruit gets kicked inside with the team signing three highly ranked tackles in the past class in West, Butler and Williams.

Ideally, West ends up at right tackle and Williams -- who just looks and moves like a left tackle at the high school level -- ends up on the left side with Butler being a swing tackle that could compete for both spots. It's going to be a tough season or two if they end up going with two true freshman at tackle but could pay dividends down the road as they're all high upside players.
Former weakside linebacker Jason Lindsey moving to safety sets the stage for five-star linebacker Adam Hughes to be a starter and potential high impact player this season. He was all over the field on Saturday and while he certainly overran some plays, he was the best linebacker on Team Bulls, running with the second unit defense. Mike Jackson got the starter but it feels very 'place holder' as Hughes' talent is very clear when you see him run.

Another impressive true freshman was linebacker Brent Pearson who might get into the rotation as short-yardage and situational inside linebacker. Greg Booth and Mark Johnson aren't the most physical linebackers against the run, you need guys that are good at taking on blocks and making plays like Kenny Frye was last season. I expect Pearson to have a similar role this season along with Gary Adkins who is almost at 255 pounds now.
The corners won the day and they've won much of the spring in what could be a very impressive positional group this season. True freshman Kareem Hunter could start on a lot of teams and he's their fourth corner.

Hunter is too good to keep away from the field and I expect him to have a similar season as Jay Burke's sophomore season where he's a plug and player at multiple positions both on the outside at corner, in the nickel and dime looks as well as a situational safety. The player comp out of high school was former Bulls cornerback Pierre Francois but he's a lot more physically gifted than Francois ever was.

Post by **Soapy** » 27 Aug 2021, 08:44

The new SEC: Alabama, Auburn, LSU join SEC East as Texas schools, Oklahoma takeover the SEC West
Stewart Ray -- SI.com College Football Senior Writer

Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma are now officially members of the SEC and as a result, the conference recently voted unanimously to realign their division and schedule with Alabama, Auburn and LSU flipping from the West division to the East while Kentucky, Tennessee and newcomers Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma round out the west.

The conference also updated their former scheduling model (6-1-2) which had teams playing the six teams in their division, one permanent opponent from the other division, and two teams from the other division that rotates each year. They voted on an update model (7-2) of nine conference games with teams playing seven divisional games and two teams from the other division that rotates each year.

The new schedule model would have put rivalries such as Florida - LSU or Alabama - LSU in jeopardy of going years before they face off and potentially a decade before a home-and-home series is completed had Alabama, Auburn and LSU stayed in the West. With no more protected games, the SEC is banking on having sixteen strong brands with as much mixing and matching as possible to avoid the stale state of the conference from a scheduling standpoint that it faced a few years ago prior to the expansion. The seven divisional games also guarantee many high profile matchups on a yearly basis between SEC bluebloods Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and the Florida schools.

Post by **Soapy** » 27 Aug 2021, 08:45

Count wrote: ↑
26 Aug 2021, 19:48
5* recruit out of Alaska going to Rutgers

had to put that boy on IMG to make more sense

Post by **supahotfire** » 27 Aug 2021, 09:12

love that the sec is just bulking up and creating basically their own mini nfl

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