Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Offensive Line Searching for the Right Five

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A year ago, USF’s offensive line was one of the best units in the American Conference and arguably among the top groups nationally. That standard has not changed, but the road to matching it will look different in 2029. The Bulls lost three key contributors from last season’s group, with starters TJ Lawrence and Teriyan Morman graduating along with swing tackle Tyreek Major. The talent remains, but the chemistry is still very much a work in progress.

On the edges, things look steady. Sam Iupati appears locked in at left tackle and has taken another step forward this spring. While his pass protection was already a strength, he looks noticeably more polished as a run blocker. His footwork is quicker and more natural, and he has consistently held up against some of the fastest edge rushers on the roster. At right tackle, Clint Kendricks has taken the majority of the first-team reps. He started all 16 games last season and looks more refined across the board, particularly with his hand placement and balance.

The interior is where most of the questions remain. With Lawrence and Morman gone, there are two open starting spots, and the staff has taken a true “open competition” approach. Daryl Treadwell, who was listed as a tackle last season, moved to right guard midway through 2028 and stabilized the position after replacing Adam Forbes. Cliff Jean-Pierre filled in admirably for Lawrence at left guard last year and has remained firmly in the mix this spring.

Beyond those two, the rotation has been wide. Matt Toure, Forbes, Darren Sumner, Oliver Ellefson, and Chester Knapp have all taken a nearly even number of snaps across the three interior positions as the staff searches for the right combination.

“It’s a group where we are fortunate to have some flexibility,” offensive line coach AJ Hopp said. “At this point we’re just trying to see what our options are, who fits where, and ultimately what the best group of five guys is going to be so we can run our offense to the fullest extent.”

If this unit can settle on its best five and recapture the cohesion it showed a year ago, the ceiling for the 2029 offense is enormous. The talent is there. Now it is about finding the chemistry to match the standard they set last season.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Defensive Line Adjusting After a Major Departure

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The defensive line is the first place the changes from the offseason are impossible to miss. USF lost one of the most talented defenders the program has seen in recent years with Kevin Wynn entering the NFL Draft early. Wynn is expected to be a first-round pick later this month, and replacing that level of production and disruption is no small task. The focus this spring has been less about finding a single replacement and more about building a deeper, more versatile rotation.

Inside at tackle, the group looks familiar even without Wynn. Dom Nickey, Marlon Doyle, and Jacques Doubs have all logged a significant number of reps during early spring work. Each has shown improvement getting off blocks in the run game, forcing offensive linemen to work harder to move them off their spots. Tyrone Peppers has stood out as well, looking stronger and more fluid as he pushes for a regular role in the rotation. Jahzir Sowells has also impressed after adding muscle, giving the interior another physical option. Freshman Brian Royer has not yet joined the team this spring, but the staff remains high on his long-term outlook.

On the edges, the transfer additions have made an immediate impact. Reed Spielman and Jamerson Harris have both flashed early, and Harris in particular has been used all over the front. He has moved comfortably between interior tackle alignments, a traditional defensive end role, and the JACK position, giving Tony White plenty of flexibility. Spielman has surprised observers with a quick first step and a bull rush that plays stronger than his frame might suggest.

Returning contributors Greg DeMorat, Quandre Dwumfour, and Chad Harbor have also taken steps forward, and their development has allowed the coaching staff to expand the defensive playbook. USF has mixed in more four-man fronts and more traditional-looking three-man alignments, letting players line up in roles that better match their natural skill sets.

While the defensive line may not have a single headliner on the level of Kevin Wynn, it has depth, versatility, and a growing comfort within White’s system. This spring has made it clear that the plan is strength in numbers, with multiple players capable of contributing in different ways rather than leaning on one dominant force.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Linebackers Loaded With Options

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On to the linebackers, where the departure of Eric Rance and Jermaine Dalais initially looked like it might leave a significant void. Instead, the position group may have quietly taken a step forward. With multiple returners making noticeable jumps and a trio of transfers immediately pushing the competition level, depth has become the defining theme of the unit this spring. In fact, getting everyone on the field could be the biggest challenge.

“We’ve got a spoil of riches scenario at linebacker,” assistant coach Jack Cosgrove joked when asked where most of his attention has been during spring practice.

The incoming transfers have wasted no time asserting themselves. Ralph Livings has been one of the most versatile defenders on the field, lining up at MIKE, SAM, and even JACK at times. Built like a traditional strong-side linebacker, Livings has shown impressive strength at the point of attack, consistently shedding blocks and finishing tackles with authority. His reliability against the run has made him one of the steadiest presences in the front seven.

Armon Chambers has perhaps been the quickest study of Tony White’s system. Operating primarily at MIKE, Chambers looks like a veteran of the scheme already, confidently calling out assignments and adjustments pre-snap. His burst to the football stands out, rivaling some of the defensive backs, and when he arrives, he delivers force and finishes plays. Chambers has also been a pleasant surprise in coverage, holding his own against backs and tight ends in space.

Greg Luck has added another layer of flexibility. He has rotated heavily at MIKE but has also taken reps at JACK and even dropped into shallow safety alignments, allowing him to showcase unexpected coverage ability. That versatility could make him a valuable chess piece in White’s multiple-front looks.

The returning linebackers have made significant strides as well. Peter Traore has forced his way into the rotation with a newfound ability to take on and defeat blocks, pairing that physicality with improved awareness in coverage. Lonnie Terrell has been disruptive as a pass rusher, flashing enough to suggest a specialized role in obvious passing situations. Mohammad Efaw appears far more comfortable in coverage than in previous seasons, while Keon Brents may have made the biggest leap of all, improving across the board and standing out in pass coverage drills where he has gone stride for stride with the safeties.

With Chambers and Livings raising the floor of the group and several others making tangible developmental leaps, this linebacker unit has the look of one of the deepest and most complete groups in the American Conference. If the spring performance carries into the fall, USF may have an embarrassment of riches in the middle of its defense.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Secondary Reloaded as USF Leans on Depth, Versatility, and Lockdown Potential

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On to the secondary, where the Bulls have been tasked with replacing Cameron Keys and Vernon Woodward III, two departures that loom larger than the raw numbers suggest. Keys’ eight interceptions in 2028 were often drive-killers, and Woodward’s role as the primary nickel defender was central to how USF matched up week to week. Losing both forces some reshuffling, but early spring practices suggest the pieces are in place to maintain the standard.

On the outside, Gavin Jenkins has looked the part of a true shutdown corner. He appears smoother in coverage than a year ago and has consistently disrupted receivers at the line of scrimmage, making routes uncomfortable before they ever get started. Across from him, David Igbinoghene has made a seamless transition back to corner after his selfless move to safety in 2028. The pairing gives USF two corners capable of erasing wideouts on the perimeter. Igbinoghene’s ball skills stand out immediately. He attacks the football like a wide receiver and brings the physicality of a linebacker when he closes on a play, making him a complete defender on the edge.

Inside, the nickel spot has been one of the more competitive battles of the spring. Devin Nowell and Matt Ansah have split a large share of the reps, with true freshman Ja’Quan Bean also getting an early look. Nowell may hold a slight edge at this stage due to his ability to stay glued to receivers in man coverage, but the competition remains fluid and likely to stretch into fall camp.

At safety, the biggest boost has been the return of Nick Jones, who missed most of last season with a torn rotator cuff. Jones looks comfortable again in coverage and has added a calming presence to the back end. Alongside him, Jathan Hatch, Tracy Bennett, and Sidney James give the group a variety of skill sets, from rangy coverage ability to physical downhill play. That depth allows Tony White to mix coverages and disguise looks without sacrificing consistency.

While the secondary is still finding its new identity after the loss of two key contributors, the combination of proven talent, positional flexibility, and growing competition suggests this unit will remain a strength. If the corners continue to lock down the outside and the safeties stay healthy, USF’s defensive backfield should once again give opposing offenses plenty to think about.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Special Teams Sharpened as Bulls Raise the Bar

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The final phase of spring practice has underscored just how much trust the staff has in USF’s special teams, a group that already delivered in key moments last season and looks even stronger entering 2029. Sophomore kicker Dom Bragg has taken another step forward after a poise-filled freshman campaign, showing improved range and even more consistency through the spring. His confidence is noticeable, and the ball is coming off his foot cleaner, with staff members quietly noting that his ceiling continues to rise.

Punter Dorian McSurdy has been just as impressive. Rarely called upon in 2028, McSurdy has made the most of his spring reps by showing elite control and leg strength. Whether pinning balls inside the numbers or driving kickoffs deep into the back wall of the indoor facility, he has looked fully in command, giving USF a dependable weapon in the field position battle.

In the return game, Elton York continues to be the headline act. Already one of the most dangerous open-field players on the roster, York looks even more explosive this spring, with sharper cuts and quicker acceleration that have left coverage units grasping at air. The staff has also rotated other players through return reps to build depth and insurance, but York remains the clear catalyst.

Taken together, the consistency at kicker, the control in the punting game, and the explosiveness in the return unit give USF a special teams group that feels like a true strength rather than a footnote. If spring practice is any indication, the Bulls may quietly field one of the most complete special teams units in the conference this fall.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Spring Practice Notebook: Green Tops White in Dramatic Spring Game

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Under bright skies and with the program’s expectations now firmly established, South Florida wrapped up spring practice with a competitive Spring Game that felt less like a scrimmage and more like a rehearsal. The tempo was sharp, the energy steady throughout, and the Bulls left the field looking like a team polishing details rather than searching for direction.

Split once again into Green and White, the afternoon balanced evaluation with urgency. The scoring mattered just enough to keep things honest, and the final moments delivered the kind of drama that has become familiar around this program.

“This looked like a team that knows who it is,” head coach DJ Porter said afterward. “We weren’t installing. We were executing, correcting, and competing.”

Hewlett in Command

The headline belonged to Locklan Hewlett, who put together his cleanest spring performance to date. The senior quarterback connected on all but one of his pass attempts, distributing the ball efficiently and decisively while showing the improved touch that has been evident throughout camp. Short throws were crisp, intermediate routes hit in stride, and his deep balls showed better arc and placement than a year ago.

Hewlett never looked hurried, moving subtly in the pocket to buy time and keeping the offense on schedule. It was the kind of performance that reinforced why the staff believes a third season in Porter’s system could unlock his best football.

Behind him, Joshua Brantley and Jeremy Maginn both showed why the quarterback room remains one of the program’s strengths. Brantley’s accuracy stood out once again, while Maginn flashed arm talent and composure late, setting the stage for the game’s final sequence.

Suggs Makes His Statement

The running back rotation was brief but impactful, especially for Connor Suggs. On his lone touch of the afternoon, Suggs took a handoff, slipped through the first level, and exploded into the open field for a long touchdown that drew an immediate reaction from both sidelines. It was a reminder that even in limited work, Suggs’ combination of vision and burst can tilt the field.

George Shembo, Steven Snead, and Nicholas Daniel rotated behind him, each showing flashes in their respective roles, but Suggs’ one-play appearance stole the spotlight.

New Targets Step Forward

With the receiver room still sorting out roles, several younger and newer faces took advantage of the stage. Lamar Sweet delivered one of the day’s most electric moments, hauling in a pass in stride and turning it into a long catch-and-run touchdown, showcasing both his hands and his ability to create after the catch.

At tight end, freshman Cam Deablo made perhaps the most eye-opening play of the afternoon. The early enrollee caught a short pass in space, broke two tackles, and powered forward for extra yardage, flashing the athleticism that has the staff intrigued about his long-term role.

Defense Answers Back

While the offense generated the highlights, the defense had its say. Along the front, Reed Spielman was disruptive throughout, winning with quickness off the snap and consistently forcing quarterbacks to move off their spots. His presence was felt even when he didn’t record a statistic.

At linebacker, Armon Chambers continued his strong spring, flowing to the ball with urgency and delivering a pair of stops that drew praise from the sideline. His command of the defense and physical finish stood out.

In the secondary, Nick Jones reminded everyone what was missing last season. The safety closed quickly on routes, broke up a pass over the middle, and was vocal in setting alignments, bringing stability and confidence to the back end.

A Fitting Finish

The game’s final moments provided a fitting conclusion. With time winding down, Jeremy Maginn connected with Josh Barr to move the Green team into field goal range. As the clock expired, Dom Bragg drilled a 52-yard field goal, sending the Green sideline into celebration and punctuating another strong spring for the sophomore kicker.

Ready for the Next Phase

This Spring Game wasn’t about unanswered questions. It was about refinement, depth, and confidence. The Bulls looked like a team comfortable with expectations and motivated by what still lies ahead.

“We know what the standard is now,” Porter said. “Spring is about proving you’re willing to meet it every day.”

With summer workouts approaching and fall camp looming, USF exits the spring with momentum intact and a roster that looks ready to chase bigger goals once again.

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USF FOOTBALL NEWS

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Wynn and Keys Hear Their Names Called on Draft Day, Updates on Absent Players

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As spring practice wrapped up in Tampa, a handful of roster notes finalized what had already become clear during April workouts. The latest departures from the USF program were less about sudden losses and more about roster clarity, with a few players moving on after it became evident that their paths to meaningful roles had narrowed.

Emmett Parks transferred to Auburn after spending the spring on the bottom of the interior offensive line depth chart. With younger linemen emerging and multiple players capable of handling rotational snaps, Parks elected to pursue an opportunity where he could compete for immediate second-unit work.

Edge defender Kyle Spade made a similar decision, heading to Eastern Michigan after seeing the depth and competition solidify ahead of him during spring evaluations.

Punter Luke Goater also moved on, landing at North Texas after USF settled into a clear special teams hierarchy.

None of the transfers came as a surprise inside the building. In each case, the staff worked with the players to help them find situations that better matched their goals, a reflection of a program confident enough in its depth to be transparent about roles.

Meanwhile, the NFL Draft brought official closure to two stories that had effectively ended months earlier. Defensive tackle Kevin Wynn, a cornerstone of USF’s defensive front on 2028, was selected in the first round, cementing his place among the program’s most accomplished recent players. Cornerback Cameron Keys, coming off a ball-hawking season, was taken in the seventh round, rewarding his production and versatility in the secondary.

Those draft announcements served less as farewells and more as confirmations. Their departures were already accounted for in spring planning, and their success simply reinforced the trajectory USF now occupies: a program stable enough to manage natural roster churn while continuing to send players to the next level.

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[redsox907]

Sending dudes to the league always helps with crootin

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AMERICAN CONFERENCE 2029 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES

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PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

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1. USF
2028 Record: 15-1 | 9-0 in American, W CC vs UAB
Head Coach: DJ Porter | 27-3 at USF | 51-7 Career
Schemes: Multiple | 3-3-5 Tite

Nothing changes at the top until someone proves otherwise. USF enters 2029 with championship expectations after a dominant 2028 season and remains the league’s most complete team. The Bulls combine elite offensive firepower with a defense that can dictate games, and their consistency week-to-week sets them apart. They are the standard everyone else is chasing.

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2. Tulane
2028 Record: 9-4 | 6-2 in American
Head Coach: John Sumrall | 49-20 at Tulane | 72-24 Career
Schemes: Power Spread | 4-2-5

Tulane continues to profile as USF’s primary challenger. The Green Wave are built on balance, with a defense capable of keeping games close and an offense that rarely beats itself. While they may lack the explosive ceiling to consistently knock off the Bulls, their stability keeps them firmly in the title conversation.

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3. Rice
2028 Record: 9-4 | 6-2 in American
Head Coach: Fran Brown | 16-10 at Rice | 37-27 Career
Schemes: Spread | 3-3-5 Tite

Rice feels like the quiet threat near the top of the league. After a strong 2028, the Owls return a roster that is disciplined, efficient, and difficult to prepare for. They may not dominate statistically, but their ability to win the games they’re supposed to win keeps them ahead of the pack behind the top two.

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4. UAB
2028 Record: 9-5 | 6-3 in American, L CC to USF
Head Coach: James Anderson | 0-0 at UAB | 23-27 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5

UAB remains one of the conference’s most reliable programs, even if the margin for error is thinner. The Blazers are tough, experienced, and well-coached, but they don’t have quite the same roster depth as the teams ahead of them. Expect them to hang around the upper tier and threaten for a title game spot if things break right. James Anderson should inject new energy into the program.

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5. Temple
2028 Record: 8-5 | 5-3 in American
Head Coach: Joe Moorhead | 21-17 at Temple | 47-65 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5

Temple lands squarely in the middle of the conference once again. The Owls have enough talent on both sides of the ball to compete most weeks, but inconsistency has kept them from making the jump into the top tier. If they find steadier quarterback play, they could rise—but for now, this feels like their range.

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6. North Texas
2028 Record: 7-6 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Dowell Loggains | 16-10 at North Texas | 23-27 Career
Schemes: Multiple | Base 3-4

North Texas is one of the most intriguing teams in the league. The Mean Green have balance and versatility, and their roster doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses. The question is whether they can turn competitiveness into consistent wins against the league’s upper half. A step forward feels likely, even if a full breakout remains just out of reach.

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7. Florida Atlantic
2028 Record: 5-7 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Josh Sanders | 0-0 at FAU | 0-0 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5

FAU sits just outside the top six but has the look of a dangerous spoiler. They were competitive throughout 2028 and bring back enough offensive talent to stress defenses. Defensive inconsistency keeps them from climbing higher, but they’re capable of knocking off contenders on the right night as long as newcomer Josh Sanders can coach them up.

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8. Tulsa
2028 Record: 3-9 | 1-7 in American
Head Coach: Dan Mullen | 0-0 at Tulsa | 129-86 Career
Schemes: Spread | Multiple

Tulsa’s ceiling is higher than their recent record suggests with Dan Mullen there to right the ship. The offense has pop, and there’s enough experience to believe in improvement, but defensive reliability remains the swing factor. They feel like a team that will be exciting week-to-week, even if the wins don’t always follow.

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9. Memphis
2028 Record: 4-8 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Clay Helton | 16-22 at Memphis | 87-72 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5

Memphis is still searching for its footing after a difficult 2028. The pieces are there to be competitive, but depth and consistency remain issues, especially against stronger opponents. Progress feels possible, but the Tigers may still be a year away from climbing back into the top half.

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10. East Carolina
2028 Record: 3-9 | 2-6 in American
Head Coach: Brent Pry | 0-0 at ECU | 43-44 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5

East Carolina shows signs of defensive growth, but offensive limitations continue to cap their upside. The Pirates should be more competitive than their record might suggest, yet sustained success will depend on finding more balance across the roster as well as Brent Pry's ability to make the most of a weaker roster.

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11. Charlotte
2028 Record: 5-7 | 2-6 in American
Head Coach: Tim Albin | 20-29 at Charlotte | 54-48 Career
Schemes: Pistol | 4-2-5

Charlotte remains in rebuild mode. There are flashes of promise, but the overall roster lacks the depth needed to survive the grind of conference play. Wins will be hard-earned, and development is the primary focus heading into 2029.

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12. UTSA
2028 Record: 5-7 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Mike Elko | 5-7 at UTSA | 47-41 Career
Schemes: Power Spread | 4-2-5

UTSA rounds out the field entering 2029. While effort and competitiveness aren’t in question, the Roadrunners face an uphill battle against deeper, more established rosters. Stealing a few games is possible, but consistency will be difficult to sustain.

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ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

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Team	Pos	Player	School	Class
1st	QB	Locklan Hewlett	USF	SR (RS)
1st	HB	Paul Lincoln	Tulane	SO (RS)
1st	HB	Connor Suggs	USF	JR (RS)
1st	WR	Lyle Dragos	USF	JR (RS)
1st	WR	Lamar Sweet	USF	SR
1st	WR	Gerald Camarda	USF	SO (RS)
1st	TE	Cameron Roberts	Tulane	SR (RS)
1st	LT	Sam Iupati	USF	SO (RS)
1st	LG	Cliff Jean-Pierre	USF	JR (RS)
1st	C	Adam Forbes	USF	SR (RS)
1st	RG	Daryl Treadwell	USF	SR
1st	RT	Clint Kendricks	USF	JR (RS)
1st	LEDG	Reed Spielman	USF	JR (RS)
1st	REDG	Jamerson Harris	USF	SO (RS)
1st	DT	Earl Rees	Tulane	SR
1st	DT	Keenan Shorter	Tulane	SO
1st	SAM	Ralph Livings	USF	JR
1st	MIKE	Armon Chambers	USF	JR (RS)
1st	WILL	Keon Brents	USF	SO
1st	CB	Gavin Jenkins	USF	SR (RS)
1st	CB	David Igbinoghene	USF	SR
1st	FS	Tracy Bennett	USF	SR (RS)
1st	SS	Josh Rush	Tulane	JR
1st	K	Dom Bragg	USF	SO
1st	P	Dorian McSurdy	USF	SR
2nd	QB	Joshua Brantley	USF	SR (RS)
2nd	HB	George Shembo	USF	SR
2nd	HB	Javin Gordon	Tulane	SR (RS)
2nd	WR	Devon Devey	Tulane	SO (RS)
2nd	WR	Josh Barr	USF	FR (RS)
2nd	WR	P.J. Sexton	Florida Atlantic	SO (RS)
2nd	TE	Evan Ogletree	Rice	JR
2nd	LT	Lamar Williams	Florida Atlantic	SR (RS)
2nd	LG	Matt Toure	USF	SO (RS)
2nd	C	Darren Sumner	USF	SO (RS)
2nd	RG	Chester Knapp	USF	SO (RS)
2nd	RT	Josh Yachty	USF	SO (RS)
2nd	LEDG	Palanding Drammeh	Tulane	SR (RS)
2nd	REDG	Kyle Kurtz	Tulane	FR (RS)
2nd	DT	Nick Ah You	Rice	SR
2nd	DT	Nick Crumpler	Rice	JR
2nd	SAM	Peter Traore	USF	SO
2nd	MIKE	Matt Farrow	Tulane	SR
2nd	WILL	Frank Droege	USF	SR
2nd	CB	Michael Igbinoghene	Tulane	SR (RS)
2nd	CB	George Buck	Tulane	JR (RS)
2nd	FS	Xavier Squires	Tulane	SR (RS)
2nd	SS	Deon Droege	Tulane	SR
2nd	K	P.J. Buggs	Tulane	JR
2nd	P	Manny Hyde	North Texas	SO

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[djp73]

Sending dudes to the league always helps with crootin

i was a bit surprised we didnt get a couple other dudes there