Pain. Frustration. Exhaustion. These feelings are far too familiar for USF fans over the last 4 seasons. During this time fans have dealt with a mind blowing QB carousel (9 different QBs with at least 24 passing attempts), a shocking 6-25 AAC record, and an athletics department that hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with the University.
Yet, despite this recent adversity, USF Football appears to be growing momentum in the right direction for the 2022 season. Is the recent optimism a bunch of bull or do fans have legitimate reasons to base this momentum? Let’s take a look.
—————————
It’s no secret the transfer portal has been a huge focus for USF under Coach Jeff Scott. In the transfer portal era of college athletics there are few teams that have changed their recruiting mentality and embraced transfer culture quite like USF. During this last off-season, Coach Scott has brought in immediate game changers to this program on both sides of the football.
On the offense, Gerry Bohanon (Baylor) at QB will bring leadership and some much needed efficiency to an offense that ranked 100/130 in points per game in 2021. Mike Lofton (ucf), Darrell Bailey (Virginia Tech), and Zach Perkins (Maryland) add depth to the veteran OL. Ajou Ajou (Clemson) and Kharfre Brown (UNC) provide additional threats to the WR room. Michel Dukes (Clemson) brings extra speed to the deep RB core.
On the defensive side, the DL adds strength with Nick Bags (Temple), Jatorian Hansford (Missouri), and Rashad Cheney (Minnesota). Behind the D-Line, James Gordon IV (Minnesota) and Jhalyn Shuler (Coffeyville CC) support Grier and Boyles at LB. Lastly, the secondary grabs additional athleticism with Ray Thornton (Clemson) and Aamaris Brown (Kansas State) to guard the deep ball.
The transfer portal has provided many big wins for USF since last season but they have also seen some tough loses; including last years starting QB Timmy McClain. However, as we all know by now, the portal giveth and the portal taketh away… amirite guys?
—————————
Maybe more important to USF’s success in 2022 are the additions to the coaching staff, adding a pair of new coordinators and a seasoned offensive analyst.
Bob Shoop, as the new defensive coordinator, has the potential and the resume to right the sinking ship that we called USF’s 2021 defense. Last season’s defensive scheme was passive and overall lackluster, ranking 117/130 in points allowed per game. Shoop has his work cut out for him to return the Bull’s defense to previous norms. Bringing in Shoop, who has won 'Defensive Coordinator of the Year' twice (2014 & 2018), may just give the Bulls the best chance of turning things around. If the aggressive defense fans saw against central florida is any hint of what Shoop’s “calculated aggression” looks like, fans may be in for a good time.
Travis Trickett takes over the reigns in the offensive coordinator position. At this point he is an unknown. Upgrade from Charlie Weiss Jr? Not sure yet. Downgrade from Charlie Weiss Jr? Probably not. Coach Trickett has characterized himself as an OC that will get the ball in the hands of his play makers. Jimmy Horn, Brian Battie, Gerry Bohanon, Xavier Weaver, Jaren Mangum, Mikey Dukes, the list goes on… Give them the ball and positive things are bound to happen. It’s time for USF to get back to what made Willie Taggert’s offense so successful, make it simple and let your best athletes make a play.
Chad Morris is the most recent and intriguing addition to USF’s staff as he lands the Senior Offensive Analyst position. Jeff Scott has been persistent and finally succeeded in bringing Coach Morris to Tampa. Morris is a veteran in the college football world with stops at Clemson, SMU, and Arkansas. He brings much needed guidance and support to a young offensive coaching staff. Coach Morris understands the offensive that Jeff Scott wants to run and may be a vital silent contributor to improving the Bull’s offense.
—————————
AD Michael Kelly, President Rhea Law, and Coach Jeff Scott. This dynamic trio seems to have the priorities between the University and Athletics aligned for the first time in over a decade. Financial investments to keep up with the competition are finally being made. Updates to the locker rooms, construction of the Indoor Performance Facility, and ground work for the on campus stadium are shedding light on a potentially positive outlook for athletics. The preparation is finally there for a successful USF, now the Bulls just need to win.
—————————
There a lot of things to be excited about for USF Football heading into the 2022 season. The pieces finally seem to be falling in the right place but with the strong competitive schedule this year, it is unknown where they will end up. However, a bowl game birth is still a possibility. The Bulls let some winnable games slip through their fingers last season. Sporting a deeper roster, a tested QB1, and a more effective coaching staff this season, the Bulls should find themselves on the winning side of those tough matchups.
Get your game day wardrobe ready for the 2022 season!
