USF Football: Fall Camp Progress Report

The USF Bulls football team opened fall camp on Monday, July 28, marking the third season under head coach Alex Golesh. The Bulls currently have 118 players on the roster, including 12 returning starters and 54 new additions. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the privilege of attending several open practices and media press conferences, where I’ve been able to see and hear from the team firsthand.

Here are my main takeaways, notes, and observations from USF’s fall practices so far.

USF Football: Fall Camp Takeaways

First Impressions

Even for Florida natives, it’s unusually hot right now. In Tampa, the heat index reached 115 degrees when USF began their first fall practice. While the high temperatures a major concern, the heat isn’t stopping this team. If anything, being able to perform in these conditions is an asset.

Taking all of the proper precautions, the health and safety of the players and supporting personnel remain the top priority. However, the Bulls also view the extreme heat as an advantage, especially when teams who aren’t from the region come to battle it out in Florida. We’ll see that put to the test starting in Week 1, when the Boise State Broncos make a trip to the Sunshine State.

All in all, the team looks a bit different compared to when we last saw them in April’s spring game. The quarterback room now includes NFL Academy freshman Sam Fenton and Tennessee transfer Gaston Moore. Meanwhile, QB Bryce Archie has departed from the team after being selected in this year’s MLB Draft and signing with the Cincinnati Reds. Oklahoma transfer Sam Franklin is also a new addition to the running backs.

Construction for the on-campus stadium is also well underway. From nearly every area of the facility, you can hear the trucks and see the building in progress. It’s a constant reminder that the future of the program is taking shape right next door – and its a very exciting sight.

Expectations may be high, but the Bulls don’t appear to be very fazed. With eagerness to return to the field, the team remains focused on their goals and are determined to not let anything get in their way.

Practice Standouts

During my time at practice, several players on both sides of the ball have especially stood out and caught my attention.

On offense, Byrum Brown and Brandon Winton have consistently displayed a great connection. Specifically, that’s happened on deep, downfield completions. Tight end Jonathan Echols and wide receivers JeyQuan Smith and Chas Nimrod have looked fluid in drills, making impressive catches both outside and in the slot.

Defensively, Vanderbilt transfer Devin Lee is already making a strong impression. He’s bringing noticeable power and depth to the defensive line.

My overall standout so far, however, is linebacker Mac Harris. His versatility, energy, and performance throughout training have made his presence felt, turning heads with every rep.

My Watch List

There are several players and position battles I’ll be keeping an eye on as we head into the second half of fall camp:

• Development in the secondary: This is a talented group of defensive backs-I’ll be watching how they continue to evolve throughout camp.
• Jaden Alexis: Expected to return this season, I’m curious to see how he fits back into this wide receiver unit.
• Backup QB spot: Locklan Hewlett is currently sizing up to be the second string. How will the rest of the QB room continue to compete for reps?
• Thomas Shrader & Jacob Merrifield: How will they contribute to solidifying the offensive line and building depth up front?
• Nickelback position battle: Defensive backs Kajuan Banks and Jarvis Lee are both in the mix for this spot.
• Nico Gramatica: Has showcased a lot of drive and focus. He’s a player to really watch for on special teams.
• Slot receiver role: With Sean Atkins gone, who will step up as the primary slot option?

USF Bulls: Fall Camp Quotes

Opening the second week of camp, Coach Golesh spoke about the grit and resilience this team has shown:

“You know what, we challenged these guys yesterday to come out and continue to raise the bar. That’s where we spent this first block really establishing who we are. And then this practice 6, 7, 8, 9 is where you generally at least in my career have seen this lull on teams that are average, teams that are elite. You’ve seen guys in this time get better and better and better and really turn it up. And I just told the guys, I’m not usually uber positive at the end of practice cause I’m usually worked up about something but that was a bunch of guys answering the bell…”

I asked Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Joel Gordon about what he has seen from quarterbacks Sam Fenton and Gaston Moore throughout camp so far:

“They’re really two different situations. Gaston is coming on short notice but coming from an offense that is very similar to what we do here. So for him to walk through the door and have the ability to go into a meeting and be comfortable with what’s being said, a lot of familiarity in that world for him. So Sam, much different, Sam has never played American football before in our country. He’s played it before [however]. And the good thing for Sam obviously is he had a chance to go through the summertime and just kind of get used to how this works and how practice works, how this offense is and they’re both really smart guys and both work really hard at it. They’re just in two different situations in terms of just learning curve of what’s expected of them in a day to day basis.

Defensive end Michael Williams spoke about the flexibility of the roster and how the Bulls feel confident in their depth, knowing they have reliable options to turn to when needed:

“Oh of course! Obviously, it all started back when we started winter workouts. You see who’s working hard and who’s not. And honestly out of everybody in our group I didn’t see a single person who didn’t work hard. So coming into the second half of the spring and the summer it was really easy for me to see who KP would be able to trust on the field. It’s really everybody so its kind of funny; like even the freshman who just got here, the transfers that just got here, they came in and they just came in and ran with it, they fit in out program like they’ve been here their whole career.”

Final Thoughts

There’s been a lot to unpack with this team. However, it’s undeniably an exciting time to be in Tampa. With fall camp approaching the halfway point, USF football is shaping their identity for the upcoming season. While there’s still work to be done before Week 1, the team is focused and aiming to exceed expectations.

The countdown to kickoff continues, and with the second half of camp now underway, Bulls fans have plenty to look forward to.