Ian Lindsay

I can't say I was here before 2012 but I agree that this is easily the most anticipated season I have ever looked forward to, 13-0 here we come! (knocks on all the wood)

Before I dive into my list of the 10 Bulls to watch for this season I'd like to introduce myself a little bit. My name is Ian Lindsay, I'm a class of 2016 USF graduate with a passion for sports and sports media and a degree in Mass Communications. I feel that there needs to be more quality conversation and buzz about the Bulls online and I hope to work closely alongside Brad to help push this site and USF athletics into the forefront of the sports conversation. My friend Matt (another USF grad) and I are also in the process of developing a USF-based podcast that would be exclusively produced for TheBullsPen.com. Leave feedback about what you would like to hear discussed, opinions you have and any tips that you have that can help this blog, this site and hopefully our future podcast be the best it can be! Now with only 10 days before The Stampede heads out west to run over San Jose State, I figured it was a good time to countdown the 10 Bulls to watch for in the upcoming 2017 season. Like all lists, understand this is my opinion and not fact so feel free to disagree and share your own! 10. Punter - Senior Jonathan Hernandez Named to the Ray Guy Award watch list for best punter in the country, Hernandez is coming into the season with high expectations. The senior averaged 41.2 yards a kick last year and downed 25 punts inside the opponents' 20. Hernandez big leg is a great tool for Charlie's squad as it gives the defense more real estate to defend. 9. Center - Senior Cameron Ruff Named to the Rimington Award watch list for best center in the country, Ruff is tasked with leading an offensive line that paved the way for two 1,000 yard rushers, and set program records in touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, rushing yards and total offense. 8. Tight End - Sophomore Mitchell Wilcox Named to the Mackey Award watch list, the redshirt sophomore is looking to fill the gap left by former TE Sean Price. Coming off a season with 12 receptions and 2 touchdowns, Wilcox will look to assert himself as the go to big man for Flowers. 7. Defensive Tackle - Senior Bruce Hector One of the studs of a powerful Bulls defensive line, Hector tied the team lead last season with 5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Coming back for his 5th year at USF, Hector has already graduated and is considered a leader on the defense. 6. Wide Receiver - Senior Marquez Valdes-Scantling Coming off a standout first year playing at USF, MVS is ready to take over the #1 receiver position after his high school teammate Rodney Adams was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Last season MVS caught 5 touchdowns, including 2 bombs of 77 and 51 yards and is expected to thrive in Sterlin Gilbert's new air-raid offense. 5. Linebacker - Senior Auggie Sanchez Named to the Nagurski Award watch list for best linebacker in the country, one of the all-time Bulls, Auggie is coming back for his 5th and final season at USF. Even during what some considered a poor season by his standards, Sanchez, was 1 tackle shy of tying the school record for most tackles in a season. Hopefully a new defensive scheme can get Sanchez back to his peak ability this season. 4. Defensive Tackle - Junior Deadrin Senat Named to both the Nagurski watch list for best defensive player as well as to the Outland watch list for best interior lineman, offense or defense, Senat has a lot of hype following him into the season. Last season Senat was named the team's defensive MVP and led the d-line in tackles and tackles for loss. 3. Running Back - Senior D'Ernest Johnson Following the departure of USF legend Marlon Mack to the NFL, Johnson will be expected to pick up the load and keep the Bull's offensive machine rolling. An incredibly versatile back, Johnson owns the school record for career receiving yards by a running back and also returned a punt for a touchdown against Syracuse last year. The Bulls will try to get him the ball in a number of ways this season. 2. Cornerback - Senior Deatrick Nichols Coming off a banged up 2016, Deatrick has already been named to the Nagurski Award watch list for best defensive player in the country. Nichols has been THE shutdown corner at USF since he arrived in 2015. After having 4 interceptions each the last two years and 7 additional pass breakups in 2016, Nichols is looking to ready his stock for the NFL draft. 1. Quarterback - Senior Quinton Flowers Do I even have to say why? Q, Glock9, Mr. Flowers, however you refer to Quinton, you are referring to the greatest player in USF history. Coming off an incredible 42 touchdown season where he also accounted for over 4,300 yards of offense and led the Bulls to a program best 11 wins, the hype and the expectations are real. Q has been named to the Davey O'Brien Award watch for best QB in the country, Johnny Unitas award watch for best Senior Quarterback, Walter Camp award watch for best College Football Player and the Heisman Trophy watch list. These are lists no USF player has ever been associated with and is a big step in Flowers' and USF's development as a national name. So that's all! Obviously this list is a tease while we wait for real USF football but hopefully it makes the wait a little easier, 10 MORE DAYS!!!