Just because something is new does not automatically make it better. These helmets suck! While you are looking terms up on-line try one this program seems to have a hard time acquiring: Tradition- the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
So piss yellow helmets are tradition? LOL. YOUR opionion is that these new alternate helmets suck, recruit/player reaction is that they're great. These aren't our every game helmets. It would seem to me, that USF is trying to establish tradition and build upon it in other ways than just uniforms. Those spanish bulls are now a landmark at USF, as is the new and improved Marshall Center and the Sun Dome.
This school wasn't much to look at 15 years ago, it has come a long way. I'm sure an on campus stadium will also be a major landmark one day.
USF has only been around since 56, and football has only been around since 97. Hard to establish some of the 100 year traditions that other schools have while USF is still in the midst of finding its own brand-worthy identity. And sorry to break it to you, but piss colored helmets aren't it.
Oregon seems to be doing just fine with their alternate unis, same with:
Maryland, TCU, Iowa State, Duke, Kansas, Notre Dame, Boise State, Wake Forest, Ole Miss, Texas, Washington State, South Carolina, Nebraska, Miss State, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Oregon State, Cal, Baylor, West Virgina, Louisville, Texas Tech, North Carolina, UConn, Rutgers, Arizona, BYU, Arizona State, Houston, Buffalo, FAU, Southern Miss, WKU, Miami (OH), Nevada, Memphis, Georgia State, South Alabama, Appalachian State, Fresno State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Western Michigan, New Mexico State, Lousiana Tech
I could keep going with schools who have alternate uniforms but I think you're catching on. Some of the schools listed above have long and storied traditions, but also have new alternate uniforms. Uniforms do not make tradition, unless you are Alabama. And Alabama, we are not.
I have no problem with alternate uniforms (although I can also provide a long list of universities who do not do this). But I wonder how many recruits actually choose a university based on the uniform? There is no way of knowing (there is no data to support or denounce) so to say this makes an absolute difference is not factual. In terms of our "piss yellow" helmets I think many fans still prefer them as it reminds us of happier times...thus, it could have been any color. That being said, either way, at the end of the day I just want my alma mater to win football games and be an impact in CFB.
You would be so sadly shocked as to how many recruits factor in alternate unis, helmets, and logo (nike, UA, etc). It's insane. I have worked inside the facility for a number of years and have been apart of that process.