TKBlue

I was sitting on the aisle when the USF assistant comes walking up the stands asking for binoculars. He literally walks up to this gentleman and asks if he could use his binoculars. It was a classic. The guy was so surprised he said yes. I've been involved with college football for over 30 years and never saw anything like it in a situation like that. I am sure if the gentleman would call the football office they will be glad to return his binoculars. And this is also what makes it so great to be a part of USF football - the fans are not absolutely spoiled and arrogant like all of the Big Three. I guess it is inevitable but it sure is nice that the USF fans really appreciate what is happening with the program. At least those that realize what's happening, the evolution of a nonexistant sports program into the big leagues in less than a decade. Phenomenal.

Clearly the staff is focusing on character kids and kids with solid academics this year. There are exceptions on the academics but overall it is clear staff is getting better academics this year. Probably because they can with the improved reception we are receiving.

Anderson has not been offered a scholarship and is not a commit. He is interested however but is coming off a serious injury this year.

I know the transfers are slated to start immediately and be integral members of the team, but what about Cann and Howard. Are either slated to start or at least be major contributors? And who goes to the end of the bench when these guys come back?

Actually, a grey shirt would not only not be able to practice but not even enroll at the school. Essentially the player would enroll the followin January afterwhich he would have five additional years. The year following the kids graduation he would be in limbo, no practice or school just a promise of a scholarship. These are generally taken only when there are limited other options. Many schools do not employ this startegy.

Excellent point, E.T.

Guys, easy. Virtually every player on the USF roster had us as a backup to other Big Three schools. If we can land the top kicker in the country, getem any way they will come. I feel good about this kid.

How many alumni in the AL/GA/TN/MS areas who might travel to B'ham because they haven't been able to get down to Tampa for a game? That would probably be a third target group but not sure how many those are. Probably more that in close proximity to Charlotte.

Absolutely correct, Bully. Another uninformed comment by Smazza jamming our coaches. And I don't buy the UF gets recruits due to payments. Why? They don't need to. They are one of the hottest programs in the country. Give them their due.

I believe the receivers as a whole played extremely well this, particularly considering that most were young (TJ, Edwards, Amp Hill) or inexperienced in D-1 (Randolph). And the older guys (Green, Jackson) were recruited before we were in a BCS conference. And most informed observers would agree that the four true freshmen are the most talented class we have, and they haven't seen the field yet. It is a two way street. The receivers can't catch if the QB doesn't get them the ball, but also the QB won't throw the ball if the WRs are not open, and they were open plenty this year. Lots of big plays. Complain about the running game, but the passing game with a redshirt QB? Come on. Get serious.

We are in the running for some very high quality big men, especially on the defensive side, which are essential to championship teams, and the hardest to find.

I wish Selvie and Robinson were the weights listed. Not even close, but when they do get that heavy, WATCH OUT BIG EAST. They have had awesome years for redshirt freshmen. AWESOME.

I believe all of the above are scholarship commits. Walkons tend to come into play late when all the scholarships are given at the various schools.

For winnablity, I MUCH prefer UNC and Kansas to PSU and Miami. Any disagreement there?

The big difference with "voluntary" practices is that the coaches can NOT be present or direct the practice in any way. That really restricts alot of what can be done, but I understand that some of the strength and conditioning staff can be present. Correct?

Freshmen report August 5th. Monday the 7th is probably the first full day. leaving a full four weeks of practice before opening day.

I have attended and played at the Swamp, Neyland stadium, the LA Coliseum and up at Pitt when they won a national championship (I am showing my age) and all the ACC stadium. I attended my first USF game  vs UWV,  and it matched up pretty well with all but the best SEC stadiums. A few more folks and RJ would be superior to all the ACC stadiums except FSU and Miami (but only for the big games). And trust me, the coaching staff does use RJ as a selling tool to recruits. I vote No OCS until it can be big time and be at least 65,000 plus.

There is a NATIONAL epidemic problem with male academic achievement in the US, leading to the statistic nobody seems  to care about, that only 40% of the college students are male; and the problem for african american males is much, much, much worse. You then add in the system of preferential treatment given many top athletes in HS and you have the problem faced by USF and most other big state schools with their football academics. There just are not enough academically qualified players. I know the staff is working to improve the level of academics among USF football players, but there is a balancing act with the demand for winning. I think JL is doing a fine job with that balancing.

Defense wins, and we have a heckava defense! Enough said. Forget the prognosticators. USF will be competitive in the BE and should go to a bowl unless the sky falls in. ANd with a little luck (and maybe some QB development) USF could really make a run with their schedule (at least thru the first 10 games).

FWIW, I am certain that the staff is making a big effort to upgrade not only the talent level of incoming recruits but also the academic standing for all the reasons posted. Remember the USF program is VERY young and recruiting as with other aspects of the football program requires a progression to get where we want to be. But rest assured the staff is on the same page on this point.