CFN USF Sneak Preview

[Ricky the Bull]

I typed in the URL of what our preview would be on the CFN site and it brought it up, so we can take a peek at it prior to it being published:

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/big_east/2005_Previews/Southflorida_Preview.htm

[ETKbull]

"The problem is at quarterback where Pat Julmiste couldn't hit water last year if he was standing in the ocean..."

I agree one problem was at QB, but he could have used a better analogy.  That smarts!

I noticed that they don't have RJ Anderson listed in our class of '05.  I don't think he has agreed to play baseball yet.

[NAM37]

The Bulls have to get back its dominant home field advantage...

I think that is critical.... we MUST own home field again.

[beastiebull]

4 INts Won't cut it.

105 penalties for 890 yards won't cut it.

Vast improvement in these 2 areas combined with a better, veteran defense, combined with a decent QB (Denson) and we'll be a very tough team next year.  Whether it makes a huge difference in our record remains to be seen.  Our schedule is much more difficult and even a great deal of improvement may not translate into wins.

[WoolyBully]

Our schedule is much more difficult and even a great deal of improvement may not translate into wins.

Yep...that's a reasonable assessment. It's not like the competition is standing still or taking a step back, simply because we improve. This is much different than CUSA.

[USFMikeB]

4 INts Won't cut it.

4 interceptions in 11 games is actually a decent statistic...

[Guest S.  Bien]

4 interceptions in 11 games is actually a decent statistic...

Yeah if you're throwing them, not if you're getting them.  In this case our defense only intercepted four passes all year.  

Beastiebull, great summary.  Last season the defense was so sloppy, and bad, also the passing game looked disjointed too, which is probably why last season hurt even more despite the record.  If we improve dramatically in both areas we could still go 4-7, but it would be a tough 4-7 and we should be able to recognize it on the field, i.e. no arm tackles, more sacks, closer games, more INT's, better hitting...

[USFMikeB]

Ahhh, my mistake.  I didn't actually read the CFN article, and was solely going off of the post.

[Jim Johnson]

In case some people can't read the preview (the link was loading slowly for me)...

South Florida Bulls

By  Pete Fiutak

South Florida has made a quick jump from an independent newcomer to D-I to a conference with an automatic BCS bid. The Big East is a big jump for a team coming off a down year, but head coach Jim Leavitt isn't used to losing seasons, and he certainly doesn't plan on starting off a new era on a down note.

So then the question is this: Was last year's 4-7 season an aberration, or is South Florida really just an average program that's able to catch a few decent teams off guard? It's a little of both.

Led by running back Andre Hall and speedy, 6-5 receiver Johnny Peyton, the offense should be better as long as there's better production at quarterback. The defense should rebound after taking last year off with one of the Big East's better linebacking corps. If all the parts come together, this could be the league's sleeper team, or at least be good enough to tick off the favorites.

The Bulls have to get back its dominant home field advantage and needs to get a little of the us-against-the-world swagger it had when it was coming up with 31 wins from 2000 to 2003. Now that USF is playing with the big boys, it's time to take the next step to becoming a player. The potential is there for it to happen this year, and with a few breaks, be the first bowl season in school history.

The Schedule: Can USF pull off the upset at Penn State to start things off? With the Nittany Lion offense still trying to get over last year's problems, don't count it out. The next two dates are layups at home against Florida A&M and UCF before a brutal four-game stretch against Louisville, at Miami, at Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Even one win out of the four would be a major coup. Things aren't too bad to close out, but three of the final four games are on the road.

Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Andre Hall. Hall has next level skills, but he was a marginal first day draft prospect last year. He'll be a marked man this year, so another 1,357 rushing yard, 12 touchdown, 18 catch season would vault him into big money status.

Best Defensive Player: Junior LB Stephen Nicholas. About to be one of the best linebackers in the Big East, Nicholas is a killer pass rusher and a great run stopper. He'll be an all-star leader of a strong corps.

Key player to a successful season: QBs Pat Julmiste and Courtney Denson. Several freshmen will be in the mix, but the quarterback race will likely come down to last year's main starter, Julmiste, and Denson, a former Auburn defensive back. If one doesn't come through with a sharp year, forget about a winning season.

The season will be a success if ... USF goes to a bowl. There's little margin for error, but six wins is possible with the Big East schedule. If USF plays at home like it did pre-2004, a post-season game is almost a lock.

Key game: Sept. 24 vs. Louisville. Everyone will have Louisville the preseason Big East favorite, or at least number two. Everyone will have USF an also ran, if not at the bottom half of the pack. If the Bulls can beat their former Conference USA foe in the Big East opener, the expectations will change in a big way.

2004 Fun Stats:

- Interceptions taken away: Opponents 11 - South Florida 4

- Penalties: South Florida 105 for 890 yards - Opponents 73 for 568

- Passing touchdowns: Opponents 20 - South Florida 8

2005 Recruiting Class

Star of the Class

Carlton Hill QB 6-3 215 Monticello (Jefferson County) Fl.

Class A first team all-state…Four-star ranking by Rivals.com…Also rated as 20th best “athlete in the nation†and 25th player at any position in Florida…Ranked as the 12th best prospect in Florida by Tampa Tribune and 14th by St. Petersburg Times… Ranked 53rd in Florida by Orlando Sentinel…Threw for 1,765 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2004…Also ran for 888 yards and 12 touchdowns

Instant Impact Players

Gene Coleman LB 6-0 245 Lakes Wales (Lakes Wales) Fl.

Originally signed with USF in February 2003 before enrolling at Pearl River Community College in Pearl River, Miss…Pre-season JUCO All-American in 2004 sophomore season…Went on to win MVP of the Junior College National Championship Game when he had two interceptions to help Pearl River to the 35-14 win…Helped Pearl River to state championship in a 24-13 win over Hinds…Class 3A first team all-state at Lake Wales High School…Ranked 39th in the state by Orlando Sentinel…Had 183 tackles with two interceptions, including one for a touchdown as a senior…Named to Lakeland Ledger all-area team and won MVP in South Central All-Star Game…Class 3A all-state second team as a junior when he had 175 tackles, 20 for run losses, six sacks and two interceptions…Also ran for 900 yards and 22 touchdowns

Theodric Watson OT 6-4 300 St. Petersburg (Lakewood) Fl.

Second team NJCAA All-American at Northwest Mississippi…First team all-state and all-region…Second team all-state as a freshman…An all-state performer in basketball at Lakewood High…All-Suncoast, all-county and all-district in football and basketball…Played only season of football in high school…Cousin to USF running back Andre Hall

Rest of the Class

Mike Benzer      PK      5-8      185      Longwood (Lyman)      Fl.

Jarriett Buie      DE      6-4      240      Tampla (Armwood)      Fl.

Ben Busbee      TE      6-4      200      Mobile (McGill-Toolen)      Ala.

Antwone Cox      DB      6-0      170      Miami (Killian)      Fl.

Ishmeal Grant      WR      6-2      175      Blountstown (Blountstown)      Fl.

Matt Grothe      QB      6-1      190      Lakeland (Lake Gibson)      Fl.

Jessie Hester      WR      6-0      170      Belle Glade (Glades Central)      Fl.

Amari Jackson      WR      6-5      190      Sarasota (Riverview)      Fl.

Taurus Johnson      WR      6-0      185      Cape Coral (Cape Coral)      Fl.

Shane McElwain      OT      6-4      260      Palm Beach (Central)      Fl.

Jerome Murphy      DB      6-1      175      Elizabeth (Elizabeth)      N.J.

Moise Plancher      RB      5-9      190      Naples (Barron Collier)      Fl.

Tyller Roberts      DB      6-0      190      Orlando (Edgewater)      Fl.

Chris Robinson      DB      6-3      230      Flagler (Palm Coast)      Fl.

George Selvie      DE      6-4      225      Pensacola (Pine Forest)      Fl.

Donte Spires      LB      6-3      240      Tampa (Plant)      Fl.

Danny Tolley      OT      6-6      300      Wesley Chapel      Fl.

-------- OFFENSIVE PREVIEW ---------

Basically ... The potential is there for a big improvement after struggling to be consistent. Andre Hall is Big East's best running back working behind a rebuilding, but decent line. The receiving corps is deep and experienced led by tall, speedy Johnny Peyton. The problem is at quarterback where Pat Julmiste couldn't hit water last year if he was standing in the ocean, and Auburn transfer Courtney Denson is a former defensive back. If a steady passer emerges, this should be the Big East's surprise offense.

Returning Leaders

Passing: Pat Julmiste

118-247, 1,570 yds, 7 TD, 8 INT

Rushing: Andre Hall

210 carries for 1,357 yds and 11 TDs

Receiving: Johnny Peyton

22 catches for 469 yds and 2 TD

S.J. Green

22 catches for 262 yards and 1 TD

Star of the offense: Senior RB Andre Hall

Player that has to step up and become a star: Quarterback Pat Julmiste and Courtney Denson

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore OT Jerome Springfield

Best pro prospect: Sophomore WR Johnny Peyton

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hall, 2) Peyton, 3) G Chris Carothers

Strength of the offense: Guards, wide receiver depth

Weakness of the offense: Quarterback

Quarterbacks

Almost everything is in place for a bounceback season except for a steady quarterback. Pat Julmiste struggled throughout last year as the Bulls finished 105th in the nation in passing. He has all the tools, but he has to be sharper and has to generate more production. Courtney Denson is an exciting option able to provide a home run hitting element with his speed. Along with sophomore Anthony Severino, freshmen Louis Gachette, Matt Grothe, and the best of the backups, Carlton Hill, will get every shot at winning the starting job.

Player to keep an eye on: Carlton Hill, Fr. ... Quarterback Rating: 5

Projected Starter

- Pat Julmiste, Jr. - While Julmiste has the size, the arm, and the experience to be the starter, he doesn't have much in the way of production completing fewer than 48% of his passes for 1,570 yards and seven touchdowns with eight interceptions. On the plus side, he's a fantastic runner for a player of his size scoring nine touchdowns and rushing for 193 yards. While he showed promise early on last year with a 324-yard day against TCU, he has to show more consistency and a better feel for the game. Most importantly, he has to generate more wins.

Top Backups

- Courtney Denson, Soph. - The Auburn transfer will make the move from defensive back to athletic quarterback giving a major push to Pat Julmiste for the starting job. At 5-11 and 200 pounds, he has to use his tremendous speed to be a factor. He's more of a quarterback than a defensive back being moved early on at Auburn.

- Anthony Severino, Soph. - The walk-on has a little bit of practice experience and has been in the program long enough to be considered for the starting job. He's a smart player with a decent arm, but he'll have to fight off a slew of freshmen for backup time.

Running Backs

Andre Hall is the best running back in the Big East, and will get a few looks as an All-American if he can come up with the same type of season he had last year. He's a good NFL prospects, but not an elite one, meaning he'll have to show even more this year to get the scouts pumped up. There isn't much experience among the backups, but there are plenty of talented options to keep Hall fresh. When USF decides to use a fullback, tight end Mike Ruegger will move over to fill the bill.

Player to keep an eye on: Ricky Ponton, RFr. ... Running back rating: 8

Projected Starter

- Andre Hall, Sr. - Probably the best running back you've never heard of, the 5-10, 205-pound senior bypassed a shot to go pro early to be the focus of the USF attack. He ran for a school record 1,357 yards and 11 touchdowns averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He's a powerful back with good breakaway speed, and he's also a tough workhorse rushing for 275 yards and two touchdowns against UAB kicking off a run of four straight 100-yard days. He was also the team's third leading receiver catching 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Top Backup

- Ricky Ponton, RFr. - While not the all-around talent that Andre Hall is, the 205-pound redshirt freshman has good skills and decent power. While he was a star running back at Hillsborough High in Tampa, he was also a great linebacker. He brings that physical mentality to his running style.

- Chad Simpson, RFr. - The fast speed back will add a little more pop to the mix behind the more powerful Andre Hall and Ricky Ponton. He has home run hitting speed, but he isn't afraid to run inside the tackles.

- Anthony Gaines, RFr. - At only 5-7 and 155 pounds, Gaines needs to use his quickness to get in the mix. He could be used a bit as a third down back to utilize his shiftiness and speed on short passes.

Receivers

The Bulls like to spread the ball around to several different receivers. Fortunately, there are several experienced receivers who know the offense and appear ready to produce more if there's more consistency from the quarterbacks. Johnny Peyton is the star of the bunch with the size and speed to play at the next level if he can bulk up a little bit more. There are enough reliable backups in place to step in if needed.

Player to keep an eye on:  Marcus Edwards, RFr. ... Receiver rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- Johnny Peyton, Soph. - The 6-5, 185-pound sophomore has next level skills, but not he needs someone to get him the ball on a consistent basis. He's 6-5 and 185 pounds with sub 4.4 speed averaging a whopping 21.3 yards per catch last year while tying for the team lead with 22 grabs for 469 yards and two scores. He needs to step up as the go-to receiver.

- Jackie Chambers, Soph. - Chambers had a good first season catching 14 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns showing good potential. He isn't all that huge, but he isn't afraid to make the tough catch across the middle.

- S.J. Green, Jr. - Green tied for the team lead in receivers catching 22 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he's a physical receiver able to handle himself well on the inside Z position. He has been in the mix long enough to grow into even more of a contributor this year.

- Tight end Mike Ruegger, Sr. - More of a glorified fullback than a true tight end, the 6-2, 240-pound senior caught six passes for 70 yards last year being used more as a blocker. He'll move back and forth between fullback and tight end when needed.

Top Backups

- Travis Lipp, Sr. - The only senior among the top receivers, Lipp is a decent, experienced backup who caught ten passes for 151 yards last year. He's strictly an inside receiver where he'll backup Jackie Chambers at the Y.

- Darren Haliburton, Jr. - The 6-3, 205-pound junior was on the team, the he was off after spending three months in jail on two counts of battery. He walked back on the team where he'll be a big target at the Z behind S.J. Green.

- Marcus Edwards, RFr. - One of the best athletes on the team, the 5-11, 170-pound Edwards has excellent deep speed and was the Florida state high school high jump champion in 2003. He'll play behind Johnny Peyton at the X, but he'll find his way on the field to stretch the field in four-wide sets.

- Tight end Derek Carter, Sr. - While he has the athleticism to be a receiver, the former defensive end has spend most of his time at tight end blocking. At 6-4 and 240 pounds, he's too big not to be used more as a physical target.

Offensive Line

The guards are great, but everything else is up in the air. Tackles Derrick Sarosi and Levi Newton are gone, but Jerome Springfield and Walter Walker have great potential and will be starring on the outside for the next three years. John Miller isn't Alex Herron, but he's a capable center who won't be a liability. Frank Davis and Chris Carothers are excellent anchors at guard. The tackle depth is lacking, but the backup guards are great.

Player to keep an eye on: T Jerome Springfield, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 5.5

Projected Starters

- Tackle Jerome Springfield, Soph. - At 6-8 and 320 pounds, Springfield is a massive blocker with surprising athleticism. He'll need time to handle the workload of the left side taking over for Derrick Sarosi, but he's a great prospect and should eventually be solid.

- Guard Frank Davis, Sr. - At 6-4 and 310 pounds, he's the team's biggest guard in the rotation and has grown into the starting role. He's athletic enough to play tackle if needed.

- Center John Miller, Sr. - It'll be Miller's job to replace Alex Herron in the middle. He has seen a little bit of time at guard, but he's better suited for the middle at 6-0 and 275 pounds. He has enough experience to step in and be productive.

- Guard Chris Carothers, Sr. - One of the rocks on the line, the 290-pound senior is back for another year starting on the right side for his fourth straight season. He's a good all-around blocker who doesn't make mistakes.

- Tackle Walter Walker, Soph. - Originally a guard, the 6-5, 285-pound sophomore will move to the outside taking over Levi Newton's spot at right tackle. He's strong, and has good potential as a pass blocker.

Top Backups

- G Jake Griffin, RFr. - One of the team's most talented line prospects, the 6-4, 300-pound redshirt freshman will take over on the left side next year. He's great on the move and should be a strong backup behind Frank Davis.

- G Matt Huners, RFr. - Huners is a great pass blocker and will grow into the backup job on the right side behind Chris Carothers. He has the size and the talent; now he needs the experience.

--------- DEFENSIVE PREVIEW --------

Basically ...    The normally good Bull defense struggled last year with no pass defense and little success against the run with a line that was too small. Things should be better with a strong linebacking corps and the return of DT Tim Jones and SS Johnnie Jones after missing all of last year. The key will be the improvement in the corners after struggling to stop anyone, but they could use more of a steady pass rush.

Returning Leaders

Tackles: Stephen Nicholas, 97

Sacks: Terrence Royal, 4

Interceptions: Trae Williams, 1

Star of the defense: Junior LB Stephen Nicholas

Player that has to step up and become a star: CBs Trae Williams and D'Juan Brown

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman FS Carlton Williams

Best pro prospect: Nicholas

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Nicholas, 2) FS Danny Verpaele, 3) LB Patrick St. Louis

Strength of the defense: Linebacker

Weakness of the defense: Pass defense

Defensive Line

The front needs to be stronger against the run, but its attacking style will always find ways to get to the quarterback even though there's not a sure-thing pass rusher on the end. There will be a steady rotation on the nose with Allen Cray mixing in with 290+ pound options to generate more production for the run defense. The return of Tim Jones to tackle is a huge boost.

Player to keep an eye on: DT Tim Jones, Sr. ... Defensive Line rating: 6

Projected Starters

- DE Tavarious Robinson, Jr. - 17 tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for loss ... At 6-4 and 255 pounds, Robinson has nice size on the outside and a decent amount of experience. What he doesn't have is much proven pass rush capability. Even so, he's quick enough to be a contributor in the rotation on the left side.

- NT Allen Cray, Soph. - 11 tackles, 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss ... A quick tackle on the nose, the 6-0, 265-pound bowling ball is able to get good leverage and has nice lateral movement. He isn't going to be a consistent brick wall against the run, but his motor is always running and he's extremely aggressive.

- DT Tim Jones, Sr. - Jones redshirted last year after making 48 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in 2003. He's a former tight end and defensive end with great athleticism as a tackle. The 275-pound senior will take over on the inside where his speed should make him a strong interior pass rusher.

- DE Terrence Royal, Sr. - 40 tackles, 4 sacks, 14 tackles for loss ... By far the team's best returning pass rusher, the 255-pound Royal is a blur in the backfield and strong enough to handle himself well against the run. It'll be his job to pin his ears back and get to the quarterback, which he should do with regularity.

Top Backups

- DT Antonio Searcy, Sr. - 16 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... The former JUCO transfer made a decent impact in the tackle rotation last year. At 290 pounds, he's a bigger option on the nose than the 265-pound Allen Cray, and he's more of a run stuffer.

- DE Josh Julmiste, RFr. -  The 6-6, 260-pound brother of quarterback Pat, Julmiste is an athletic, bulked up tight end ready to wreak havoc on the outside. He'll be one of the first players in the end rotation starting out behind Terrence Royal on the right side.

Linebackers

Even with the suspension of Devon Davis this is a loaded corps with five good returning players and Jon Simmons seeing time at linebacker as well as on the end. Stephen Nicholas will be one of the best in the Big East, while Patrick St. Louis and Ben Moffitt can more than hold their own. With experience has to come more big plays, but that should be a problem now that this group knows what it's doing.

Player to keep an eye on: Josh Balloon, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 7.5

Projected Starters

- Ben Moffitt, Soph. - 23 tackles, 3 tackles for loss ... Moffitt took over the starting spot halfway through last year and got better and better as the year went on. At 6-2 and 230 pounds, he's a good sized defender on the strongside and is one of the team's strongest players.

- Patrick St. Louis, Jr. - 61 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 broken up passes ... The 225-pound junior finished third on the team in tackles even though he had to split time in the middle. He's the team's fastest linebacker able to play on the weakside if needed.

- Stephen Nicholas, Jr. - 97 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 broken up passes, 3 quarterback hurries ... Nicholas is a 225-pound guided missile able to get in the backfield and drop into pass coverage equally well from the weakside. He finished second on the team in tackles and should be earn All-Big East honors.

Top Backups

- DE/LB Jon Simmons, Sr. - 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss ... He'll either play end or linebacker, but he'll spend most of his time on the strongside behind Ben Moffitt. The former walk-on is a pass rushing specialist who'll be used wherever he can get the most pressure into the backfield.

- Ronnie McCullough, Soph. - 40 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss ... McCullough has made the successful conversion from high school running back to top linebacker prospect with speed and toughness in the middle. He'll rotate with Patrick St. Louis providing good range and excellent athleticism.

- Josh Balloon, Soph. - 8 tackles ... Ballon is still learning the job, but he has the tackling ability to be a machine. He saw a little bit of time last year and will now play a key role behind Stephen Nicholas on the weakside.

Defensive Backs

Improvement is needed in a USF secondary that only came up with four interceptions last year. There's enough experience returning on the corners to hope for more production than last year when the Bulls were 95th in the nation in pass defense and allowed 20 touchdowns. Free safety Danny Verpaele is a rising young star who should be one of the team's leaders, while the return of Johnnie Jones should provide a much needed boost.

Player to keep an eye on: FS Carlton Williams, RFr. ... Secondary rating: 6

Projected Starters

- CB Trae Williams, Soph. - 22 tackles, 1 interception, 5 broken up passes ... The former running back took his lumps last year getting thrown into the fire as a redshirt freshman. Now he'll be expected to use his speed and quickness to be more of a shutdown corner on the left side.

- FS Danny Verpaele, Soph. - 57 tackles, 2 sacks, 6 tackles for loss ... Verpaele had a huge freshman season finishing fourth on the team in tackles. While he isn't all that big at 5-11 and 185 pounds, he's tough as nails and very fast with 4.4 speed. He'll take over Javon Camon's spot at strong safety.

- SS Johnnie Jones, Sr. - 5 tackles ... The 6-3, 205 pound senior ended up redshirting last year after playing only two games with a shoulder injury. He should be back to his normal self as an intimidating tackler with good pass rushing ability.

- CB D'Juan Brown, Sr. - 27 tackles, 4 broken up passes ... Despite breaking his arm, Brown was still among the most productive corners. He has the experience to be the team's number one cover corner, and the talent to grow into a possible all-star. On the down side, he isn't that big and has to come up with more big plays.

Top Backups

- FS Carlton Williams, RFr. - With good size and excellent athleticism, the 6-2 Williams will be counted on to have a big year as a reserve behind Danny Verpaele. He could end up serving as a nickel back.

- CB Mike Jenkins, Soph. - 27 tackles, 9 broken up passes ... Jenkins is a good hitting 200-pound sophomore with the skills to take over one of the starting spots if needed. He'll start out behind D'Juan Brown, but he could see time on the left side as well.

Special Teams

The return game was mediocre last year, but the hope is for Trae Williams and Travis Lipp to provide more spark now that they're experienced. Brandon Baker is a fine punter, but the placekicking is a concern needing to find a reliable replacement for Santiago Gramatica.

Special Teams rating: 6

- Placekicker Kyle Bronson, RFr. - Gone is Santiago Gramatica, who hit 7 of 11 field goals last year. Bronson is a walk-on who got the work this spring, but he'll have to fight off true freshman Mike Benzer this summer.

- Punter Brandon Baker, Sr. - Baker is back for another year after a solid season as the Bulls finished 12th in the nation, and tops in Conference USA, in net punting. He averaged 41.8 yards per kick putting 18 inside the 20. To nitpick, he could handle getting more hang time.

[flipflop4900]

I love it that Hill is getting all this press and he has alot to live up to and hope he pans out for the team but these sports writers have Grothe as an after thought! Oh well he can just quitely prove them all wrong!! dead wrong!!