GoUSFBulls.com Zebold: Other Bay Area Players Ready to Make an Impact

[Brad]

Other Bay Area Players Ready to Make an Impact
Bay area players listed above have become household names for USF fans and more local talent is ready to emerge.

One name that's popular among coaches in fall camp has been sophomore Greg Reaves, a Bradenton native who saw action in eight games last season. The former Manatee County prep defensive player of the year has made the most of first-team reps as a defensive end in camp and can't wait to show his progress in games at Raymond James Stadium this season.

"Growing up with a lot of these guys and playing with these guys, from down in high school, Little League and those things like that, it's just a blessing," Reaves said. "You get to play in front of your family, your friends and you get to put on for the city."

Other Bay made names to take note of on defense are redshirt freshmen defensive backs Mike Hampton (Tampa) and Craig Watts, Jr. (St. Petersburg), junior defensive end Vincent Jackson(Tampa), along with freshmen defensive backs Mekhi LaPointe (Seffner) and Bentlee Sanders(Tampa).

Offensively, redshirt freshman receiver DeVontres Dukes (Tampa) looks ready for a breakout year, while freshman running back Duran Bell, Jr. (Tampa) has been dynamite running the ball and working with the punt returners.

"Duran has done a really good job," head coach Charlie Strong said. "We know he has a really good skill set and the thing about him, he has speed. When you have speed, you get in the open field, it will be hard for guys to catch you."

Bulls Bits

• The first 5,000 fans through the gates at Raymond James Stadium for USF's home opener against Stony Brook on Saturday, Sept. 2 (4 p.m.) will receive free USF rain ponchos. Get a great deal on all USF's Saturday home games by purchasing the Boundless Bulls Pass.
• Fast, physical and aggressive is the approach Coach Strong wants on defense this season. Through 17 days of fall practice, the Bulls have delivered just that in what's turned out to be a grueling fall camp for all three phases of the game. "We grind at practice, we're a little bit old school that way," said tight ends/special teams coach Justin Burke, who is in his seventh season on Strong's staffs. "That's how coach was brought up and that's how he likes to do things."

 

 

From #BAYMADE TALENT A BIG BENEFIT FOR BULLS