Zebold: Shaw, Bulls' Backs Bringing It as Season Nears

[Brad]

Shaw, Bulls' Backs Bringing It as Season Nears

 

By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

 

 

VERO BEACH – Running back Marcus Shaw has grabbed the new USF coaching staff’s attention with dazzling plays all fall camp but head coach Willie Taggart is just as impressed with the senior’s progression as a person as the season opener gets closer with each day.

 

“You’re talking about a kid that’s really growing up. Marcus has grown up a lot since I’ve been here and he’s getting better as a football player, too, not only running the ball but catching, blocking and he’s aggressive,” Taggart said before Friday’s practice at Vero Beach Sports Village.

 

Part of growing up involves mentoring younger players and Shaw has been more than happy assist freshman Darius Tice in particular after getting a special request.

 

“We have a connection. His family is from Arcadia (Fla.), so they talk to me and tell me to help him out,” said Shaw, a former first-team all-state selection out of DeSoto County High School in Arcadia.

 

Shaw, who said he studies his playbook every night before bed, hasn’t been the only back having a big camp for the Bulls when it comes to maturity. Redshirt junior Michael Pierre has been a guy that’s consistently impressed Taggart on the field with his physical running and off the field with his willingness to step up his game from a mental standpoint.

 

“Mike is one of those kids who is totally focused,” Taggart said. “He walks around with a football all the time and he constantly wants to get better. You always see him in the film rooms watching and we saw the results in the scrimmage (Wednesday).”

 

Another back pushing for playing time is freshman Sta’fon McCray and Taggart said earlier this week: “We know in this offense, we’re going to need them all.”

Shaw, now the leader of the backfield, said his group is preparing well for the task that officially starts with the season opener Saturday, Aug. 31 against McNeese State at Raymond James Stadium.

 

“We’re all hard workers. We all have dedication, determination and lion hearts,” Shaw said.

 

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[raptorcj]

Shaw has always had some impressive plays & moves back to his freshman season. His problem has been consistency, and I'm hoping some of that was due to the system. Great to hear they're all putting in hard work and working as a group. Keep going, guys!