The University of South Florida hasn’t played a down in the 2016 regular season. But, with training camp just two weeks away, excitement is building and expectations are high about what the Bulls can accomplish this season. Bulls head coach Willie Taggart says improving their record, and even winning the AAC Conference title, has been the team's expectation from the beginning.
“Marlon Mack (RB), Quinton Flowers (QB), Rodney Adams (WR), and Auggie Sanchez (LB)- all those kids came to USF when we were 2-10 and 4-8. They wanted to turn the program around. That was their goal from day one. And, we always talk about winning the conference”.
The team had its best year under Taggart in 2015, posting an 8-5 record (6-2 in the AAC). But, Mack says the Bulls are still hungry for more.
“One of our quotes this year is that we leave no doubt, that we don’t leave anything on hand. We had a good season, but we can do 10 times better. We believe in that. We got a chip on our shoulder this year”.
So, can the Bulls get their first-ever double digit win season and conference crown this year? Defensive Coordinator Raymond Woodie says it’s possible- if they keep working hard and don't get caught up in the accolades.
“We want to get 100% better. And even now, we have to be tougher on the kids. A lot of times kids, or even coaches, can’t handle success. So, we have to stay humble about the situation and keep working like we haven’t won a game”.
USF is one of only two schools with players on five of the most prestigious watch lists in the nation, including the Davey O’Brien (Flowers), Fred Biletnikoff (Adams), and Chuck Bednarik (Deatrick Nichols, CB) watch lists.
For more on the Bulls, click on the link.