TAMPA, FL – The following is a 1-on-1 conversation between USF Football Head Coach Jeff Scott and Spectrum Sports 360’s Chris Torello.

Chris Torello: “So, coach, obviously a difficult time for you being that this is the first year of a program and you were looking forward to get out on to the field more. What did you see when you were able to get out on the field?”

Jeff Scot: “Number one I saw a team that was excited about a new start. There is something special about a fresh start and new beginning. Just the energy and excitement level from our players was evident to myself and our staff. I felt like a 16-year-old who got a new car, went out to the driveway, put my seatbelt on and turned the car on, but before I could even put the car in drive the ‘check engine’ light came on and now my parents are telling me its going to be in the shop for two months.  That’s how it feels like – it was just a tease.”

Chris Torello: “How’s the communication and the relationship building going with those guys? I know you had some time going into this, so how is that going?”

Jeff Scott: “It’s going good. I think we are the sixth youngest coaching staff in Division-1 college football. So, maybe that helps a little bit now that we are coaching through technology. The biggest message to our coaches and our players is we need to find a way to make this an advantage for us. No doubt it’s a challenge, but our attitude and the way we respond to this challenge is going to determine our success on the field next fall. We need to really respond in an uncommon way and have a great attitude, make no excuses, and everybody do their part while we are away.”

Chris Torello: “A couple of your players have been out there training, working with some different guys. Does it kind of excite you that guys are stilling finding time in the day, safely, to go out there and get their work in a little bit?”

Jeff Scott: “There is definitely a balance there.  We are telling our guys number one: we want them to stay safe and definitely practice the social distancing and all the recommendations out there. When there has been opportunity to get out on the field by themselves, they’re ready. Just like its been frustrating for the coaches, its frustrating for those players because they have been working extremely hard these last three months to get in position to go out and practice. And now they are being told they can’t practice because of everything that is going on. So, they are itching to get back out there and once it’s feasible and safe I know they will.”

Chris Torello:  “Have you found at all, a little bit of downtime with your family, watch Netflix, have you read a book, take us into that a little bit?”

Jeff Scott: “I think for myself and all our other coaches moving down here to Tampa we have had more time than you typically would to help our wives and kids and unpack boxes and just getting everything set up. So, one silver lining is that we have been able to spend time at home.”

Chris Torello:  “Have you been able to watch Netflix at all? There is this show, ‘Tiger King’ have you heard about this one?”

Jeff Scott: “My wife just told me about it and said we need to be watching. I just got the internet hooked up to the TV in my living room so I think we are going to start watching some Netflix in the evenings.”