South Florida Bulls Football Offseason Preview

When Jeff Scott left his job as co-offensive coordinator of the Clemson Tigers, he knew he was stepping out of his comfort zone. He had coached Trevor Lawrence and was regularly appearing in College Football Playoff national championship games. He was at the top of the sport, but as an assistant coach. It was worth stepping out of his comfort zone because every football lifer wants the chance to be able to be head coach, to call the shots and lead a program. Scott wanted to see if he was capable of being the boss, not merely a very good assistant to Dabo Swinney. So, when Scott went to South Florida a few years ago to coach the Bulls, he knew this was going to be painful. He knew this was not going to be a quick fix.

Two years in, one wonders if Scott is in over his head, and if he is thinking he might have made the wrong choice. Year 2 was not very good for Scott and South Florida. The Bulls won only two games and were greatly outclassed in most of their losses. This was not a team which fell in a bunch of nail-biters and fourth-quarter thrillers. USF got hammered for much of the year, losing six games by 15 points or more. Everything has to improve by a significant degree for USF this season, or else Scott will fail to gain traction and confidence in the early stages of his career as a head coach.

Key Personnel Lost

South Florida lost its quarterback and some receivers from last year’s team, which is why the incoming transfers of former Baylor quarterback Gerry Bohanon and former wide receiver Ajou Ajou are so important. Ajou is from Clemson, where coach Jeff Scott used to be the offensive coordinator. That could prove to be a fruitful relationship for the Bulls in 2022.

Important Incoming Freshmen

Linebacker Michael Williams chose the Bulls over Arizona State. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler picked USF over Texas Tech. They will both try to boost a defense which allowed an average of 34.7 points per game last year.

Key Position Battles

The defensive front will need a lot of help. Incoming transfer edge rusher Jatorian Hansford could provide a boost at that position group, but so many more reinforcements are needed for a team whose defense was bludgeoned for most of 2021. On a team which won just two games last year, every position group is in need of considerable improvement, but defensive line is where it all starts. USF can’t be sand-blasted up front. The line has to be tougher for all the other pieces to fit together. South Florida allowed at least 40 points in six of its games last season. That is simply unacceptable, and it prevents this team from having a path to a bowl game.

Biggest Offseason Goal(s)

The needs are massive and pervasive throughout the roster. Scott simply needs better players who are willing to be coached and who will do whatever it takes to improve. South Florida has to cultivate better line play more than anything else. If that doesn’t emerge, the program can’t establish a foundation from which it can rise to the next level.