By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - You might be tired, sweaty, filthy and ready to hop right into the shower, but you better take off your cleats.
That's the warning that senior linebacker Sam Barrington has for the Bulls now that they get to enjoy the latest installment of USF's amazing series of renovations across the athletic district - the football locker room. USF had two practice sessions on Monday, but the players certainly weren't complaining because of what they got to step into afterwards.
"The new locker room is legit. They have neon lights and everything that you need. It looks like a pro locker room," junior defensive lineman Tevin Mims said.
Yes, there are neon green LED lights that illuminate custom made glass pieces to help section off each locker and that's just a portion of what makes USF's sweet setup so great. Each locker has a ventilation system in the overhead compartment as well as the foot locker that holds items that certainly could use some airing out after a long day of work.
"We talk about being a top 10 program and those are definitely one giant step towards going to a top 10 program because they're just awesome," redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Floyd said.
And that's certainly not all.
Each locker has power outlets and an electrically coded safe for personal items. Possessions that players just want to place in plain sight now get placed on a 35-pound concrete shelf that bears the USF logo.
"I feel like a freshman again," Barrington said.
Barrington, one of the team's main leaders, is now happy to make sure USF players of all ages keep the new locker room "beautiful," as he calls it.
"The lights are shining and everybody is just grateful. We have to make sure we keep it clean," Barrington said. "Rule No. 1 - no cleats in the locker room. It shows how they're trying to build a championship program here, not just on the field but off the field as well."
Griffin Enjoying His First Choice
USF is defensive back Trevon Griffin's second college stop, but it's always been his first choice.
The redshirt freshman transferred in from Navy last year and said he's "grateful" to have made the move to Tampa.
"I always wanted to go to South Florida since I've been in like the ninth grade. Since I didn't get that scholarship offer, I took the Navy opportunity but I'm just happy the coaches took me on and gave me another chance."
Quote of the Day
"If we don't do that, then my coach is going to come to me and I'm going to be in trouble. The rock rolls downhill." - Barrington on making sure players take off their cleats before stepping onto the new rug in the locker room.
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