USF Football Alums Excited to Unite With Scott
Scott Introductory Press Conference Recap
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, DEC. 20, 2019 – Firmly believing that, "USF needs to be united from start to finish," new head football coach
Jeff Scott wants to build a strong relationship with a long list of Bulls who helped lay a solid foundation for the program.
In front of a large and loud crowd at his introductory press conference on Dec. 11, Scott made sure to send a special message to the proud group of former USF players that started forming back in 1996, when the Bulls spent a whole season practicing for their inaugural football campaign.
"Really, I just want to lock arms with you and I want you to know from Day 1 that our doors are open to you," Scott said. "We welcome you back. You're welcome to come to any practices because this is your football program."
Since Scott agreed to join the Bulls, Clemson's highly successful co-offensive coordinator has received an outpouring of support from USF football alums. Scott's first press conference was a prime example, with numerous Bulls from the past showing love to the fifth head coach in USF history at the Sam & Martha Gibbons Alumni Center.
"We just thought it would be an opportune moment to bring the guys together," said Sam Barrington, a standout linebacker for the Bulls from 2009-12. "... I think it's a great hire. I think you bring in a guy who comes from a winning culture. He's young, he's energetic and everybody knows that he has what it takes to win. I'm excited to see what the future holds and excited to see what he can bring to the university."
Former defensive end George Selvie, a USF Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2019 member and the school's all-time sack leader, made sure to get a seat close to the podium for Scott's first address to Bulls Nation. Other USF football alums in attendance were members of the program's first team – Otis Dixon (FB, 1997-2000), Vassay Marc (LB, 1997-2000), Marshall Smith (LB, 1997-2000) and Tony Umholtz (punter, 1997-99).
"We're all very excited," Umholtz said. "I'm pretty pumped and think he's the right guy."
Lindsey Lamar (RB/WR, 2009-12) also made sure to support Scott at the press conference, along with Tchecoy Blount (DE, 1998-2001), Matt Groelinger (DL, 2001-04) and Matt Floyd (QB, 2012-13).
"We can truly be an asset to him, and that's our goal," said Barrington, who continues to serve the program as an analyst on USF football radio broadcasts. "It's ingrained within our mission statement as an alumni group."
Expect former players who attended Scott's first USF event and many others to be very visible on the sidelines when spring ball rolls around at the Morsani Football Practice Complex.
"I've been out, here and there, to help out players at my position over the years. I'm happy to do it again," Umholtz said. "I think it's really neat that he's keeping it open for us."
ABOUT USF FOOTBALL
Having completed just its 22nd season of football, and 19th at the FBS level, the USF football program has earned 10 bowl appearances, including a current run of four straight, and owns a record of 6-3 in bowl games. The Bulls have appeared in the national top 25 rankings in each of the past three seasons, including a program record run of 20 straight weeks in the top 25, and in 2018 reached the program's 150th win faster than any FBS program in state of Florida history. USF has posted a pair of 10-plus win seasons in the last three years, including a program-record 11 wins (11-2) in 2016, and logged 15 winning seasons overall. Since first taking the field in 1997, the USF program has reached as high as No. 2 in the national rankings (2007), seen 30 players selected in the NFL Draft, 14 named All-American and 29 earn first-team all-conference selection.
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