Spencer expects a full spring practice to lead to big defensive improvement
February 25, 2021 | Football
By Joey Johnston, Special to USF Athletics
USF football defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer is expecting a big improvement from his unit this season because of veteran leadership, impact transfers and more cohesiveness.
With COVID-19 limiting the Bulls to just one spring practice in 2020, then being a constant factor in the availability of players throughout the past year, Spencer said there were nightmarish qualities to overall preparations for Coach Jeff Scott's first season at USF.
"It's not an excuse because there were times when we just weren't very good,'' Spencer said Thursday, following USF's second day of spring practice. "I was very displeased with the production on our side of the ball.
"Now we have 15 (spring) practices. It feels like our first spring, but I'm thrilled. Last year, we had times where a kid was on the scout team, then he was starting for us (due to COVID absences). It was very surreal. Those are a few months I'd love to forget. Bo Schembechler said nothing should motivate you like your own failures, your own mistakes. Just to have this teaching time, this chance to get the learning curve going, we're going to be that much better.''
Spencer said he has plenty of familiar faces on the defensive line, but he's searching for a true edge rusher, although players such as Jason Vaughn and Ryan Thaxton have shown the potential to chase down quarterbacks. At times last season, linebacker Dwayne Boyles filled that role. Boyles and Antonio Grier return at linebacker, a position that has bolstered its depth, perhaps giving more opportunities to Brian Norris, Andrew Mims, Demaurez Bellamy and Mac Harris.
The secondary has added four key transfers. TJ Robinson (6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Rutgers), who sat out last season, will be joined by newcomers Matthew Hill (6-1, 190, Auburn); Will Jones II (5-9, 162, Kansas State) and Christian Williams (6-1, 195, Miami).
"You want the tallest, longest, fastest you can get,'' Spencer said. "In this day and time with the RPO (run-pass option) game, receivers are up higher than normal. There are windows, too many windows, and length (in the secondary) helps you.
"You can't miss on speed. No matter how long you are, you can't flip and run and have somebody run by you. And, it's different now with the slot receiver because you almost need three cover-skill guys out there. But, I will take the size along with the speed. I want both.''
Change in responsibilities
Spencer, in addition to his overall coordination duties, will coach the safeties this season. Former NFL first-round draft choice Ernie Sims was promoted to linebackers coach. Veteran assistant George Barlow was hired as cornerbacks coach.
"It has been a smooth transition,'' Spencer said. "Coach Barlow has so much experience. He has probably done it every way you could do it. Coach Sims really adds a lot because of all his experiences.''
Sophomore defensive back Daquan Evans said he expects big improvement.
"I love Coach Barlow already,'' Evans said. "He has a competitive mindset. He wants me to be the best person I can be, make a lot of plays, be a good technician. He has been around the best of the best. Whatever he tells you to do, it's going to put you in position to be a great player.''
Grier said Sims, already a team favorite from last season, has made a big impact by emphasizing the personal development of his players.
"Not so much what you're doing on the field,'' Grier said. "He coaches our mindset, our attitude. He wants to know what's going on in your brain. He's a great person first, a great father figure, a great coach.''
Off to a good start
Scott told his players he was pleased with USF's opening two days of spring practice, but he wants to see prolonged consistency.
"Anybody can get excited with two days,'' Scott said. "It's Day Three, Day Four and on and on … you need to keep it going. We have good momentum and we need to keep that up.''
Scott was also pleased with the hustle and pace of play displayed by his players. On the first day, one practice period had to be eliminated. Thursday, the Bulls got in all their scheduled work and were finished five minutes early.
Excited by new facilities
Bulls players were still buzzing over the news that USF was making major renovations to the Selmon Athletics Center, while also breaking ground by this summer on a $22-million Indoor Performance Facility (with a Football Operations Center to follow).
"We're getting our own new facility and that's a big upgrade for us,'' Evans said. "It made us very happy. It's definitely going to help the team win.
"We want to show that we deserve that indoor facility and we're not just being pampered. We want to show in our performance that we're a team that's going to bring a lot of W's. We'll be the first USF football team to have something like this, so it's very exciting.''
