Bulls display Energy, Effort and Chemistry in First Scrimmage of Spring
Gallery: (3-6-2021) Spring Football Practice 6
By Joey Johnston, Special to USF Athletics
The offense had splash plays and productivity. The defense displayed some spirited effort, including a goal-line stand. All in all, there were plenty of positives on Saturday morning during USF's first spring scrimmage.
Individually, junior wide receiver Latrell Williams had a 35-yard run on a jet sweep and a 50-yard touchdown reception from sophomore quarterback Cade Fortin, who also threw another 50-yard score to sophomore receiver Xavier Weaver.
All four quarterbacks — Fortin, sophomore Jarren Williams, holdover freshman Katravis Marsh and true freshman Timmy McClain — got extended work. Williams tossed a 23-yard score to junior receiver Frederick Lloyd Jr., while McClain tallied an 8-yard touchdown run. McClain, who also had a 26-yard run on his scoring drive, displayed great elusiveness when forced from the pocket.
Meanwhile, junior running back Darrian Felix scored on a 3-yard run, while sophomore running back Brian Battie had first-down runs of 15 and 19 yards.
Defensively, junior linebacker Andrew Mims had an interception, while sophomore defensive end Jason Vaughn picked up a fumble recovery. Late in the scrimmage, with fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Battie was repelled by the USF defense as junior defensive end Darrien Grant led the charge.
On special teams, Bryce Miller scored on a punt return, while Jared Sackett (28 yards) and Spencer Shrader (23 yards) converted on the scrimmage's only two field-goal attempts.Â
USF's offense scored touchdowns on its first three drives. On the final six drives of the scrimmage, USF's defense prevented any scoring.
"It was so refreshing to see everybody playing with such effort and passion and having a lot of fun,'' Bulls coach Jeff Scott said. "There was great attitude, effort and energy out there. It was one of the best days I've had in coaching in a while.
"It will give us a lot to look at on the tape. The goal now is to learn from it all and get better when we scrimmage again.''
Selvie, Barnhardt visit
Two prominent former USF players — two-time first-team All-America defensive end George Selvie and Chad Barnhardt, the first quarterback in Bulls' history — were visitors to Saturday's scrimmage.
"We've been watching from afar and we're proud and excited to watch what's going on here,'' Selvie told the USF players. "Don't listen to what the outsiders are saying. It doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what you're doing in practice and the effort you're putting in to become a better player. You put in that work and it's going to pay off.''
Oh, brother
Jeff Scott's younger brother, John, made his first visit to a USF practice. John Scott, who played cornerback at Harvard University, is now a trauma surgeon at the University of Michigan.
"I follow USF football very avidly on social media, the web site and the Vlogs,'' John Scott said. "I feel like I know everybody, even though this is my first time here.
"I've known all along that Jeff was destined for this (head-coaching position) and I truly believe he's going to lead USF to great things.''
Meanwhile, Brad Scott, chief of staff for USF football, was beaming as he watched the interaction between his two sons.
"They have always been close and we're so grateful for that,'' Brad Scott said. "One went into football and the other went into medicine. They are both dedicated to their craft. They are each other's biggest fans and we hope we can get John down to some USF games as often as possible.''
Moving forward
With six spring workouts in the books, the Bulls will return to the practice field on Tuesday and Thursday with a second scrimmage tentatively planned for next Saturday.
"I couldn't be prouder right now,'' Scott said. "We've got a lot to clean up and a lot of areas where we need improvement, but I believe we're moving forward and getting better.''
