Experienced Bulls Secondary Looks To Benefit From Shoop's Aggressive Defense
By Joey Johnston
First-year USF defensive coordinator Bob Shoop pledges an aggressive, in-your-face style of play that's sure to bring a pass rush, increased pressure and much higher sack totals.
That's bad news for opposing quarterbacks.
And it's GREAT news for USF's secondary.
On the back end, defenses face increased scrutiny in the current era of pass-happy, quick-striking offenses. Once the ball is snapped, if the ticking clock goes to three, four, five seconds … it puts the defensive backs in a difficult spot.
Safety Matthew Hill
With returners such as Vincent Davis, Mekhi LaPointe, Daquan Evans, TJ Robinson, Matthew Hill and Christian Williams … plus the return of injured Will Jones … plus the addition of transfers Aamaris Brown (Kansas State) and Ray Thornton III (Clemson) … USF's secondary seems to have enough depth and talent to become a defensive asset.
If the Bulls mount a formidable pass rush, Hill said he predicts a massive turnaround in the statistics and victory total.
"I personally feel like the pass rush is very important,'' Hill said. "Defensive backs, I feel like it's the hardest job out there on the field. We're always reacting to what they (offense) are doing. Without an aggressive defensive line, it's hard for any DB to be successful. With a strong pass rush, we're going to be very good.''
"You're in a tough spot covering for five, six, seven seconds,'' Davis said. "With a good pass rush, you might have to cover for only one (second). Those guys up front getting after the quarterback, that can cover up some flaws in the back. Both sides work together and help each other.''
Not Holding Back
USF's defenders are thrilled with Shoop's approach. It's all about aggression.
"Coach Shoop says if we ever get an MA (missed assignment), make sure it's with intensity and full effort because of the type of defense that we're playing,'' Hill said. "As long as you're not out there playing slow and soft. Our defense is always going to be intense and aggressive.''
"Coach Shoop has said it all along … everything we do is going to be aggressive,'' Davis said. "We're going to be in your face. We're going to be sending blitzes. If we make a mistake, we're going to do it at full speed. Everybody is buying into that mindset.''
Reasons For Optimism
On the outside, football observers might see a team that went 2-10 and has a rugged 2022 schedule (season-opener against BYU, then games at Florida and Louisville before the American Athletic Conference schedule). From the inside, Robinson said he sees a building, enthusiastic team that will be well-equipped to handle the big-time challenges.
"What gives me optimism is Coach (Jeff) Scott and our whole coaching staff pushing us to be the best we can every single day,'' Robinson said. "I feel like we'll shock the world this year.''
"Even with our record, I felt like we were competitive and the best 2-10 team out there,'' Hill said. "The record really doesn't matter (in terms of 2022 success). It's more about the team being a team, an actual brotherhood. It doesn't matter who's out there on the field, whether they're a five-star (prospect), a four-star or a no-star. As long as everyone works together and plays as a brotherhood and plays united, we're going to be fine. And this year is going to be that (kind of) year.''
Spring Game On April 9
USF has two more weeks of practice before the Spring Game on Saturday, April 9. Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is 6 p.m. The team will be divided equally into Green and White squads.
It's not only an opportunity to get a sneak preview into the 2022 Bulls, but also a chance to see USF greats from the past. At halftime of the spring game, former USF players will compete in a flag football game.
Current NFL players and former Bulls such as D'Ernest Johnson, Austin Reiter, Marquez Valdes Scantling and Mitchell Wilcox are expected to serve on the coaching staffs, along with Sam Barrington, Kawika Mitchell, Lee Roy Selmon Jr., George Selvie and Kayvon Webster.
Who's playing? Stay tuned to GoUSFBulls.com for more details.
–#GoBulls–
