USF Is A Smooth Homecoming For Several Transfers on Offense
By Joey Johnston
For three offensive newcomers, joining the USF football team has been like a homecoming.
Offensive lineman Mike Lofton, a transfer from UCF, is a Clearwater native who went to Calvary Christian.
RB Michel Dukes
Meanwhile, wide receiver Ajou Ajou and running back Michel Dukes speak fluent Clemson-ese, meaning they have great familiarity with USF's environment and system because they were recruited by Bulls coach Jeff Scott when he was the Tigers' co-offensive coordinator.
"The transition has been pretty smooth,'' Dukes said. "I liked Clemson but I really felt like with my caliber of play, I should be on the field (more often). I wanted somewhere where I could play more and a better place to showcase my talent. USF was the perfect place.''
Dukes, a top 50-ranked running back who rushed for 8,762 yards and 117 touchdowns in high school, said it has also been an easy adjustment to first-year offensive coordinator Travis Trickett, whose system has roots in the Clemson style.
Ajou (pronounced Uh-Joe) grew up in Western Canada after his family immigrated from South Sudan. He played his senior season at Clearwater Academy International, a prep school. Scott recruited him to Clemson, but never coached him there because he accepted the USF job in December 2019.
"When I wanted to leave (Clemson), I chose USF because of Coach Scott," Ajou said. "The relationship I built with him and knowing I could trust him. USF welcomed me with open arms. The USF system is very similar tempo-wise, so I feel comfortable.''
OL Mike Lofton
Ajou, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound physical presence, said he looks up to other big-body receivers, such as Julio Jones, but he hopes to emulate Calvin Johnson, the former Detroit Lions pass-catcher who's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I want to be like Megatron (Johnson),'' Ajou said. "That guy was relentless, unstoppable. He's going to get it (the pass) by whatever means necessary. I think I'm like that. Put it in my vicinity and I'll make you look good.''
Meanwhile, Lofton said he feels at home because USF always was his preferred destination.
"It's definitely a transition (UCF to USF),'' said Lofton, who is working at right guard and center. "I always wanted to go USF but at the time (of his recruitment), I thought UCF was the better fit. When the chance came to come back here, I had to take it.
"When I was in middle school through my senior year (of high school), my grandma was a (USF) season-ticket holder, so I was always watching USF from afar. I think this is going to be great. Everybody has brought me in and been so welcoming, not only to me, but all the transfers.''
QB Talk From Trickett
Trickett said he has enjoyed working with sophomore Timmy McClain, USF's incumbent starter at quarterback.
"I love Timmy McClain,'' Trickett said. "He has such a good heart. He wants to be good. He wants to succeed. We're laying out the how-to on a daily basis, just stacking things, and he's taking it all in and doing really well.''
But Trickett said USF now has a deep quarterback room. He likes the position's competitive depth, which includes Katravis Marsh and true freshman Byrum Brown.
Marsh, a strong-armed, big-body player who throws a beautiful deep ball, again showed his prowess in Tuesday's practice, when he delivered a sideline route, about 50 yards in the air, that dropped into the arms of a receiver in full stride.
"We're getting him (Marsh) understanding the habits of what it takes to be a good quarterback, 24/7 (hours/days) and 365 (days),'' Trickett said. "The term I use is, 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown.' Everybody wants to be the quarterback. But you have to set the example with leadership, preparation, training room, academics, everything across the board. He (Marsh) has all the ability in the world, a ton of tools. It's a matter of him developing consistency and getting comfortable. He understands that.''
Brown, meanwhile, graduated early from Rolesville (N.C.) High School so he could participate in USF's spring practices.
"He should be doing high school prom right now, but he's here,'' Trickett said. "Something I really like about him … he's an old soul. His favorite drink is milk. He drinks like 2 gallons of milk a week. He's a great young man and his parents did a great job raising him.
"He has tremendous ability and his mental maturity for a young guy is extremely high. You can coach him like an older guy. You don't have to hold anything back. I hold him to the same standards as the other guys. For all of them, it's about understanding how to be a quarterback at this level on a daily basis and being the kind of guy you want to become.''
– #GoBulls –
