USF senior defensive end Jatorian Hansford is from Forsyth, Ga., just down the road from the Whistle Stop Cafe, where the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes'' was filmed. But otherwise, the community of about 3,700 is probably familiar only if you needed a quick pit stop off Interstate 75 while traveling back to Florida from Atlanta.
"Gas stations, hotels and fast-food restaurants … that's us,'' Hansford said.
But Hansford experienced a much larger world during four seasons with the SEC's Missouri Tigers. He played at Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Arkansas and Tennessee — in cavernous stadiums that could have swallowed his hometown — while getting experience against some of the nation's best offensive linemen.
As a sophomore, Hansford earned a starting position. But after that, whether it was injuries or personnel brought in by a new coaching staff, Hansford felt his opportunities were restricted, so he sought a new home.
"I think USF is perfect for me,'' said Hansford, who has four older sisters. "Much better weather. And I like our potential on defense. I want to be a leader here.''
So far, so good. Hansford (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) registered a sack in the season-opener for a USF defense that is determined to apply pressure. Hansford's size and speed combination made him a target out of the transfer portal — assistant coach Daniel Da Prato closed the deal over the substantial portions served at Lutz's Famous BBQ in Columbia, Mo. — and his offseason hustle enhanced that reputation with USF coaches.
As the Bulls (0-1) prepare for Saturday night's home game against the Howard Bison (0-2), Hansford hopes he can continue to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
"I love making a play and hearing the crowd roar,'' said Hansford, who has two seasons of eligibility at USF.
Hansford's effort so far has also created enthusiasm in USF's defensive coaching room.
"He does things the right way in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field,'' defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said. "He got four seasons of incredible competition in the SEC and he brings that to the table every day. I think he provides maturity, leadership and experience. He loves the game of football and you love being around guys like that.''
USF generated just nine sacks in 2021, so Shoop's priority was greatly increasing that total. USF coaches believe the first-team front four — Hansford and Tramel Logan on the edge, Rashawn Yates and Minnesota transfer Rashad Cheney manning the interior — are capable of generating the necessary push that has been lacking.
"Jatorian has a lot of God-given ability, but also some experience that we can lean on,'' defensive line coach Da'Quan Bowers said. "He's locked in and very intentional in what he's doing at all times.''
Out of high school, Hansford dreamed of playing for the University of Florida Gators. After visiting Gainesville, Hansford went to a USF football camp and even received a scholarship offer, but he was intent on playing in the SEC, even if it meant going to a climate that included snow and ice.
"My complete focus is going hard on every play,'' said Hansford, who has gained nearly 50 pounds since high school, when he mostly played linebacker. "If I do that and take advantage of the way the coaches set us up, I think getting sacks will take care of itself. We've got guys who can rotate in and out, so I think we'll all be strong throughout the game.
"Coach Shoop preaches good habits and routines for all of us. Hunt the ball. Run to the ball. We want to get after the other team and create some havoc, as he says. Being in this situation is like a dream for me. This is something I love to do. I'm glad I went to Missouri because playing in the SEC taught me a lot. But I'm really glad I found a place like USF. I think we're on the way up.''
– Go Bulls –
