Stop the run … then have some fun.

That's the motto of USF's front-line defensive players — the linemen and the "B-backers,'' the position that's a hybrid between down lineman and linebacker.

Do the Bulls need to create more pressure on the quarterback and collect more sacks?

That's a given.

But there's only one way it happens.

"We have to earn the right to rush the quarterback and create havoc in the pocket,'' said Chad Creamer, the B-backer coach who also coordinates USF's special teams.

"It all starts on first down,'' said defensive line coach Kevin Patrick, who was an All-American at the position at thed University of Miami. "We've got to create more third-and-long situations. But like I told the guys, 'I want you more excited about stopping that run than you are about rushing that passer.' And if we do that, then we will have some fun.''

For Patrick, who says "I'm still a D-lineman,'' it's always about trust. He designates his productive players as "War Daddies,'' and he says he has more of them than ever to populate USF's defensive front.

"It's bone-on-bone war out there,'' Patrick said. "I don't want to name-drop on my old teammates, but I had a guy (Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, also a former Miami All-American) who, to me, was one of the best players ever. Because first down, second down, third down, even fourth down … he's the best one through four down player you've ever seen in your life. It isn't just rushing the passer. It's playing football — every down.''

Up front, the Bulls will rely on interior players such as Rashad Cheney (6-foot-2, 286, 18 starts over two seasons); Doug Blue-Eli (6-2, 322, 12 starts at nose tackle in 2023) and Bernard Gooden (6-1, 286, getting his first USF action after sitting out last season).

Expected to figure heavily at B-backer are Jason Vaughn (6-5, 247, who played only four games due to injury in 2023); D.J. Harris (6-3, 240, seven starts at USF after transfer from Texas); Rico Watson (6-0, 238, formerly of Armwood High); freshman Ashton Mosley (6-3, 219) and freshman Ira Singleton (6-5, 220).

But two of the more intriguing players are also two of the more versatile front-line performers — returner Michael Williams (6-3, 260) and Florida Atlantic transfer Decarius Hawthorne (6-2, 295).

Williams arrived at USF as a four-star recruit from Farmington Hills, Mich., and played in 13 games last season. Hawthorne (known as "Hawk'') is a Birmingham, Ala., native who played in 34 games over three seasons at FAU.

Williams and Hawthorne have become fast friends.

"We've built such a great bond already,'' Williams said. "When you have a guy who's right there with you on the field, pushing you all the time, you get really close. He brings such incredible juice and he can play every single position. He can go from edge to 3-technique next play to nose next play. He's going to be a big (asset) for this team.''

Hawthorne's enthusiasm was noticed three years ago by Patrick, when he was on staff at FAU. The reunion has been a happy one as Patrick has witnessed Hawthorne's physical and mental maturation.

In turn, Hawthorne is happy to be back with Patrick. Hawthorne has adopted one of Patrick's pet phrases.

If you're juiceless, you're useless.

"When I first met KP (Patrick), he comes at you with such aggression and such passion for the game, how can you not get caught up in that?'' Hawthorne said. "I want to be that way, too.''

"Hawk gives us that juice every day,'' Williams said. "He's already a Bull and a leader, even though he just got here. He's going to be a big part of this. You can see it on his face and all of our faces. We're coming to work every day and we're going to carry out our plan.''

Getting to the opposing quarterback more often would change USF's defensive trajectory.

"Ya'll better watch out,'' Williams said. "This year, we've been getting after that passer. We're stopping that run, too. Third-and-long is coming. It's going down and we're going to get after it.''

Whether it's Williams, Hawthorne or any number of other players, the Bulls have a united front.

"My goal is to win a championship — and to do that, we have to play as one,'' Hawthorne said.

"We have depth and we intend on utilizing that depth,'' Creamer said. "What Coach (Todd) Orlando (defensive coordinator) does is get the right guys on the field, maximize our talent, try to confuse the offense, get speed on the field and then match the situation — whether that's stopping the run or stopping the pass.''

"Absolutely, we want to affect the quarterback,'' Patrick said. "Our No. 1 job is to create fear, confusion and disruption. Whatever we can to in order to accomplish that, we're going to do it. You stop the other team like that, it can be demoralizing.''

Facing third-and-2 isn't good. Facing third-and-10? That's more like it.

Stop the run … then have some fun.

If USF's defense can live up to that motto, Bulls fans might be treated to a special season.

–#GoBulls–