By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, MARCH 16, 2015 – USF has switched to a 4-2-5 defense to maximize its athleticism on defense and the Bulls' talented linebackers like their roles in the new attack.
“We’re a fast defense and this defense is made for spread offenses,” junior Nigel Harris said. “It plays right into our hands. All we have to do is execute the plays and make it happen on the field.”
The 4-2-5 defense (four linemen, two linebackers, five defensive backs) allows the Bulls to take an aggressive approach toward stopping the growing number of spread offenses in today’s game.
“We have a lot more responsibility now,” said Auggie Sanchez of the linebackers. “We have to make a lot more calls and there are a lot more checks and adjustments. We’ve progressed over time and I think now that we’re all getting the hang of it everyone feels comfortable doing it.”
Sanchez calls himself “the quarterback” of the defense at middle linebacker after picking up valuable experience in 2014. The sophomore from St. Petersburg started all 12 games and finished fourth on the team with 65 tackles (36 solo).
“I have to make sure everybody is clicking and doing the right thing,” Sanchez said. “That’s big in this defense, making calls and getting everybody lined up. I want that role. I think I’m smart enough to do it and I’m still able to play fast.”
Returning senior LeGrande Harley (Durham, N.C.), a junior college transfer last season, is also getting plenty of reps at middle linebacker this spring and redshirt freshman Juwuan Brown, out of Tampa Jefferson High School, is getting some looks there as well.
Leading the linebackers at weakside position, now called the “Stinger,” is junior Nigel Harris, who led the nation with .55 forced fumbles per game last season. Under USF’s new system, the former Hillsborough High School standout gets to stand up as an inside backer in addition to playing in the box and blitzing off the edge.
“It’s an exciting position. It’s fast, fun and you blitz quite a bit,” Harris said.
Also getting work at the “Stinger” position are senior Tashon Whitehurst (Gainesville) and freshman Danny Thomas, who was a three-star recruit out of Amos P. Godby High School in Fort Lauderdale.
The 4-2-5 allows USF to use two hybrid types of positions, starting up front with the “Bull,” which is a defensive end/linebacker combo. Senior Zack Bullock is operating at the position this spring along with sophomore Josh Black (Tampa), and redshirt freshman Vincent Jackson (Tampa), Jimmy Bayes (Immokalee, Fla.) and Brown.
“You get more athletes on the field (in the scheme) and I think it fits our personnel,” Bullock said.
Another new position in the defense is the “Husky,” which is a safety/strongside linebacker combo which can bring pressure off the edge or drop into coverage. Senior Jamie Byrd (Dade City, Fla.) fits well at the spot and sophomore Devin Abraham (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) is also seeing time there this spring.
Linebackers Learning From Nicholas
Former Bull Stephen Nicholas has become a regular at practice this spring and USF’s linebackers are making the most of the opportunity.
“When he’s here we’ll go up (to the office) and watch film together,” Sanchez said. “He just tells you the little, tiny things that can make all the difference and it’s awesome.”
Nicholas ranks fourth in the USF history books with 326 total tackles and second with 53.5 tackles for loss. A fourth-round pick by the Falcons in 2007, Nicholas has totaled 284 tackles in seven NFL seasons.
"He's played in the league and you can't get much better than that," Sanchez said.
A Look Ahead
USF is back on the practice field at 9 a.m. on Wednesday and Friday at the Morsani Football Complex. All spring practices are open to the public and fans are encouraged to park in the Sycamore lot on campus, which is adjacent to the Morsani Football Complex.
The team will head to Lakeland on Saturday to train at Bryant Stadium starting at 11 a.m. Check out USF’s full spring schedule HERE.
The USF Football program completed its 18th season and 15th at the FBS level in 2014. The Bulls have made six bowl appearances, including every season between 2005-10, and have four bowl game victories. USF has produced 14 All-America selections, 23 NFL Draft picks and reached the No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press Poll
