USF posted its spring football roster and it’s an interesting mix of veterans and youth as the Bulls head into Alex Golesh’s third season as head coach.
The roster breaks down like this:
14 freshmen
35 sophomores
15 juniors
39 seniors
15 graduate students
The position breakdown:
13 linebackers
8 cornerbacks
11 defensive linemen
13 defensive backs
4 place-kickers
4 long snappers
19 offensive linemen
3 punters
4 quarterbacks
5 running backs
9 tight ends
14 wide receivers
At first glance, the running back room looks a little thin, especially with Nay`Quan Wright and Kelley Joiner gone. That’s a concern since Golesh’s offense relies heavily on the running game.
Cartevious Norton transferred to USF from Charlotte after last season, and he has the most in-game experience of the group. He had 129 carries for 525 yards and seven rushing touchdowns last year for the 49ers. Two of those TDs came against USF in a blowout win by the Bulls.
K`Wan Powell showed some promise last season with 61 carries, 223 yards, and a touchdown.
Junior Jaylen Johnson has played in only two games in his two seasons at USF. Alvon Isaac also saw minimal action last season.
However, assuming quarterback Byrum Brown is fully ready to go after a broken leg against Tulane cost him the rest of the regular season, that should be a great enhancement to the running game. Bryce Archie, who took over after Brown was injured, is not the runner Brown is, but Archie made more plays with his legs as the season went on.
With a total of 54 seniors/grad students, the Bulls should have depth and experience. They will have to replace 16 players who left through the portal, including safety Tawfiq Byard and quarterback Izzy Carter.
Byard went to Colorado and Carter found a new home at Norfolk State.
#USF lands portal WR Chas Nimrod from Tennessee. It's a big pickup for the Bulls at a major position of need.https://t.co/S9TmbHIjUZ pic.twitter.com/ThUXodCMfK
— USF Bulls | BullsInsider.com (@USFBulls_Rivals) January 4, 2025
They’ll also have to replace record-setting receiver Sean Atkins, whose eligibility has expired. Transfer Chas Nimrod from Tennessee will likely get the first crack at filling Atkins’ slot role.
There is always a sense of urgency in preparing for the season, but in USF’s case that need might be a little more pronounced.
The Bulls open the season by hosting Boise State, then have consecutive road games at Florida and Miami.
After hosting South Carolina State, USF follows with American Athletic Conference road games at Memphis and Navy.
Last season the Bulls first six games was rated the eighth-hardest in the country. This one doesn’t look any easier.