For as much as the USF football team is reputed to have a wide-open offense, it’s actually more basic than people might think.
“I think that the longer I do this in this system, obviously, it starts with the run game,” co-offensive coordinator Kodi Burns said during a media session earlier this week (available on this link). “You gotta be able to run the ball.”
Head coach Alex Golesh has said the same thing, but we also know that this year’s running back room underwent a near-total renovation from last season. The Bulls had an effective running game a year ago, but the top three rushers are gone.
Is that a reason for concern?
Not really. USF brought in running backs Cartevious Norton and Sam Franklin through the Transfer Portal. Think of them as the “Thunder and Lightning” of the Bulls’ backfield.
“I don't think you want a bunch of all fast guys. You don't want just big guys,” Burns said.
“You want multiple guys that can, you know, give you some lightning, that can give you some speed off the edge, and some guys that can pick it up on third down, and two when you have to move the power.”
Norton has been described as a “rugged” back, willing to run through and over a defender if need be. Franklin, who joined the Bulls after a season at Oklahoma, possesses explosive acceleration and shiftiness, highlighted by spins and delayed hesitations.
Franklin was an FCS All-American at Tennessee-Martin before transferring to Oklahoma last season. Because of injuries and other factors, things didn’t work out well there, which is why he was on the move again.
“I came here because I just wanted to get a fresh new start. I knew about Golesh because I played against him when he was the OC at Tennessee,” he said.
“I loved the offense that he was running, the up-tempo offense, and I just felt like that would elevate my game even more, because that was a similar offense that I ran at UT Martin.”
Before coming to USF, Burns spent two years on the New Orleans Saints staff. His reply was interesting when asked if Franklin’s style reminded him of anyone.
“A guy that comes to mind is Alvin Kamara, like really versatile,” Burns said.
“Can catch the ball at the backfield, quick feet, and so similar in size and stature, too. So I think those guys are comparable to some degree.”
There is young talent behind Norton and Franklin, both of whom are in their final collegiate seasons. Golesh is excited about true freshman Chase Garnett and redshirt freshman Alvon Isaac.
With a dual-threat quarterback like Byrum Brown, an influx of talent at wide receiver, and a veteran offensive line reinforced by two key additions, there is reason for optimism.
But it starts with the basics.
“I've said it, and I'll continue to say it, and anybody that knows anything about football, it starts and ends with the run game,” Burns said.
“You have to run the ball, and I feel really confident with this veteran offensive line that we have that we can not only run the ball when we need to, but we can also sit back and be able to protect our quarterbacks, and that will let us go out there and make some plays.”