What to Watch in Spring

Defensive end Ryne Giddins is just one player to watch during the Spring practices. (Picture credits: TBO.com)

Spring practices begin on March 3rd and of course, the Bull Rush will bring you the latest news and insights on the players, coaches, and anything that happens during these practices, leading up to the Spring game and the new Green and Gold game that will be held on campus.

There are plenty of questions entering this season and the coaches are hoping that the competition and work the players put in this Spring will help sort out the depth chart. Here are 3 positions to watch very carefully as the players suit up.[keep reading]

Heath of the Wide Receivers

The Bulls wide receiving corps was depleted last season due to injury and inexperience. This Spring, Sterling Griffin and A.J. Love are back and healthy after missing all of last season. They will probably be limited at first in the practices as they get back into football shape and back in the usual routine of practice. The other receivers who stepped up last season will have a chance to make a name for themselves as the coaches will evaluate all of the players and make the best roster decisions (Bulls are about 4 players over the 85 allowed scholarship maximum).

Watch for Evan Landi and Terrence Mitchell to truly step up. Landi made the conversion to wide receiver last season and was second on the team in receiving yards. Mitchell, the freshman All-Big East performer, is now on offense (converted from corner) and gives the offense another weapon with his incredible speed. Lindsey Lamar is out for the Spring as he rehabs from minor shoulder surgery as well.

Defensive Ends to Step Up

The Bulls lose Craig Marshall on the defensive edge and will be relying on the youth that developed from last season to step up and continue to emerge. The Bulls have some experience returning in Patrick Hampton and Claude Davis is a JUCO transfer that played last year (although not much). The young players, Ryne Giddins and Julis Forte have tons of potential and could be some of the best pass rushers in the conference if they continue to grow and avoid injury.

The defensive line is going to take a hit with Terrell McClain headed to the NFL draft. The Bulls have depth with Sager, Grissom, and Chandler all getting chances to play early and often. Incoming recruits Elkino Watson and Marquis White will help add depth and talent to a young group of linemen.

Who Takes Over on the Offensive Line?

The Bulls lose 3 starters from the offensive line. Center Sampson Genus and tackles Jamar Bass and Jacob Sims. Mark Popek is the favorite to replace Bass at left tackle. He has the size (6'7" 310-pounds) and has started some games before. If he can stay healthy and play up to his potential, he could get the job. Quinterrius Eatmon (6'6" 340-pounds) is in line to take over for Jacob Sims and senior Kevin McCaskill should be able to take over for Sampson Genus.

The Bulls have added depth the last two seasons on the line (9 linemen recruited). Daneous Esternor, Tony Kibler, and Austin Reiter are just a few names to watch for. The Bulls have plenty of athletic offensive lineman that will surely be able to push for playing time and help anchor the offensive line.

So these are three areas to watch during the Spring practices. All positions are key to the success of the team and there are stories and questions everywhere. These are the three I believe will be the key to the success of the USF team in 2011.