Five Most Important Players for USF Football in 2011: Number 5

How important is A.J. Love being back on the field for the Bulls this season?

As we eagerly await the 2011 football season and count down the seconds until the Bulls stampede onto the field, we begin to look at every position on the team and debate on how important each player will be to the success of the team in 2011. I am beginning a small series where I pick 5 key players on each side of the ball that must step up this season and will be an essential part of the Bulls success. While every position and player is important, these are players and positions that are key for the Bulls and a lot of the success this season rests on their shoulders. [keep reading]

We start on defense with players number 5: Linebacker Sam Barrington

The 6-1 235-pound junior had 65 tackles last season and was the anchor of the front seven. Barrington is a fast, physical player that can stack up the ball carrier at the line or drop back in coverage and punish anyone over the middle. He returns this season as the leader of the linebacking corps and a lot is expected of him. He is one of the stars of the defense and will have to play at a high level to help anchor the defense and help the Bulls battle for the Big East crown. Barrington has all the tools needed to be a star (already is one) and will have to have a monster season for the Bulls and Mark Snyder's defense.

The defense is going to be solid this season, just like it was last season, but there are a few questions on the defensive line. With that said, the linebacker position becomes even more important, especially in stopping the running game. That is why I feel Barrington is one of the players on defense that is a key member to the season.

On offense, player number 5: Wide receiver A.J. Love

Love, the 6-2 205-pound 6th year senior is going to be another key contributor to the success of the team this season and will play a major role in the continued progression of the offense. Last season, Love tore his ACL and missed the entire 2010 season, hurting the offense and the ability of B.J. Daniels.

The passing offense was very erratic for the entire season as players such as Stephen Bravo-Brown, a walk-on, got starts on the field. Love is back and healthy this season, although he didn't participate in the Spring game, he will play a huge role this season.

Love gives the Bulls a veteran, downfield threat. Love has excellent hands, runs solid routes, and has enough speed to break away from defenders. It will be interesting to see how hard he can practice in fall and if he starts in week one against Notre Dame, but no matter what, the Bulls are counting on him this season, especially Daniels.

So these are the players that I feel need to step up in 2011 on both sides of the ball. They are important players that will player a major role for this team. Their success could make or break a game for the Bulls. What do you think USF family? How important are these players? Will they play a big role or are they not that important to how successful the Bulls will be? The rest of the players will continue on this week and next week, so make sure to stay tuned for that.