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| The trip to Vero helps build the success for the future of the program. (Picture: www.tampabay.com) |
The Bulls made a strange move last season when Coach Holtz took over the program during a rough transitions from Jim Leavitt. The move of Fall camp to Vero Beach did two things for the team. For one, it got them away from all the distractions of the Leavitt change and the college campus, allowing them to focus on just football. It also gave Holtz a chance to work and meet his team, getting to know the players and helping bridge the gap between some players and there resentment about the coaching change. Overall, the move worked well. The "team" seemed to rally for one another and for Holtz, going 8-5 and winning a solid bowl game in his first season. This season, however, the Vero Beach had a different vibe to it and it looks as if it will pay off big this season. [keep reading]
Last season the Bulls and Holtz were pretty much in scramble mode after the Leavitt decision. Holtz had to throw his staff together and salvage the recruiting class as the Fall semester began. Holtz did an outstanding job and the team performed at a different level and a different feeling (at least for me) came over the team and the fans. There was a renewed energy and a new pride in the team for the players and fans. This season, the second time heading to Vero, the Bulls continued to build upon the lessons learned from last season and have grown even more.
The players and coaches have both stated that the team is "light years" ahead of where they were last season, from play calling to just feeling comfortable around the coaches. Let's face it, there were plenty of players that wanted Leavitt to stay and weren't so excited for the sudden shift. It took some players a while to figure otu the systems and it was a rough transition year. However, coming into this season, everyone is on the same level, the players are focused, being more familiar system and the coaches are the same way.
The offense, with Daniels getting a chance to be with an offensive coordinator for a second consecutive season is already making great strides on the field. The Mark Snyder defense coming off of a great 2010 season is already making plays and are looking for another big season on the field. The first Vero trip was about putting the pieces that broke off back together. The trip this season was all about building on those established pieces to get the team prepared for the big expectations they are facing in 2011.
A few questioned if the trip was needed this season with the new practice fields that USF has put together and the answer, yes. The fields will be ideal for the season, preparing each week for the new opponent, but getting away from the distractions of Tampa and building on the success of last season and working with Holtz and staff, this team is right where it needs to be.
Personally, I love the trip to Vero Beach and hope the team continues to make the journey at the start of the Fall camp. Even though most fans can't make the trip to see the team, the results will be worth the wait and distance.
I never got why people complained about the Vero trip using the new practice fields as a crutch not to go. I mean USF athletics isn't overflowing with cash, but that argument just seemed so cheap. If anything, it was better to go to Vero and keep the fields fresh.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, thanks for the post. great work.
Thank you. I agree. People really wondered why the team would head down there and tried to site cost as a reason, but the numbers are really cheap to move over 100 players and staff for a week down there and the results speak for themselves. It is all part of Holtz's view on developing this team and the players so I am all for it. I hope they continue to make the trip each season.
ReplyDeleteThe unity developed at Vero has not only helped on field success, but develops great appeal for many of our recruits looking to enter a close knit program among players.
ReplyDeletePeople should take notice at all of the quotes that our recruits are saying about the camaraderie they want to be a part of at USF.
Exactly. The meaning of "team" continues to grow with this program. Listening to recruits, they continually talk about the "family" feeling they get with the players and coaches when they visit, which is a huge positive for the program and the success we are seeing on the field as well.
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