Final Thoughts on USF Fall Depth Chart

See our final thoughts on the Fall depth chart. 

In case you were sleeping last night, the USF Bulls released their Fall depth chart in preparation for the Notre Dame game and there were a few surprises on the roster.

Now while this depth chart may not reflect the rest of the season, it does give us a chance to look at where the coaches see everyone and how the roster may unfold the rest of the season. [keep reading]

Offense

There is no surprise to see Love and Griffin back as the starters.  What is surprising are the back-ups to them, Stephen Bravo-Brown and freshman Deonte Welch.  Bravo-Brown played a lot last season and recently got put on scholarship, so he is a solid two-deep player.  Welch has been impressive, but has never played a snap on the field, so he is getting a huge chance here.  Joel Miller at slot receiver is a bit surprising and Victor Marc, the young man that impressed during Fall, will be pushing to get onto the field.  Landi at tight end is not a huge surprise and they can split him out wide in some situations for more passing threat and use Shields on the offensive line if needed.

Quarterback and running back are the same, although Murray and Scott are listed as co-running backs, not distinguishing which will get the first carry of the game.  There is no fullback listed, which is strange, but could lead to more single back formations, more wide receivers on the field.  Breitt and Turner will get a chance in the backfield on power running situations (Scott is big enough to play fullback too, just saying).  The offensive line had a slight change with Hine taking over at center, beating out McCaskill who slipped to second team behind Esternor.  Eatmon wins the job at right tackle, so let's hope a freshman can handle that spot.

Defense

On defense, there weren't too many surprises to see.  The line with Grissom, McCaskill, Giddins, and Hampton is solid.  Watson is listed at second team showing the freshman's talent.  Barrington gets the nod at middle linebacker after being rumored to be moving to strong side.  Cliett gets the start at strong side, beating out senior Curtis Weatherspoon.  This a big chance for the freshman and the coaches believe he is ready.  The back-up corner spots are also interesting with walk-on Tabuteau and safety JaQuez Jenkins, getting the back duties on the first depth chart.

Special Teams

Special teams is mostly the same.  JBK wins the starting punting job with Veron not making the two-deep list, at least to start the season.  Marvin Kloss has won the kick-off duties, showing his kicking ability as well (will allow Bonani to focus on field goals at least).

Overall, the depth chart is not that surprising.  Lindsey Lamar and Terrence Mitchell not making the wide receiver two-deep is a bit surprising and I wonder when they will get on the field (special packages maybe?). Davis and Gonzalez, the two freshman receivers, will get their chance as well to make plays.  The corner spot is not a lock down area and the rest of the corners, Dixon, Baker, Boyd, etc., will get their chances to play later in the game and down the road.