Ryne Giddins has to Step Up

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Entering the season, redshirt sophomore Ryne Giddins was poised for a huge year. The former 4-star recruit was one of the most decorated recruits to come to USF and a lot has been expected of him. However, he has not lived up to the hype this season, at least so far.

In 5 games, he has only 13 tackles. This includes 2.5 tackles for loss and just one sack.

Giddins is the speed pass rusher for the USF front line, but with just 1 sack, he is not producing at the level the Bulls need right now. During the Pitt game, the USF front line didn't get any pressure on Tino Sunseri and allowed the Pitt quarterback and Ray Graham to get big chunks of yardage.

So far this season, the USF front line has failed to get consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. Offenses are running away from Giddins, putting two people on him and making sure to keep him at bay. With Patrick Hampton struggling on the other side, offenses aren't getting taken down so easily. Ryne Giddins has to get better jumps off the line and making better moves to get more pressure and get to the quarterback.

While we cannot put the blame all on Giddins, his lack of production is not helping the cause either. He will have to step up and raise his level of play if the defense is going to get any better. With other defensive lineman not producing (Hampton, etc.) he will have to raise his level of play down the stretch of the season.