Rush Through the Roster: #59 Cody Durakovic

#59 - Cody Durakovic - 6-3 230-pounds - DE - RS Junior - Tampa, FL (Sickles HS)

2011 stats: Durakovic appeared in one game last year against FAMU, but did not record any stats.

Position on the depth chart: Durakovic did not appear on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring practices.

2012 projection: Since walking-on to the two in 2009, Durakovic has only seen playing time as a late reserve, typically on special teams.  Look for him to have the same role this year and help the scout team as well.

USF MBB Lands 3rd commit of the 2013 Class

Basketball recruiting news in July?  Sure why not.  Scout.com reported tonight that prep point guard Major Canady (6-3 205-pounds) has committed to Stan Heath and the Bulls for the 2013 class.  

Canady (rated a 2-star prospect by ESPN) out of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania (Kiski School) brings a big frame to the game at the point guard position.  At 6-3, he is very tall for the point guard position, but deceptive speed and can attack the rim.  He will be a huge addition to the roster in 2013 to a team that will be looking to add depth at point guard behind Anthony Collins. 

Canady is the third verbal commit for the 2013 class joining Drew Davis and John Egbunu in the class.  Welcome to the USF family Canady!

Rush Through the Roster: #60 Danous Estenor

#60 - Danous Estenor - 6-3 304-pounds - OL - Senior - Palm Beach, FL (Palm Beach Central HS)

2011 stats: Estenor started all 12 games last season at the right guard position and even saved someone's life on campus by lifting a car off of them (true story folks).

Position on the depth chart: Estenor did not participate in the spring practices after suffering a minor knee injury that sidelined him.

2012 projection: Once healthy, Estenor will be the starting guard at the right side.  He is a senior leader for the offensive line and is a great blocker in the running game.  Look for him to have another great season on the front line once he gets healthy.

Unit Analysis: Special Teams

The season is slowly drawing closer and while we wait through the dog days of summer, we will begin breaking down the units on the team to see the strengths, weaknesses, and who rounds out each position.  While we continue to look at each player to see what they will do, the collective unit will yield to results on the field.  First up, special teams. 

Incoming 2012 Recruits Without Roster Numbers

Football is still over 60 days away and as we all sit and wait for a huge season, we will take a look at the players that enrolled as part of the 2012 recruiting class but do not have a roster number yet.  Here they are and what they can do for the 2012 team.

Rush Through the Roster: #61 Brynjar Gudmundsson

#61 - Brynjar Gudmundsson - 6-4 289-pounds - OL - RS Freshman - Wellington, FL (Wellington HS)

2011 stats:  Gudmundsson redshirted his first season as a Bull.

Position on the depth chart: Gudmundsson appeared as the number two left guard behind Damien Edwards coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Gudmundsson has great size and a solid frame needed to be an effective lineman, but there are several other experienced players ahead of him.  Once Estenor returns healthy, he may take a step back on the depth chart, but he is a talented young player that with time will get on the field and will be a key factor for the future of the offensive line.

Playoffs in College Football? It's Happening

It's officially here, playoffs in division one football.  Yesterday the BCS presidential oversight committee agreed to a 4-team playoff model to determine the national champion, eliminating the BCS number one vs. number two debate (4-team playoff model still leaves room for debate).

Bulls Land 9th Commit for the 2013 Class

Coach Holtz snags another one!

From Scout.com - The Bulls are rolling in the recruiting class.  Word came last night that under the radar left tackle Conner Rafferty verbally committed to USF.  The 6-3 280-pound tackle out of Robinson HS here in Tampa (teammate of Bruce Hector) received an offer after the SuperBull and decided to pull the trigger to become a Bull. 

Rafferty is not rated by Rivals or other recruiting sites, but has received interest from NC State and FAU recently, showing his talent level and his emergence on the recruiting radars of power conferences.  

According to Scout, Raffety is excited to play for Coach Shankweiler who has gained a reputation as a top notch offensive line coach and motivator for the team.  Rafferty has high academic standings and will be a great addition to the team. 

Welcome to the family!

Rush Through the Roster: #62 Mak Djulbegovic

#62 - Mak Djulbegovic - 6-5 257-pounds - OL - RS Freshman - Tampa, FL (Carrollwood Day School)

2011 stats: Djulbegovic walked-on to the team last year and took a redshirt.

Position on the depth chart: Djulbegovic did not appear on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring practices.

2012 projection: Djulbegovic will most likely be a reserve player this year and could contribute on special teams.  There are several other offensive linemen ahead of him on the depth chart and weighing in at 257-pounds (according to USF's website) he will need to add some weight before he can be effective at the tackle or guard position.

Bulls Add a Few New Faces to the 2012 Roster

From Greg Auman - As the football season draws ever closer (67 days now) the team is filling out the roster as the incoming freshmen enroll and begin taking classes.  The recruiting class is here but there are also a few walk-ons that should be noted heading into the 2012 season.

Rush Through the Roster: #64 Thor Jozwiak

#64 - Thor Jozwiak - 6-4 307-pounds - OL - RS Freshman - Eagle Lake, FL (Lake Region HS)

2011 stats:  Jozwiak redshirted last season.

Position on the depth chart: Jozwiak is listed as the back-up center behind Austin Reiter coming out of the spring practices.

2012 projection: After redshirting last year (minor shoulder surgery as well), Jozwiak has moved to center during the spring and seems entrenched as the number two option at center behind Reiter.  Jozwiak has the size and skill set needed to help anchor the line and will get snaps this fall and will become a key reserve on the offensive line during the season.

USF Lands 8th Commitment of the 2013 Class

Coach Holtz has been on a roll the last 48 hours gaining 4 new commitments.

From Big County Preps - The Bulls continue to add to their 2013 recruiting class as OT/DL Bruce Hector (6-3 260-pounds) out of Robinson HS (Tampa, FL) committed to the Bulls after receiving a verbal offer that a standout performance at the SuperBull last Saturday.

Hector (rated a 2-star prospect by Rivals) is considered a top offensive lineman, but the Bulls are recruiting him for the defensive line at the tackle position (BCP).  Hector will be a key addition to the USF defensive line that will have some need in depth with Cory Grissom graduating after this season and the youth on the roster.

Hector had offers from FAU, Tennessee State, Bowling Green, Ball State, and Akron including a verbal offer from UCF.

Hector is the 8th commitment for the Bulls in the 2013 recruiting class so far.

Rush Through the Roster: #65 Lawrence Martin

#65 - Lawrence Martin - 6-3 309-pounds - OL - Junior - Daytona Beach, FL - (Seabreeze, HS - Merced College)

2011 stats: Martin, part of the 2012 recruiting class, enrolled early during the spring semester and participated in the spring practices.

Position on the depth chart: Martin was listed as the starting right guard on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring.

2012 projection:  With Danous Estenor (starting left guard), Martin was moved to right guard and Damien Edwards was moved to left guard.  Martin is a very experienced player that could end up winning the right guard position.  He is new to that side of the ball, but has the skill set needed to learn the position and become a starter in the fall.

USF Lands Two More Commits for the 2013 Class

From Greg Auman - After landing 3-star running back JoJo Kemp yesterday following the SuperBull, the Bulls landed two defensive backs for the 2013 class, raising the number of commits to 7.

The first to land was 3-star cornerback Darius Whitty out of Jacksonville, Florida (First Coast HS).  The 6-1 170-pound defender is a 3-star recruit (according to Rivals) and was being recruited by WVU, Mississippi, and Kentucky by others.  Whitty is a tall, fast defender that has a track background that will help him at the collegiate level.  According to Auman, the Bulls coaching staff they would be taking 3 corners in this class, leaving room for Vernon Hargreaves (fingers still crossed).  

The other defensive back is Johnny Ward out of Moultrie, Georgia (Colquitt County HS).  The 6-0 165-pound defensive back is a sleeper at this stage and the Bulls were his first BCS offer.  With his length and size, it wouldn't take long for other programs to begin recruiting him, but the Bulls pulled the trigger to land him. 

Welcome to all the new USF Bulls!

Rush Through the Roster: #67 Max Lang

#67 - Max Lang - 6-5 282-pounds - OL - RS Freshman - Orlando, FL (Boone HS)

2011 stats: Lang, the former 3-star recruit, redshirted his first season as a Bull.  

Position on the depth chart: Lang appeared on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring at the right tackle position behind Quinterrius Eatmon. 

2012 projection: Lang made his way to the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring, but there is not a strong chance he can beat out Eatmon.  Lang has the size and length to be a solid player and after sitting out a year could be called upon to step up in a reserve role or will get a chance on special teams to set up and get playing time.

USF Lands 5th Commitment of the 2013 Class

From Greg Auman - The Bulls held their annual SuperBull camp this weekend, bringing in big names for a chance for the coaches to evaluate them and the players to show off their skill sets.  With the SuperBull, there are offers made and commitments made from players and the Bulls landed one of their top targets, running back JoJo Kemp.

Kemp (5-10 189-pounds) out of DeLand, Florida, is rated a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.  He runs a 4.67 40, a 4.37 shuttle, and has a 35" vertical (from Rivals).  He held offers from WVU, ASU, Pitt, Nebraska among others but decided to head to Tampa (joins former teammate Mark Joyce, another Deland native. 

Watch the video above to see the speed of Kemp.  While his 40 speed is not the highest, he is deceptively fast and has excellent vision.  The Bulls needed a strong, game changing running back in this class and they landed one.  Welcome to the USF family Mr. Kemp!

Rush Through the Roster: #69 Jake Smith

#69 - Jake Smith - 6-5 287-pounds - OL - RS Freshman - Brandon, FL (Bloomingdale HS)

2011 stats:  Smith redshirted in his first season with the Bulls after walking-on to the roster. 

Position on the depth chart:  Smith did not appear on the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring. 

2012 projection:  Smith will probably be a scout team performer or a special teams player this season.  There are several players ahead of him on the depth chart, limiting his playing chances this season.

5 Reasons Why the 2012 USF Football Tam Could Struggle

Quarterback B.J. Daniels is a talented quarterback, but he could be a reason the team struggles in 2012.

Earlier this week, we took a look at five of the strengths of the 2012 team, this time, we will play the bad guy and look at five ways the team could struggle this year.  The team has a lot of positives, there are also a lot of areas of concern for this team heading into 2012 that could lead to another rough year.  Depth, new starters, and other factors should have the fans concerned about this group and how far they are really go this season.  Here are five of the biggest concern areas that could lead to a rough year.

Rush Through the Roster: #70 Quinterrius Eatmon

#70 - Quinterrius Eatmon - 6-6 313-pounds - OT - RS Sophomore - Prichard, AL (CF Vigor HS)

2011 stats: Eatmon started all 12 games last year as a freshman at the right tackle position.

Position on the depth chart: Eatmon is the returning right tackle and maintained his starting role throughout the spring.

2012 projection: Probably one of my favorite players on the team.  Eatmon dropped nearly 50-pounds before the start of last season, which helped him in his conditioning and led to him starting all 12 games in 2011.  Eatmon is a huge player that has great size and length on the edge to muscle up in the run game and help keep the quarterback protected.  He will be the starter in 2012 and should win some all conference recognition during the season.

A Look Ahead at USF's 2012 Football Schedule...in Meme Form!

We're now closing in on 10 weeks until football season. It still seems like an eternity, but we're trying to keep ourselves busy until the Bulls kick off against UT-Chattanooga. If you're a blog reader, chances are you're also well-versed in internet memes. Well you're in luck, because here you'll get both! After the jump, I'm going to associate a meme with every game on USF's schedule this year. And don't worry, I won't misuse them.

Rush Through the Roster: #71 John McGhin

#71 - John McGhin - 6-4 343-pounds - OG - RS Junior - Tallahassee, FL (Florida State HS)

2011 stats: McGhin appeared in 3 games last season for the Bulls, dealing with a hip injury during the season that limited his playing time.

Position on the depth chart: McGhin did not appear on the two-deep depth chart coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: McGhin worked out at guard and even moved over to center to take some snaps during the spring.  McGhin is a big body player that is healthy this season, meaning he is ready to play.  He will be a key reserve during the season and will get on the field at some point due to his skill set.

Who is the Best QB in the Big East?

Is B.J. Daniels is the best quarterback in the Big East?

The Big East has been a wide open and competitive league and in 2012, it should be the same.  It will be up to the quarterbacks of each respective team to lead them to the conference title, but who can do it?  Which quarterback is the best signal caller in the land?  While we want to put Daniels at the top, there are some great arms in the league that will challenge him for that title.

Rush Through the Roster: #72 Steven Jacques

#72 - Steven Jacques - 6-3 304-pounds - OL - RS Junior - Hollywood, FL (South Broward HS)

2011 stats: Jacques appeared in 3 games last season.

Position on the depth chart: Jacques appeared as the back-up right guard behind Lawrence Martin on the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring.

2012 projection: Jacques has good size and length needed to help play inside at the guard position.  With the lack of experienced depth up front, Jacques will play an important role as a reserve and will also have a chance to participate on special teams as well.

How Do Others See the Big East Race Shaping Up in 2012?

How do others see the Big East race shaping up this season?

There are a lot of Big East predictions for this season and with the conference wide open as usual, there are a few ways to looking at how the teams will finish.  Here are some of the predictions from major sites.

Rush Through the Roster: #73 Damien Edwards

#73 - Damien Edwards - 6-5 329-pounds - OL - 5th year Senior - Chandler, Arizona, (Chandler HS)

2011 stats: Edwards appeared in 5 games last year at the guard position and also contributed on special teams as well.

Position on the depth chart: Edwards was listed as the starting left guard on the two-deep spring depth chart replacing Danous Estenor (held out with a knee injury).

2012 projection: With Estenor going down for the spring, Martin moved from his natural position of left guard to right guard, allowing Edwards to get the snaps with the first time.  With Estenor returning in the fall, Edwards may have to take a reserve role behind Martin at right guard, but should see plenty of playing time this season due to his senior leadership and experience on the field.

Five Reasons the 2012 USF Football Team Will Be Successful This Season

The 2012 football season is a big one for the Bulls.  The goal of winning the Big East title has eluded this team since they joined the conference and now in 2012 with over 20 seniors suiting up for the last time, this is their last shot at reaching the dream. 

There are a lot of strong points to this team.  With so many seniors, leadership is strong.  However, there are several areas that are concerning and could lead to problems down the road with this team as well. We will break down 5 reasons the team will do well and 5 reasons the team could do poorly as we continue the indepth analysis of the 2012 roster and see how good this team really is and how far they can get.

We start by looking at the 5 areas that we have determined as the strengths of the team (looking at all sides of the ball).

Rush Through the Roster: #74 Mark Popek

Since there is no #75 on the roster, we will move ahead in the Rush through the Roster series.

#74 - Mark Popek - 6-7 296-pounds - OL - 5th Yr. Senior - Plant City, FL (Plant City HS)

2011 stats: Popek started all 12 games last season at the left tackle position and returns as the starter for the 2012 season.

Position on the depth chart: Listed as the starting left tackle coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Popek is a very experienced player that has played since his freshman season (was named to the All Big East freshmen team in 2009) and has a lot games under his belt.  Popek is the starter entering the season and will help anchor the left side of the offensive line this season.

Rush Through the Roster: #76 Darrell Williams

#76 - Darrell Williams - 6-5 286-pounds - OL - Sophomore - Orlando, FL (Evans HS)

2011 stats: Williams appeared in 10 games last season as a reserve offense tackle behind Mark Popek and contributed on special teams.

Position on the depth chart: Williams is the primary back-up left tackle behind Mark Popek coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Williams added weight last year and got playing time early in his career.  Now with a year under his belt, he will continue to progress and plays a key role as the reserve offensive tackle behind Popek.  He will have plenty of opportunity to see the field this season (especially against UTC) and he will most likely be the starter heading into 2013.

Rush Through the Roster: #77 Jake Kaufman

#77 - Jake Kaufman - 6-9 362-pounds - RS Freshman OL - Jersey City, NJ (St. Peter's Preparatory School)

2011 stats: Kaufman did not play last season (lingering back issues) and was a reserve.

Position on the depth chart: Kaufman did not appear on the spring depth chart.

2012 projection:  The Bulls have their two tackles in Eatmon and Popek set for the season and it would appear that the back-ups, Lang and Williams are ahead on the depth chart as well ahead of Kaufman.  Kaufman dealt with back issues in 2010 and did not play in 2011, so his chances of getting on field this year are unknown at this point.  He has tremendous size, but with his back issues that have kept him off the field for most of his career, he not make an impact.

Prediction: Who Will Win the Big East in 2012?

Is this the year Daniels and company take the program to the next level?

Football is still a few months away, but it is never too early to take a look at the Big East and make a few predictions on how the conference will shape up.

With WVU leaving and Temple joining, the Big East is undergoing is change (Pitt and Syracuse will be leaving real soon too) and it will be another interesting season to see who wins the conference and who becomes the cellar dweller. Let's make our Big East predictions and see how the conference shapes up in 2012.

USF Lands Fourth Commitment of 2013 Class as Woulard Recommits

The Bulls have landed their 4th commitment of the 2013 recruiting class with the verbal commitment of quarterback Asiantii Woulard (6-3 205-pounds) out of Winter Park, Florida (Winter Park HS) (had offers from Ole Miss, UCF, Tennessee, and Maryland among others).  Woulard made the decision today on 1010 CBS Sports with host Justin Pawlowski.  Woulard (rated 3-stars by Rivals and 4-stars by 247 Sports) verbally committed to the Bulls earlier this year, but de-committed as he wanted to take his visits to other campuses.

Rush Through the Roster: #78 Austin Reiter

#78 - Austin Reiter - Center - 6-3 278-pounds - RS Sophomore - Bradenton, FL (Lakewood Ranch HS)

2011 stats: Reiter played as a reserve on the offensive line and was a special teams player.

Position on the depth chart: Reiter emerged through the spring as the starting center, beating out other players like Thor Jozwiak and Chandlor Mathews. 

2012 projection: The Bulls seem to have found their center after Chaz Hine graduated.  Reiter has been taking all the snaps with the first team offense and has moved ahead in the competition against Jozwiak.  He will need to add some weight through the summer, but unless something happens over the summer or another player emerges big time in the fall, look for Reiter to be the starting center for the first game of the 2012 season.

Bull Bits: Claire Lessinger Steps Down and Other Notes

Thank you coach for everything and we wish you the best.

There has been a lot going on with USF athletics within the past few days, time to catch up on the latest. Word came out last night that volleyball head coach Claire Lessinger will be resigning as the head coach as of July 15 due to an illness in her family (mother recently diagnosed with cancer).  Coach Lessinger who has been with the program for 13 years, spending the last 8 as the head coach, led the Bulls to a record of 101-127 (44-40) over the past 8 years, taking the team to the Big East tournament 4 out of the past 5 years (finished 3rd in 2007 and 2009).   We wish Coach Lessinger and her family the best and thank her for everything she has done for the program. 

USF 2012 Season Analysis: Breaking Down the Schedule Way Ahead of Time

How many wins will the 2012 Bulls have?

The 2012 season is fast approaching and after finishing the 2011 season at 5-7 (1-6), the team is hoping to turn their fortunes around this year.  The team has a lot of talent and a lot of optimism heading into the year, but are they real challengers for the Big East title?  Let's take an early look at each game, make a brief analysis of the game, and try to predict how the team will finish in 2012. 

Rush Through the Roster: #80 Stephen Bravo Brown

#80 - Stephen Bravo-Brown - WR - 5-10 178-pounds - Junior - Ft. Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)

2011 stats: Bravo-Brown was placed on scholarship before the start of the 2011 season.  He ended the year with 4 receptions for 34 yards  including one start (had 11 receptions for 104 yards in the 2010 campaign). 

Position on the depth chart: Bravo-Brown appeared as the number two receiver behind Ruben Gonzalez coming out of the spring.

2012 Projection:  Bravo-Brown is a solid possession receiver that has come up big in key situations for the Bulls, but now he finds himself buried on the depth chart behind a lot of skilled receivers.  He saw a lot of action in 2010 due to injuries, but saw reduced snaps in 2011 and could see that trend again in 2012.  Look for him to come into games as a reserve.

Rush Through the Roster: #81 Andre Davis

#81 - Andre Davis - 6-1 200-pounds - Sophomore - WR - Tampa, FL (Jefferson HS)

2011 stats: Davis had 22 receptions for the Bulls for 273 (12.4 yards per receptions, a long of 42) yards and scored 2 touchdowns.  He also blocked a punt and returned it for a TD on special teams.

Position on the depth chart:  Davis is listed as one of the starting wide receivers coming out of the spring and continues to emerge as a growing star.

2012 projection: Davis emerged as the favorite go-to target this spring and is set for a big season.  He has tremendous size, hands, and runs excellent routes, making him the quarterback's best friend. With his skill set and the amount of experience he has in his young career, many expect him to have a huge season with big numbers to help the USF offense attack the Big East.

Rush Through the Roster: #82 Chris Dunkley

#82 - Chris Dunkley - 6-0 177-pounds - RS Sophomore - WR - Pahokee, FL (Pahokee HS) (University of Florida)

2011 season: Dunkley transferred from UF and redshirted his first season with the Bulls (due to NCAA transfer rules).  He has 3 years of eligibility left.

Position on the depth chart:  Dunkley is listed as a reserve wide receiver, third on the depth chart behind Davis and Griffin.  He was limited this spring due to an off-season wrist surgery, but participated late and ran track as well.

2012 projection: The former 5-star recruit (8th best prospect in the state out of HS) has a lot of hype around him and for good reason.  He is a skilled receiver and has elite speed and has become a regular on the track team this spring.  He gives the Bulls a big time vertical threat and could help break open this passing attack this season.  The real question is where on the field will he play and will he beat out other receivers that have more playing time then him.  With his speed and raw athletic ability, he should see plenty of time on the field.

Rush Through the Roster: #83 Deonte Welch

#83 - Deonte Welch - WR - 6-0 206-pounds - RS Sophomore - Williston, FL (Williston High School)

2011 stats:  Welch emerged late in the season, grabbing 4 starts towards the end of the year due to other injuries to starting receivers.  He finished the year with 31 receptions for 433 yards and 1 touchdown, including a long reception of 37 yards. 

Position on the depth chart: Welch did not appear on the second spring depth chart, but was on the first depth chart and is battling for a starting position on the depth chart for the fall (may have kept him off the last spring depth chart fr motivation).  

2012 projection:  Welch showed a great ability to chew up the yards after the catch (YAC master as some like to call up, love the name) last season and came up with big plays late in the year.  The wide receiver position is very deep with talent but Welch is a special talent that even if he is not named a starter in the first week of the season, he will get plenty of playing time and will continue to put up big numbers.

Rush Through the Roster: #84 Alex Mut

#84 - Alex Mut - WR - 6-3 191-pounds - Freshman - Charlotte, FL (Charlotte HS)

2011 stats: Mut was part of the 2011 recruiting class, but took a grey shirt after tearing his ACL before the start of the season and joined the team this spring in 2012.

Position on the depth chart: Mut will miss a month after undergoing a minor knee surgery.  Before, he was practicing with the team and will be ready for the fall camp.

2012 projection: Mut is a solid possession receiver that has great size, but he faces an uphill battle with so much depth in front of him. He will most likely redshirt this season or work as a limited reserve or on special teams.

Rush Through the Roster: #85 Ruben Gonzalez

(Picture: 247 Sports)

#85 - Ruben Gonzalez - WR - 6-3 201-pounds - Sophomore - Tampa, FL (Robinson HS)

2011 stats: Gonzalez caught 5 passes for 55 yards last season, including a long of 16 yards.  He also totaled 2 tackles on special teams.

Position on depth chart: Gonzalez was listed as a starter coming out of the spring practices ahead of Stephen Bravo-Brown.  While the spring depth chart is nothing official for the regular season, it indicates he is progressing at receiver.

2012 projection: Gonzalez emerged this spring on the depth chart, displaying to the coaches he is getting better at wide receiver and could be rising above some others on a loaded position.  He has the size and strength to be a go-to target and will get plenty of playing time this year if he continues this great progression in his sophomore season.

USF Sun Dome Grand Opening with Sir Elton John on Sept. 14

Sir Elton John will be first entertainer ever to rock the University of South Florida's new Sun Dome this fall!

From Tampa Bay Times. USF Sun Dome Twitter's hinted at a huge announcement today and that is that legendary English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor, Sir Elton John known for such famous hits as Crocodile Rock, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Rocket Man, The Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and much more will be performing at be the first performer at the newly renovated USF Sun Dome!

Regardless of your taste in music there is no doubt that is a big event for the University of South Florida. It's a fantastic move for the school that could have a long lasting big impact not only for the school, the athletics department and their current and future facilities, but also for entertainment industry and the performing arts community in the Tampa Bay area. Sir Elton John will perform Sept. 14. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM  on June 15th and will be priced between $39.50 and $139.50. They'll be available through Ticketmaster.com or the Sun Dome box office, toll-free 1-800-745-3000. 

Recapping the Bulls Selected in the MLB Draft

The MLB draft is over and several current Bulls and future Bulls heard their names called during the selection process.

Rush Through the Roster: #86 Michael McFarland

#86 - Michael McFarland - TE - 6-5 247-pounds - RS Sophomore - Blake High School (University of Florida)

2011 stats: McFarland transferred to USF last season from UF and was granted a hardship waiver, allowing him to play immediately.  McFarland notched just one catch for 8 yards during the season.

Position on the depth chart:  McFarland was listed as one of the two starting tight ends coming out of the spring practices.

2012 projection: McFarland has the size and talent to become a difference maker in the passing game, but as Holtz stated, he has to become more consistent with making the every down play.  While his ability to make the circus catch is great, making the average catch in the flat and blocking correctly are more important for him to get on the playing field.  If he can continue to make the average plays and impresses the coaches, he has the potential to have a huge season for the Bulls.  Look for the Bulls to use him a lot this season due to his skills and ability to go get the ball.

2011-2012 USF Athletic Season: Aside from Football, Greatest in School History?

The 2011-2012 athletic season has come to an end and as we wait through the long days of summer for the start of the 2012-2013 season, it is time to look back at the year that was and ask the question, with the exception of the football team, was this the greatest year in USF athletics?

Rush Through the Roster: #87 Derrick Hopkins

#87 - Derrick Hopkins - WR - 5-5 158-pounds - RS Junior - Opa Locka, FL (Miami Monsignor Pace HS)

2011 stats: Hopkins had 4 receptions for 34 yards last year, including a season long 24 yard reception vs. FAMU.  He also returned 1 kick return for 42 yards.

Position on the depth chart: Hopkins was listed as the 3rd team slot receiver behind Victor Marc and Terrence Mitchell coming out of the spring.

2012 projection: Hopkins, aka the flea, is a track star that has all the speed in the world if the offense can find a way to put the ball in his hands.  His small size make it hard for him to get the ideal match-ups on the field, but Holtz has stated they will find a way to let him get into open space and create big plays with his elite speed.  Look for him to be used in screens and short passes out of the backfield that will allow him to catch the ball in space and race away from defenders.

Rush Through the Roster: #88 Andreas Shields

#88 - Andreas Shields - TE - 6-4 246-pounds - RS Senior - Tampa, FL (Wharton HS)

2011 stats: Shields totaled 11 receptions last season for 144 yards (13.1 per catch) and 1 touchdown (long reception of 20 yards on the season).  He played in all 12 games.

Position on depth chart: Shields did not appear on the two-deep spring depth chart coming out of the spring, but was held out of the final scrimmage game (lingering injuries).  He will be ready for the fall camp.

2012 projection: Shields will be a full go this fall and as one of the seniors on offense, he should have another solid season for the Bulls and help lead a loaded position.  However, with all the depth at tight end (especially with Price coming in) he will have to work even harder to get snaps.

Rush Through the Roster: #89 Jeff Hawkins

#89 - Jeff Hawkins - TE - 6-4 251-pounds - RS Senior - Ocala, FL (Vanguard HS)

2011 stats: Hawkins missed the 2011 season after tearing his ACL in practice.

Position on the depth chart: Hawkins did not appear on the depth chart coming out of the spring, but he is healthy and participating after missing last season.

2012 projection: Hawkins has battled a concussion and the ACL injury during his career and now he finds himself deep in the depth chart at tight end.  Being a senior (already has his degree), he brings leadership to the huddle.  However, with several athletic players battling for playing time, he will have to work hard in order to get on the field and attempt to catch his first pass as a Bull (0 career receptions).  Look for him to come in late in games if the score is out of reach and hopefully he gets that first catch.