Football December 18, 2015 USF

Bulls Get Back to Work in South Beach

By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

MIAMI BEACH, DEC. 18, 2015 – Palm trees swayed in the background and Will Smith's “Miami” blared over loudspeakers as USF got back to work in South Beach on Friday morning.

Willie Taggart's Bulls zoomed around the turf during practice at Flamingo Park, a location that provides a grand atmosphere for Miami Beach Bowl preparations. Just like practices in previous weeks back in Tampa, USF took care of business efficiently with a tough test against No. 25 Western Kentucky approaching.

“We had a lot of energy and guys were flying around,” Taggart said. “We wanted it to be our goal to get in and get out within an hour and 10-15 minutes. Our guys executed well enough and we didn't have to do any do-overs, so that was good.”

Players on both sides of the ball looked poised for Monday's meeting with WKU at Marlins Park (2:30 p.m., ESPN).

Miami native Quinton Flowers fired the ball all over the field to receivers like he did during USF's historic turnaround season while Marlon Mack showed his great field vision sprinting to the end zone. Defensively, Eric Lee and the rest of the “Bull Sharks” swarmed to the ball under the hot sun with temperatures in the 80s from the opening whistle.

“Miami heat is a little different than Tampa heat, but we're out here running around making plays and doing what we have to do to prepare for this game,” said Lee, a senior team captain.

USF finished Friday's session by speaking to members of the media and showed much respect for its opponent. WKU (11-2) and its explosive offense captured the Conference USA crown and the Bulls know they'll have to be at their best in the program's first bowl appearance since 2010.

“Most of all, we want to win this game, so we have to flush the atmosphere that's around us and lock in on this game because this is a great team we're going to play,” senior safety Jamie Byrd said.

USF remained locked in throughout the season, winning seven of its past eight games, and the team has stayed that way since a 44-3 rout of rival UCF on Thanksgiving night. This marks the first bowl game for the majority of USF's players and Taggart said his squad is handling all the postseason responsibilities like true veterans.

“It's a little different in a different environment and guys have a little more free time, but I think our guys are true enough to make sure they handle themselves,” Taggart said. “The big thing for me is make sure you're where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there and our guys have been there.”

Freshmen Hoggins, Barr Making Their Mark

Friday marked the first time all season freshmen have spoken to the media and it started with two breakout Bulls.

Cornerback Ronnie Hoggins has hauled in two of USF's 15 interceptions, the program's most since 2010, on the way to earning freshman of the year honors. Hoggins worked his way up to starter status for the final nine games of the regular season and has performed well with six pass break-ups and 23 tackles.

“Making my decision to come here was great,” Hoggins said. “I knew I was going to have to work wherever I went. I believed in the plan and got in my books, that's what paved the way for me.”

Tireless work ethic has resulted in a pretty sweet ending to the season for Hoggins, one of 10 USF players from the Miami area. Hoggins is a 30-minute drive from home and about 20 family members and friends will be in the stands watching him play at Marlins Park on Monday.

“It's been a great year,” he said.

Receiver Chris Barr has emerged as a valuable weapon in USF's Gulf Coast Offense, ranking third on the team with 23 catches and a touchdown to his credit.

“I've had a great freshman year and made a couple plays on the field,” Barr said. “Playing in the offense we're in right now gave me a chance to make plays on the field. We have a great offense.”

Barr credits some of his success to building great chemistry with Flowers, who set a new USF season record with 21 touchdown passes.

“We talk to each other, we're good friends and it just works out on the field for us, too,” Barr said.

Bulls Bits

- USF and WKU kicked off Miami Beach Bowl festivities in style with a delicious dinner overlooking the ocean in South Beach on Thursday evening. After the food, it was time for fun with friendly competitions between the two teams. Events included a belly-flop challenge at the pool won by offensive lineman Jeremi Hall and a dance-off that got plenty of players involved. Check out the BullsCast video recap HERE.

- If you're planning on taking in the Miami Beach Bowl experience, purchase tickets and get travel/event info at USFBowlCentral.com.

- The Bulls will head back to Flamingo Park for another practice Saturday afternoon. Stay updated on the Bulls throughout the trip on Twitter @USFFootball.

Season ticket deposits for the 2016 season start at $125 and can be placed at USFBullstix.com. The Bulls will play seven home games in Raymond James Stadium in 2016, hosting Florida State on Sept. 24 as well as conference clashes with UCF, Navy, East Carolina and UConn.

Follow @USFFootball on Twitter for all the latest information concerning the USF Football program.

Print Friendly Version