GoUSFBulls.com Bulls Bring the Noise in First Full-Padded Practice of Fall Camp

[Brad]

August 13, 2020

By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, AUG. 13, 2020 – Music pumping through loudspeakers was complemented by the sweet sound of football pads popping loudly during USF's intense fifth practice of fall camp on Thursday.

For the first time in 258 days, eager Bulls got to fly around the field in full pads, which head coach Jeff Scott called "the next step" of preparations for the 2020 season.

"Coach Scott was reminding us that we haven't been in full pads since November," said junior center Brad Cecil (Jacksonville, Fla.). "We were hyped about that. This whole week, we were waiting for this day right here."

With spring ball called off after just one practice because of the pandemic, USF had to patiently wait to execute the staff's new schemes in a real game-like nature. A sunny Thursday in Tampa provided the Bulls with the perfect setting to start ramping up the physical level for what's ahead.

"It was hot, but we had to push ourselves, push our minds and keep on going," said junior linebacker Dwayne Boyles (Miami).

Some rust was expected for a team that hadn't fired on full-padded football cylinders since the 2019 season finale.

High motors were needed near the end of practice that featured plenty of toughness and some explosive plays on both sides of the ball during true, live down and distance situations. Two highlights were senior safety Brock Nichols' scoop-and-score on a fumble near midfield, and a touchdown sprint of 50-plus yards by freshman running back Brian Battie (Sarasota).

Short-yardage situations - where Scott  Continue Reading...