South Florida Bulls season preview news and notes

Basics

Coach: Skip Holtz (first year at USF; 72-50 overall)

2009 record: 8-5, 3-4 in Big East; beat Northern Illinois in International Bowl

Conference: Big East

Radio: 970-AM (Tampa)

Website: GoUSFbulls.com

Area players

Dontae Aycock, RB, Fr., Chamberlain**; Chris Breit, LB, So., Plant*; Rony Delisca, DE, Jr., Wharton*; Cody Durakovic, DE, Fr., Sickles*; Jordan Duval, WR, Fr., Hillsborough*; Ryan Eppes, QB, Fr., Largo*; Bobby Eveld, QB, Fr., Jesuit*; Julius Forte, DE, Fr., Boca Ciega; Ruben Garcia, LB, Fr., Durant*; Ryne Giddins, DE, Fr., Armwood; Tyler Guy, TE, Fr., Zephyrhills*; Chaz Hine, OG, Jr., Newsome; JaQuez Jenkins, S, Fr., Lakewood; Lindsey Lamar, WR, So., Hillsborough; Joel Miller, WR, Jr., Wharton; Terrence Mitchell, CB, Fr., Hillsborough; Mark Popek, OT, So., Plant City; Armando Sanchez, LB, So., Northeast; Eric Schwartz, K, Sr., Hudson*; Andreas Shields, TE, So., Wharton; Jonny Sitton, RB, Fr., Indian Rocks Christian*; Donte Spires, LB, Sr., Plant; Tyler Stowell, WR, So., Northside Christian*; Mike Walsh, LS, Jr., Plant; Jacquian Williams, LB, Sr., Riverview; Jerrell Young, S, Jr., Gibbs

* walk-on ** sitting out as transfer

Position analysis

QUARTERBACK

Sophomore B.J. Daniels took over for an injured Matt Grothe in 2009 and led the team in rushing in addition to his passing duties. He'll run less this year and must stay healthy, as the Bulls have freshman walk-on Bobby Eveld behind him.

RUNNING BACK

The Bulls lost several key players here but have three who will compete for carries — sixth-year senior Mo Plancher, sophomore Demetris Murray and redshirt freshman Bradley Battles, who have pushed Plancher in preseason camp.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Most of last year's line is back, with six players who had at least five starts last season. Senior C Sampson Genus is a powerful anchor.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Perhaps the biggest question mark on the team, with Carlton Mitchell leaving early for the NFL and projected starters A.J. Love (knee) and Sterling Griffin (ankle) out until October with injuries. Senior Dontavia Bogan must emerge as a star.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Senior E Craig Marshall, a potential draft pick, will start on one side, with redshirt freshman Ryne Giddins pushing senior David Bedford on the other. Senior NT Terrell McClain is an established presence.

LINEBACKERS

Sophomores Mike Lanaris and Sam Barrington are competing for the MLB job, with redshirt freshman DeDe Lattimore challenging senior Sabbath Joseph at weakside.

SECONDARY

Both CB jobs are up for grabs. Junior Jerrell Young and sophomore Jon Lejiste are ready to start at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The kicking job is too close to call between 2008 starter Maikon Bonani, recovered from the back injury that sidelined him last year, and '09 starter Eric Schwartz, a walk-on making a case. Sophomore Justin Brockhaus-Kann is the new punter; junior Mike Walsh is back as long snapper. The return game is wide open, with freshman Terrence "T-Rex" Mitchell a strong candidate for kickoffs or punts.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Capacity: 65,890Tickets: Season tickets (seven games) start at $75, with individual tickets already available for Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic. For information, go to GoUSFbulls.com or call the ticket office toll-free at 1-800-462-8557.