Word association with USF tackles king Auggie Sanchez

ST. PETERSBURG ― Snook and redfish darted just beneath the water line in the Lower Tampa Bay flats, but only pecked at the scaled sardines dangling from our hooks.

Because these fish aren’t easily teased, our outing Thursday with former USF linebacker standout Auggie Sanchez and Capt. Tom Campbell had its share of lulls. During those moments, Sanchez agreed to a little Bulls word association, responding with the very first thoughts that came to mind when the name of a former USF coach or teammate was tossed his way.

Here were his answers.

Willie Taggart: “Changed my life.”

Defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary: “Powerful. Really good coach.”

Defensive coordinator Tom Allen: “Best guy I’ve ever been around. Best football coach I’ve ever been around.”

Linebackers coach/defensive coordinator Raymond Woodie: “Kind of in that Taggart realm, changed my life.”

Charlie Strong: “Really good person.”

Linebacker Nigel Harris: “Smash-gang brother for life.”

Quarterback Quinton Flowers: “Changed the program, changed USF history forever. Probably the best player I’ve ever been around, him and Marlon Mack.”

Tight end Mitch Wilcox: “Chip on your shoulder-type guy. Ton to prove. Good kid, good player. I really respect Mitch.”

Safety Devin Abraham: “One of my best friends.”

Safety Tajee Fullwood: “The best dancer I’ve ever seen.”

Defensive tackle Deadrin Senat: “Strong as an ox. Really was a fantastic player. Matured so much through his time at USF.”

Linebacker DeDe Lattimore: “DeDe was a player. He was just one of those guys that when Saturday came, he was gonna show up.”

Defensive tackle Bruce Hector: “My best pal.”