USF BULLS Football Cade Fortin

USF’s First Chance To Show “Progress” Comes At North Carolina State Thursday Night

TAMPA, FL. – There was no question during spring drills in March that Jeff Scott was feeling very good about the direction his USF football program was heading following a pandemic-disrupted season in which his Bulls went 1-8.

Those feelings were amplified throughout preseason practice not only by Scott and his assistants, but also the roughly 20 players that were made available to the media either in person or via video conferencing.

To a man, they spoke about how the culture has noticeably changed within and beyond the walls of their spiffy new locker room. It is clear they enjoy being a part of what the second-year coach is attempting to build.

Sure, maybe it takes a couple of years before the tide truly turns, at least as reflected in the win/loss columns. One thing is certain: their season opener Thursday night at North Carolina State (7:30, WDAE 620/ACC Network) will be a good test of how far they have come.

USF BULLS Football Cade Fortin 1
Cade Fortin Photo By USF Athletics

“It will definitely be a great challenge and one our guys are looking forward to,” said Scott, on Monday.

The Bulls are going to Raleigh to win a football game against a team that went 8-4 a year ago and returns many key players. However, in building a program, in building a team, Scott needs to see that the needle is moving in the right direction more than what is reflected on the scoreboard. The larger picture is, well, the larger picture. But Scott needs to see that the details being carried out and to be done so effective Thursday evening.

“The biggest thing for me is really just seeing progress from where we were a year ago,” he said. “I feel like I have seen a lot of progress in the offseason with the attitude, mindset, work ethic, and those types of things. So, it is really important that we see that progress carry over to the game Thursday night.”

It helps to have a No. 1 quarterback from the get-go. Scott announced last Monday that Cade Fortin would be that man.

Fortin arrived as a transfer from North Carolina last year. The combination of the pandemic wiping away spring practice and injuries during the season made for a frustrating year. However, Fortin stuck with it, had an outstanding spring and carried the momentum into the preseason.

“He’s really had an outstanding year from spring practice to the summer and to fall camp,” said Scott, of Fortin, who threw only eight passes in two games last season. “Last fall, I think it was difficult for him not having the spring install and he was out early on and missed the last couple of games due to injury. Since January he has worked extremely hard and established himself as one of our leaders and has been very consistent.”

Jeff Scott USF Bulls
Jeff Scoot Photo By USF Athletics

As Scott said last week, there are no guarantees — “there are no lifetime contracts” — and Fortin has to do his job. Otherwise, the leash could become very short. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Georgia native understands that and has consistently put in the work to make him and his team better.

“Working with the guys, working with the game plan, working with (offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr.) is going to help build the confidence and ease any pressure I might feel,” he said, when asked about assuming the keys to the offense. “I am good with it all and ready to get to work.”

“Ready to get to work” should be among the Bulls’ mottos this season. After all, the past couple of years have been rather unfulfilling for USF fans.

Since holding off UConn at Raymond James Stadium in October 2018, the Bulls have lost 21 of their last 26 games. Seventeen of those defeats have been by double digits with 13 of them by at least 20 points.

Before measurable improvement can be seen on the field, however, something has to take place away from it. That is where the Bulls seem to be winning right now.

USF BULLS Football Mitchell Brinkman
Mitchell Brinkman Photo By USF Athletics

Senior center Brad Cecil, one of five returning starters on the offensive line, provided some details during a press conference held in the Bulls’ new locker room prior to the first day of fall camp.

Specifically, he spoke about how players wear the same team-colored clothing and workout shoes in the weight room. He also noted how everybody picks up after themselves and each other while keeping the hallways and meeting rooms clean.

“It might seem like a little thing, but we’re on the same page and you notice that,” said Cecil. “That will translate on the field. You can rely on the guy next to you. He cares about you.”

Maybe the Bulls will win in Raleigh on Thursday night. Maybe it will be another double-digit loss. Whatever the case, when looking at that larger picture, it is safe to say things are at least headed in the right direction as the curtain rises on the 2021 season.

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