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Everyone is praising the job done by coach Jim Leavitt. Everyone, that is, except Leavitt himself. "All that did was help us to lay a foundation," says Leavitt, who is trying to stay grounded. "I imagine we'll be picked near the bottom [of C-USA], which is probably about right. Nobody thinks we're going to come in and tear up the league. And they shouldn't. We've been picked low before, and surprised some people. We're going to have a good team. But the fact is we have to replace so many productive players. I can't see past that right now. We've got some work ahead." The Bulls were 9-2 last season and nearly accomplished the unthinkable -- a bowl bid without an automatic conference tie-in. Now the Bulls must replace the program's cornerstone players: do-everything quarterback Marquel Blackwell and linebacker Kawika Mitchell. OFFENSIVE KEYS: With the departure of Blackwell, Leavitt is placing his faith in junior Ronnie Banks, who has been in South Florida's system for three years as Blackwell's unknown backup. Banks is bigger but less mobile. Still, he will play into the existing system, which emphasizes a quick-rhythm, no-huddle passing game.Banks has a fleet of returning receivers, including huge target Huey Whittaker, who could become an impact player in C-USA. The entire offensive line returns as well. South Florida also has four returning running backs: Clenton Crossley, Vince Brewer, DeJuan Green and Quinton Callum. Leavitt says he wants to run the ball more often and may even employ more standard use of the two-back set. More likely, though, South Florida's offensive hopes will begin and end at quarterback. That's the way it was with Blackwell. And despite early questions about his experience and ability, Banks will slip into that prominent role. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The Bulls were up and down defensively, limiting opponents to 308 yards per game, but they too often surrendered the big play. Overall, though, it was an area of strength. Now the Bulls will be tested because they must replace Mitchell and most of the defensive line.Leavitt says the line was probably his team's most underrated unit because its athleticism set the tone for a speedy, ball-hawking approach. The returning leaders figure to be defensive end Terrance Royal, who started as a freshman, and senior defensive tackle Lee Roy Selmon, who's back after redshirting due to a torn ACL. "It starts up front," Leavitt says. "Once again, I think that's going to dictate the direction of our defense. It's wait and see because we've got to replace a lot of players." The Bulls must get productivity from sophomore Devon Davis, who steps in for Mitchell at middle linebacker. The return of Maurice Jones and Courtney Davenport, coupled with Davis meeting expectations, will keep the linebacking corps at a high level. The defense's true strength is the secondary, where J.R. Reed and Kevin Verpaele already form one of C-USA's most productive safety tandems. Starting cornerback Ron Hemingway should return from off-season shoulder surgery. SPECIAL TEAMS: Placekicker Santiago Gramatica became more of a factor by making 16-of-21 field-goal attempts following off-season ACL surgery. The Bulls like new punter Brandon Baker, but they need a return specialist to replace DeAndrew Rubin, one of the nation's best.FINAL ANALYSIS: South Florida deserved a bowl trip in 2002. The Bulls were 9-2, losing only at Arkansas and Oklahoma. Without a conference affiliation, their hopes realistically were doomed from the start. That's no longer a problem with full membership in Conference USA.Expect the Bulls to maintain their high-octane offensive system, leaving pressure on a defense that must retool its line and replace Mitchell. If the defense can do its part, the Bulls should be in line for a winning season, putting them on the cusp of the program's first bowl bid. One thing is certain: Leavitt has taken full advantage of his program's geography. The Bulls have become a serious player for key recruits in talent-rich state of Florida. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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