yeah we will smith in the empty room on defense
Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
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djp73
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Soapy
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11533
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
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Soapy
- Posts: 13745
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:42
Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11533
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
USF FOOTBALL NEWS
SPRING FOOTBALL SERIES – WEEK ONE - OFFENSE
The DJ Porter era at South Florida is officially underway, and all eyes are on the quarterbacks as the Bulls opened spring football this week. While the tempo was lively and the atmosphere optimistic, the biggest storyline emerging from the early practices has been the three-way competition for the starting job under center.
Quarterback Battle Highlights Early Practices
Returning starter Locklan Hewlett, Georgia State transfer TJ Stanley, and redshirt sophomore Joshua Brantley have all taken their share of reps with the first-team offense, and each brings a distinct flavor to the position.
Hewlett, who threw for 3,432 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2026, continues to impress with his arm strength. His passes have the most zip of the trio of frontrunners, routinely cutting through coverage in tight windows. Brantley, meanwhile, has flashed superior touch on intermediate throws. Stanley, the newcomer with 3,436 yards and 27 touchdowns last season in the Sun Belt, combines elements of both with solid velocity and finesse.
What’s made the race intriguing is that all three have shown poise and command of the offense. Brantley remains the best athlete, showing the most fluidity when the play breaks down, but Stanley’s mobility has also stood out. Hewlett’s experience gives him the early edge, but Porter (who is calling plays himself this season) have made it clear: the job is up for grabs.
“Each of these guys has a skill set that's a bit different than the others,” Porter said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’re going to see who makes the most of their opportunities. If that means using multiple quarterbacks, we’ll do what gives us the best chance to win.”
Backfield Competition Heating Up
While the passing game has drawn the headlines, the Bulls’ running back room is quietly showing signs of depth. Nicholas Daniel has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp, demonstrating improved shiftiness and acceleration. His ability to make defenders miss has earned praise from coaches, and he’s quickly working his way into the rotation as a change-of-pace option behind George Shembo and Steven Snead.
Running backs coach Hall Simmons has emphasized versatility, and with several capable ball carriers, the Bulls are experimenting with new looks, including two-back sets and motion plays that could feature Daniel or Connor Suggs in space.
Elton York, primarily used on special teams last season, is also in the mix with his speed and burst amongst the best at the position.
Wide Receivers Emerging Behind Williams
If there’s a constant for USF’s offense, it’s the receiving corps. Senior Tyler Williams looks every bit the part of a No. 1 option, creating separation consistently and commanding attention from every quarterback. Newcomer Jordyn Bridgewater, the UCF transfer, has made an immediate impression as well, showing reliable hands and route polish that could make him a go-to target on third downs.
Behind them, Dawann Troup appears to have taken a leap over the offseason. His improved footwork and physicality have earned him extended reps, and wide receivers coach Sean Goldrich noted that “Troup’s confidence and work ethic are starting to show.”
Tight Ends Getting Creative
Receivers Kyrie Michaels and Dalton Sahara have been working with the position group this spring to inject more athleticism and vertical threat into the offense. Both former wideouts bring speed and length to the position, giving USF the ability to stretch the field from multiple formations. However, their limited blocking experience remains a work in progress, something that assistant head coach Jack Cosgrove acknowledged will take time to develop.
“They give us a different look with a bit more speed, a bit more danger up the seam,” Cosgrove said. “We’ll keep working on the fundamentals, but they can really help us open things up.”
Offensive Line Rotations Ongoing
Up front, Porter’s staff has been rotating through numerous combinations as they search for the right mix. Veterans TJ Lawrence, Adam Forbes, and Clint Hendricks have all logged significant reps, while senior Connor Doyle has drawn extended looks at left tackle. Freshman Chester Knapp and JUCO transfer Cliff Jean-Pierre have also flashed at times, showing potential to factor into the depth chart later in camp.
Offensive line coach AJ Hopp has praised the group’s versatility and competition level:
“We’ve got a lot of guys who can play multiple spots. It’s about finding the five who mesh best together and we’re seeing progress every day.”
As spring ball rolls on, the Bulls’ offense remains a work in progress but one full of intrigue. The quarterback race headlines the story, but with emerging talent at wideout, newfound creativity at tight end, and competition brewing across the line, DJ Porter’s first spring in Tampa is setting the tone for a program eager to take the next step.
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djp73
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
USF FOOTBALL NEWS
SPRING FOOTBALL SERIES – WEEK TWO - DEFENSE
The second week of spring football at South Florida has been all about the defense. After last week’s offensive fireworks and quarterback storylines, the focus has shifted to Tony White’s task of retooling the Bulls’ roster to fit his aggressive 3-3-5 Tite defensive scheme, a system that demands both discipline and flexibility from every level of the field.
The early returns have been mixed. While flashes of playmaking ability have energized the coaching staff, it’s clear that molding this unit into a cohesive, gap-sound defense will take time and patience.
Front Six Finding Its Identity
For White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, the challenge has been clear from day one: adapting an inherited roster to a scheme that requires specific body types and technical fits. The Bulls have shuffled combinations constantly, experimenting to find which players can fill critical roles in the front three and hybrid edge spots.
There have been encouraging signs. Ira Singleton, though undersized for his listed position, has been one of the early bright spots. His length, motor, and knack for getting into the backfield have made him a potential difference-maker in multiple alignments. Danny Felton has also caught the staff’s attention with his ability to slide between positions, showing the versatility this system demands.
The defensive front, including Quincey Werner, Chad Harbor, Quandre Dwumfour, and Kaleb Short, has made noticeable progress since the end of last season. Each has shown better pad level and hand placement, and the group’s collective effort has brought some optimism about rotational depth.
At nose tackle, Jahari Grant remains the lone true fit for the role, anchoring the interior with size and leverage. Yet, DiNellson Exume has proven disruptive in his own right, using quickness and strength to collapse pockets and chase down plays, no matter where he lines up.
“We’re not at the point where everyone’s a perfect schematic fit, but guys are starting to figure it out,” Knighton said. “They’re learning how to use what they’ve got to make this defense go.”
Linebackers: Thin but Energetic
Depth remains an issue at linebacker, but what the Bulls lack in numbers, they make up for in intensity. Penn State transfer Eric Rance has quickly become a tone-setter, flying sideline to sideline and bringing a physical presence to every drill. Former safety Jermaine Dalias has also adjusted well to his new role closer to the line of scrimmage, flashing range and instincts that could make him a critical piece in White’s flexible second level.
Linebackers coach Ernie Sims has emphasized communication and eye discipline as this young group learns the nuances of the 3-3-5. With multiple hybrid looks expected, expect both Rance and Dalias to be leaned on heavily this fall.
Secondary Standing Tall
If there’s a position group that looks the most settled, it’s the cornerbacks. Senior Izaiah Guy continues to set the tone with leadership and consistency, rarely losing in one-on-one situations. Behind him, Gavin Jenkins has taken major steps forward in coverage technique and confidence, while David Igbinoghene might be the biggest revelation of spring so far.
Once considered a raw athlete, Igbinoghene has emerged as one of the fastest and most explosive players on the roster and he’s pushing Jenkins hard for that second starting corner spot.
“He’s been lights out,” defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain said. “You can tell he’s worked all offseason. His confidence is matching his ability now.”
At safety, the picture is a little murkier but not without promise. Veteran Cedrick Hawkins has been a spark plug, forcing turnovers and providing much-needed leadership. George Vales has improved his tackling and recognition, while freshman Nick Jones remains the biggest X-factor. If Jones can develop quickly, it could elevate the entire secondary.
Special Teams Showing Strength
The special teams unit might be the most encouraging part of USF’s spring so far. Senior kicker Nico Gramatica has displayed elite range and accuracy, routinely drilling field goals from beyond 50 yards. Fellow kicker Adam Zouagui has also shown improvement in consistency and placement.
At punter, transfer Dorian McSurdy has been turning heads with booming hang time and precise placement. His ability to flip the field has been a highlight of special teams drills, while Luke Goater continues to compete but trails slightly in both distance and accuracy.
In the return game, Elton York has handled most of the reps with steady hands and field vision, though David Igbinoghene has received some looks as well. His explosiveness is undeniable, though his decision-making remains a work in progress.
“We’ve got a good mix right now,” said special teams coordinator Chad Creamer, the lone holdover from the previous staff. “Nico and Dorian give us elite specialists, and we’re going to keep pushing guys to find that spark in the return game.”
Looking Ahead
Through two weeks of spring, the Bulls’ defense remains a work in progress, but the energy is undeniable. White’s 3-3-5 system is demanding, both mentally and physically, yet players are beginning to embrace the identity shift.
As the team transitions into the back half of spring practices, the focus will turn toward refining execution, building chemistry, and continuing to identify playmakers on a unit that is learning to play fast, aggressive, and together.
If the early flashes from Singleton, Igbinoghene, and Hawkins are any indication, South Florida’s defense might just be finding its footing.
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djp73
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
USF FOOTBALL NEWS
SPRING FOOTBALL SERIES – WEEK FOUR – SPRING GAME
Under the bright lights and with a new era of optimism surrounding the program, South Florida wrapped up spring camp with an energetic, back-and-forth Spring Game at Raymond James Stadium that gave fans a first glimpse at the progress made under new head coach DJ Porter and defensive coordinator Tony White.
The Bulls split into Green and White squads, showcasing both sides of the ball in a controlled scrimmage format. When the day was done, it was the green squad that held on for a 28–24 victory, closing camp on a competitive note that left Porter encouraged.
“It was physical, it was competitive, and it looked like football,” Porter said with a grin. “That’s what you want this time of year. There’s a lot to clean up, but the energy and buy-in were there.”
Quarterback Battle on Full Display
The much-discussed quarterback competition headlined the afternoon, and each contender had moments to shine.
Locklan Hewlett started hot, leading a crisp opening drive capped by a dart to Tyler Williams for a 19-yard touchdown. His velocity and command of the short passing game were on full display as he finished 11-for-16 for 142 yards and two scores.
Joshua Brantley followed with a composed performance of his own, flashing accuracy on intermediate throws and mobility outside the pocket. His highlight came midway through the second quarter when he extended a broken play, rolled left, and hit Jordyn Bridgewater across his body for a 42-yard gain.
Transfer TJ Stanley, meanwhile, led two scoring drives of his own, showing the same poise and balance that made him a standout at Georgia State. While he didn’t post gaudy numbers, his pocket presence and ability to change tempo impressed the coaching staff.
“It’s a great problem to have,” Porter said. “All three can win you football games. We’ll keep evaluating through the summer.”
Daniel and Shembo Pace the Ground Game
In the backfield, sophomore Nicholas Daniel continued his strong spring, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown while showcasing the elusiveness that has turned heads throughout camp. Veteran George Shembo added 41 yards on limited carries, consistently churning out positive gains behind an offensive line that mixed personnel heavily.
Freshman Connor Suggs also drew praise for his physicality, breaking multiple tackles on a late fourth-quarter drive that nearly brought the white team back.
Williams and Bridgewater Lead the Aerial Attack
At receiver, Tyler Williams looked every bit the part of a true No. 1 option, hauling in six passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including a leaping grab in the back of the end zone over senior corner Izaiah Guy. Jordyn Bridgewater was equally productive, finishing with 74 yards on four receptions and showing reliable chemistry with both Brantley and Stanley.
Redshirt freshman Dawann Troup also had a strong showing, turning a quick slant into a 35-yard gain and demonstrating the physical maturity to fight through tackles.
Tight ends Kyrie Michaels and Dalton Sahara, both converted receivers, added versatility in the passing game. Michaels’ speed up the seam produced one of the day’s loudest reactions, a 28-yard catch that set up a field goal by Nico Gramatica.
Defense Finds Its Identity
While the offense struck first, Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense played hard as well, forcing a turnover and recording two sacks.
Ira Singleton stood out once again, notching a sack and several pressures while lining up in multiple spots. Danny Felton and DiNellson Exume both flashed disruptive ability in the trenches, with Exume forcing a fumble on a goal-line stand that drew roars from the sideline.
At linebacker, Eric Rance continued to establish himself as the emotional leader of the unit, finishing with six tackles and a key fourth-down stop. Converted safety Jermaine Dalias added a pair of tackles for loss and broke up a pass in coverage.
In the secondary, David Igbinoghene may have stolen the show. The sophomore corner blanketed receivers all afternoon and capped his day with a 65-yard pick-six off a tipped ball, the play of the game. Gavin Jenkins was strong in coverage opposite him, while safety Cedrick Hawkins added a red-zone stop.
“The defense is starting to understand how to attack within this system,” White said postgame. “We’re seeing communication, trust, and a lot of hustle and that’s the foundation we need.”
Special Teams Impress Again
Special teams coordinator Chad Creamer left the stadium smiling after another consistent day from his specialists.
Nico Gramatica drilled all of his attempts, including a 52-yarder that split the uprights with room to spare. Punter Dorian McSurdy flipped the field multiple times with booming kicks that pinned the offense deep, while Elton York handled return duties securely, though David Igbinoghene got a few trial runs as well, flashing elite straight-line speed.
Building Momentum into Summer
The spring game served as a strong closing note to Porter’s first set of practices at USF. The Bulls may still have positional battles to sort out and questions to answer defensively, but the foundation is being laid for a more cohesive, physical team.
“It’s a starting point,” Porter said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but this group showed today that they’re ready to compete.”
The next step: summer workouts and the final stretch before fall camp, where the Bulls will look to build on their spring momentum and carry it into Porter’s inaugural season on the sideline.
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djp73
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
AMERICAN CONFERENCE 2027 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Tulane
2026 Record: 10-3 | 7-1 in American, W CC vs North Texas
Head Coach: John Sumrall | 30-12 at Tulane | 53-16 Career
Schemes: Power Spread | 4-2-5
2. Florida Atlantic
2026 Record: 9-3 | 5-3 in American
Head Coach: Zach Kittley | 13-12 at FAU | 13-12 Career
Schemes: Air Raid | 3-3-5 Tite
3. North Texas
2026 Record: 10-3 | 6-2 in American, L CC vs Tulane
Head Coach: Dowell Loggains | 0-0 at North Texas | 7-17 Career
Schemes: Multiple | Base 3-4
4. Memphis
2026 Record: 6-6 | 5-3 in American
Head Coach: Clay Helton | 6-7 at Memphis | 77-57 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5
5. East Carolina
2026 Record: 5-7 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Blake Harrell | 19-17 at ECU 19-17 Career
Schemes: Veer and Shoot | Base 3-4
6. Army
2026 Record: 2-10 | 2-6 in American
Head Coach: Jeff Monken | 89-74 at Army | 89-74 Career
Schemes: Option | 3-3-5 Tite
7. Navy
2026 Record: 6-6 | 4-4 in American
Head Coach: Brian Newberry | 31-21 at Navy | 31-21 Career
Schemes: Option | 3-4 Multiple
8. Temple
2026 Record: 8-4 | 5-3 in American
Head Coach: Joe Moorhead | 8-5 at Temple | 34-53 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5
9. Tulsa
2026 Record: 5-7 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Trey Lamb | 9-15 at Tulsa | 9-15 Career
Schemes: Spread | Base 4-3
10. Rice
2026 Record: 2-10 | 1-7 in American
Head Coach: Fran Brown | 0-0 at Rice | 21-17 Career
Schemes: Spread | 3-3-5 Tite
11. UTSA
2026 Record: 5-7 | 4-4 in American
Head Coach: Raheem Vilain | 5-7 at UTSA | 5-7 Career
Schemes: Spread | Base 4-3
12. USF
2026 Record: 5-7 | 4-4 in American
Head Coach: DJ Porter | 0-0 at USF | 0-0 Career
Schemes: Multiple | 3-3-5 Tite
13. UAB
2026 Record: 5-7 | 4-4 in American
Head Coach: Lamar Davis | 11-14 at UAB | 11-14 Career
Schemes: Spread | 4-2-5
14. Charlotte
2026 Record: 4-8 | 3-5 in American
Head Coach: Tim Albin | 11-14 at Charlotte | 45-33 Career
Schemes: Pistol | 4-2-5
ALL CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
Preseason All-American Athletic Conference — First Team
Offense
QB: Kadin Semonza, Tulane (SR RS)
HB: Gideon Davidson, Tulane (SO RS)
HB: Chauncey Bowens, Tulane (JR RS)
WR: Anthony Brown-Stephens, Tulane (SR RS)
WR: Tank Hawkins, Florida Atlantic (SR)
WR: Jeremiah McClellan, North Texas (JR RS)
TE: Shaq Clayton, Navy (JR)
LT: Mitch Hodnett, Tulane (JR RS)
LG: Dylan Shaw, North Texas (SR RS)
C: Vysen Lang, Memphis (SR RS)
RG: Dominic Steward, Tulane (JR RS)
RT: Tristen Fortenberry, Tulane (JR RS)
Defense
LE: Soma Luani, Tulane (SO)
RE: Tremaine York, Memphis (SO)
DT: Riley Van Poppel, North Texas (SR)
DT: Shakai Woods, Memphis (SR RS)
SAM: JJ Jean-Louis, North Texas (SR RS)
MIKE: Dickson Agu, Tulane (SR RS)
WILL: Warren Roberts Jr., Tulane (SO RS)
CB: Zabien Brown, Navy (SR)
CB: Chance Rucker, Navy (SR RS)
FS: Jack Tchienchou, Tulane (SR RS)
SS: Kevin Adams III, Tulane (SR RS)
Special Teams
K: Cesar Arcuri, Memphis (FR RS)
P: Carl Whitehead, East Carolina (SO)
Preseason All-American Athletic Conference — Second Team
Offense
QB: Arrington Maiden, Memphis (JR RS)
HB: J’Koby Williams, Tulane (SR)
HB: Jamauri McClure, Tulane (JR RS)
WR: Bryce Cain, Florida Atlantic (JR RS)
WR: Zion Kearney, Navy (SR)
WR: Adrian Wilson, Florida Atlantic (SO RS)
TE: Sam West, Navy (JR RS)
LT: Parker Peterson, Memphis (SR RS)
LG: Gresham Perry, Tulane (SO RS)
C: Qae’Shon Sapp, Florida Atlantic (SR RS)
RG: Kendall Crook, North Texas (SO)
RT: Hunter Erb, Tulsa (SR RS)
Defense
LE: MonTae Byers, Tulane (JR RS)
RE: Wilky Denaud, Florida Atlantic (SR RS)
DT: Eliyt Nairne, Tulane (SR RS)
DT: Omar Khan, North Texas (JR RS)
SAM: A.J. Rountree, Tulane (FR RS)
MIKE: Matt Farrow, Tulane (SO)
WILL: Jean Claude Joseph III, Tulane (SR RS)
CB: Tre’Quon Fegans, Navy (SR RS)
CB: Taylor Starling, Navy (SR RS)
FS: Chase Green, Tulane (JR RS)
SS: Rashad Johnson Jr., North Texas (JR)
Special Teams
K: Rico Grimm, Navy (SO)
P: Torry Flanagan, Memphis (SO)
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11533
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
AMERICAN CONFERENCE 2027 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES
AMERICAN CONFERENCE QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
1. Ryan Byrne – North Texas
2026: 4,256 Yds, 37 TD, 12 Int | 278 Rush Yds, 4 Rush TD
Byrne was the most prolific passer in the conference last season, leading the AAC in yards and touchdowns. His production and command of the Mean Green offense make him the top returning QB.
2. Arrington Maiden – Memphis
2026: 3,529 Yds, 29 TD, 11 Int | 410 Rush Yds, 6 Rush TD
Maiden brings the perfect balance of passing and running ability. His dual-threat skills powered Memphis to one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and he enters 2027 as a proven playmaker.
3. Locklan Hewlett – USF
2026: 3,432 Yds, 30 TD, 3 Int | 451 Rush Yds, 5 Rush TD
Hewlett’s efficiency was elite, 30 touchdowns to just three interceptions, and he added mobility to his game. His combination of poise, decision-making, and athleticism makes him one of the most underrated QBs in the league.
4. Kadin Semonza – Tulane
2026: 3,306 Yds, 22 TD, 9 Int | 259 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TD
The Green Wave veteran and preseason All-American remains one of the conference’s most respected leaders. While his stats weren’t as gaudy as Byrne’s or Hewlett’s, Semonza’s consistency and experience keep Tulane’s offense rolling.
5. Cole Dunn – Temple
2026: 3,234 Yds, 27 TD, 9 Int | 424 Rush Yds, 4 Rush TD
A quietly productive dual-threat, Dunn was one of the league’s most balanced quarterbacks last year. His improvement as a passer gives Temple stability and a legitimate playmaker under center.
6. Patrick Crayton Jr. – Rice
2026: 2,714 Yds, 17 TD, 8 Int | 262 Rush Yds, 3 Rush TD
Crayton isn’t flashy, but he was efficient and protected the ball well. His steady play gives Rice a strong foundation in what could be an improved offense this fall.
7. Andrew Alford – Tulsa
2026: 2,845 Yds, 12 TD, 14 Int | 78 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TD
Alford’s numbers were uneven last year, but Tulsa leaned heavily on him to make plays. If he can cut down turnovers, his experience could pay dividends in 2027.
8. Emory Williams – Florida Atlantic
2026: N/A
Williams finally gets his shot to lead an offense at the college level. His ceiling is high, but he’ll need to show it on the field before climbing the ranks.
9. Brandon Tennison – Army
2026: 984 Yds, 6 TD, 6 Int | 571 Rush Yds, 4 Rush TD
While limited as a passer, Tennison’s rushing production gives Army a true option-style leader. His fit within the system is ideal, though his passing ceiling remains low compared to peers.
10. Tyler Chambers – Charlotte
2026: 282 Yds, 4 TD, 3 Int | 61 Rush Yds
Chambers has talent and a strong arm, but his limited sample size makes him more of an unknown. Still, Charlotte is betting big on his potential.
11. Emanuel Rome – UTSA
2026: 20 Yds
Redshirt freshman Rome has reportedly beat out WKU transfer Tucker Parks for the starting job. Rome has shown solid arm strength and above accuracy. UTSA will be banking on him putting it together.
12. Levi Drayton – UAB
2026: N/A
Drayton has won a preseason battle against Camaran Brown. Drayton has ideal size (6'5” 228). The former three star will have his chance to shine after transferring from Colorado.
13. Jackson Hamilton – East Carolina
2026: N/A
Hamilton is an electric athlete but his lack of experience and less than stellar arm strength have him toward the bottom of the rankings looking up.
14. Zyaire Johnson – Navy
2026: N/A
Johnson has the athletic traits Navy looks for, but he’s yet to show command as a passer. Until he produces, he rounds out the list.
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James
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter
Looks like you at least have a good QB.