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It’s no secret that the USF defense has to improve in 2017, and there aren’t two better guys to learn from than former star linebacker Stephen Nicholas and former defensive end George Selvie.
The two standouts combined for nearly 400 tackles in college and almost 500 tackles in their NFL careers, something the 2016 team was horrendous at doing consistently.
“This is a very good tackling team,” Selvie said. “Coach Strong has been pushing them on defense and he’s been teaching them his defense — a hard-nosed defense — and that’s what he wants and [the players] are responding to it.”
Selvie is most remembered for his dominant 2007 season, where he broke nearly every USF sack record and led the team in sacks (14.5) and TFL’s (31.5). Nicholas was no slouch in the sack department, either, totaling 20 career sacks, good for second in program history.
Selvie joined the strength and conditioning staff in January after a six year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I’m excited to be back...It’s a great feeling to be wanted to come back,” Selvie said. He admitted he didn’t come around much after he left for the NFL but he seems genuinely excited to be a part of the team.
Practice Summary:
We did not get to see any part of practice as they were likely installing plays and formations for week one and did not want us seeing anything. They were just in shells today.
Quotable:
“Wally B was a different cat,” Selvie said regarding the similarities between current defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary and former defensive coordinator Wally Burnham.
Injury Update:
- Freshman running back Duran Bell was on “Rehab Island” again.
- Backup guard Glen Bethel was off crutches today but was walking with a noticeable limp.
- WR Ryeshene Bronson’s right arm was out of the sling but looked like he did not practice. Gut feeling is that he isn’t ready for San Jose State.