USF Football Preseason Camp Report: 8/15

It was a high-energy, BBQ-scented twelfth day of USF football practice on a steamy Wednesday at the Frank Morsani Football Complex.

Here’s what we noticed:

• The defensive unit, a day after multiple up-downs and a passionate speech from defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary were needed, came out flying. Defensive tackles Kevin Bronson and Kevin Kegler, who both took first-team reps, were seen chanting “DEFENSE” from the sideline the majority of practice.
• All three Bulls kickers saw plenty of action. Jake Vivonetto, Jake Stone and Coby Weiss were all perfect from 35-yards and anything closer.
• TE Mitchell Wilcox was seen jogging around in the end zone, but missed a third straight practice.
• Offensive lineman, and redshirt freshman, Jeremiah Stafford was walking around with a boot on his left leg and did not participate in practice.
• Running back Jordan Cronkrite was impressive again, taking a screen pass from quarterback Brett Kean 60-yards to the house and sprinting past a flurry of Bulls defenders.
• Konan’s BBQ catered to the team post-practice, pulling out the big smokers and all.

Following practice, we were able to speak with DT coach Sean Cronin, Bronson and Kegler.

“We had a lot of passion and energy out here for the first time,” Cronin said. “I may go look at this film and it might be horrendous, but at least they had fun playing the game, which is how the game’s meant to be played.”

Cronin told us that both Kirk Livingstone and Vincent Jackson have stepped up lately, adding “I’d like some guys to rise and be more consistent, but right now it’s day-to-day. But as a group they’re working.”

Senior DE Bronson was asked about being a leader and some of the younger teammates behind him.

“(Tyrone) Barber and (Rashawn) Yates have been showing some great things, and Devin Leacock has been putting some good stuff on film too,” Bronson said. “Those guys are young and it’s all about staying consistent.”

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