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It’s been a while since we’ve had some meaningful South Florida Bulls football news, and Tuesday tried its best to make up for it.
USF head coach Jeff Scott met with reporters (and Steeg) via Zoom to discuss myriad of topics, including some exciting news about the USF Football Facility, and more.
Unknown Donor Gives $5 million toward the USF Football Center
.@BullsNathanSBN asked Jeff Scott about how close the USF Football Facility is to getting going, and he tells us that he's secured a $5 million gift from a donor to go toward it.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) February 16, 2021
"It's very close" Scott said with a sly smile
We nearly went the entire presser without finding this out. Talk about burying the lede. Jeff Scott seemed nearly giddy talking to reporters about the new donation they secured last week.
Scott said there’s still some paperwork and typical big money donation things to work through, but was excited to share the news. The Daily Stampede was able to confirm who the donation is from, but we’ve made the decision to wait until all parties are ready to announce this amazing gift. Shoutout [redacted]!
When the plans for the football facility were announced in late 2017, the original price tag was about $40 million. We believe this new donation puts USF right near, if not at the “Go ahead and get the shovel in the ground” territory.
We can only assume the major donor was inspired by Steeg’s grassroots movement last week that saw dozens of USF fans donate to the football center, among other causes. [THIS IS SARCASM]
Thank you to everyone who donated.
Spring Practice Starts Next Week
The Bulls will kick off spring practice on February 23 with eyes on a March 27 spring game inside Raymond James Stadium.
The spring game will be Saturday March 27th at Raymond James Stadium.
— The Daily Stampede (@StampedeSBN) February 16, 2021
The thought behind having the spring game at Ray Jay is pretty simple: More room for fans and family given the pandemic. Scott wants a game-like atmosphere for his team, and who else wouldn’t want to play on the field the Bucs won a Super Bowl?
USF Signs Up for Two More Games Versus BYU
Shortly before the media session, USF announced they’ve agreed to two more games with BYU beginning in 2022. The Bulls will welcome in the Cougars on September 3, 2022, and return to Provo on October 28, 2023.
USF faces BYU in Provo this season on September 24 to wrap up the initial two-game series.
With this announcement, the Bulls have their nonconference scheduled booked through 2027, including games versus Alabama, Boise State, Florida, Louisville, and NC State.
Meanwhile...
Y-I-K-E-S pic.twitter.com/h6PNFcZgfy
— Nathan Bond (@BullsNathanSBN) February 16, 2021
Scott Will Coach Wide Receivers Until July
Almost as exciting (to him) as the $5 million donation, Scott announced that he’ll be coaching wide receivers this spring, and through July until their new wide receivers coach can get on campus.
Scott said due to contract issues, and retirement benefit plans the new coach—widely reported to be former South Carolina RB/TE coach Bobby Bentley—won’t be able to officially begin until July.