South Florida Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection

Despite losing its head coach, South Florida football looks like the hottest team in the American Athletic Conference in 2017. Who will feature for the Bulls?

Last season, South Florida came oh-so-close to winning the American Athletic Conference. In the end, a loss to Temple was all that separated the Bulls from a spot in the league championship game. But for any Group of Five team, success comes with its own pitfalls.

Head coach Willie Taggart is now in charge at Oregon. Top running back Marlon Mack is preparing for his first season with the Indianapolis Colts. But there are still plenty of parts still in place for a successful campaign in 2017.

That includes new coach Charlie Strong. Strong was ditched by Texas at the end of last season, but he quickly rebounded at one of the top Group of Five schools. South Florida should adjust quickly to Strong’s coaching philosophy. And while the coach faltered in Austin, he recruited well and did successfully restore Louisville to prominence prior to its move to the ACC.

Strong left a full cupboard for new Longhorns coach Tom Herman. In turn, he also has a solid roster to build with in Tampa. Who will step up for the AAC favorites in 2017 as they battle for a New Year’s Six bowl invite?