South Florida Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Defensive Backs
Starting safeties: Khalid McGee, Devin Abraham, Tajee Fullwood
Backups: Nate Ferguson, Craig Watts, Jaymon Thomas
Last year’s secondary was something of an enigma. The unit ranked in the top 25 nationally in interceptions, picking off 15 passes in 2016. They were middle of the road in opponent passing efficiency, ranking 60th out of 128 FBS teams. In terms of actual yardage that opponents gained through the air, though, South Florida was abysmal. The Bulls ranked 122nd in passing yards allowed in 2016, conceding an average of 285 per game.
The five-man defensive backfield could help improve South Florida’s passing defense and reduce the bending that occurred all too often last year. Khalid McGee is versatile enough to play the “Striker” position for the Bulls as well as earn starts at cornerback. He operates as both a rover and an extra corner, allowing seniors Devin Abraman and Tajee Fullwood to patrol the field at the other safety positions.
Craig Watts, a four-star recruit who redshirted last season, highlights the talent backing up the starting trio. His addition could help improve the depth in the unit. Nate Ferguson has seen action in 12 games over the past two seasons, while fellow backup Jaymon Thomas earned four starts last year.
Starting cornerbacks: Deatrick Nichols, Ronnie Hoggins
Backups: Michael Hampton, Mazzi Wilkins
Nate Godwin is gone, having been a stalwart at one corner position. But top cornerback Deatrick Nichols is back for his senior season after leading the team in passes defensed in 2016. Ronnie Hoggins is the favorite to fill the other corner position after getting seven starts last year. He led the team last year in pass breakups even after missing two games due to injury.
Mazzi Wilkins has been a mainstay on special teams the past two years while also seeing spot duty at cornerback. He could get increased reps, but also watch out for redshirt freshman Mike Hampton. The three-star recruit turned down several offers from Big Ten and ACC schools to stay in Florida and play for the Bulls. He could help improve the quality at the position for years to come.