USF Football: 5 breakout candidates for the Bulls in 2017

For South Florida to launch into the highest reaches of the college football stratosphere, they will need a better all-around effort on defense. On the back end, veteran cornerback Deatrick Nichols will look to elevate his game as a senior and open the eyes of NFL scouts. With 26 starts under his belt, Nichols is already among the team’s best defensive backs.

Over the past two years, Nichols has patrolled one side of the field ably for the Bulls. He was a first-team All-AAC selection in 2015 and a second-team nominee in 2016. But what Charlie Strong and new defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary need, though, is for Nichols to go from USF and league star to national leader.

Nichols has 111 tackles, eight interceptions, and a dozen pass breakups in his time as a starter. As he tries to build up a highlight reel to vault his chances of landing in the pros following his college career, the 5-foot-10 Miami native will showcase his speed and instincts in pass coverage. He could emerge as one of the FBS leaders in interceptions if he plays to his potential.

The secondary was 22nd nationally in interceptions last year. But they were also among the 10 worst defenses in the country in terms of passing yards allowed. Nichols will need to break out as one of the country’s top shutdown corners for the Bulls to reach their biggest dreams this season.