USF Football: 5 breakout candidates for the Bulls in 2017
By Zach Bigalke
For the South Florida offense to work effectively, it needs adequate blocking and strong protection up front. Without a strong offensive line, neither the aerial attack nor the ground game gets anywhere. That’s where starting left guard Jeremi Hall comes into the picture. The left guard could be the key to D’Ernest Johnson reaching 1000 rushing yards and Quinton Flowers contending for the Heisman Trophy.
Along with center Cameron Ruff, Hall is one of two senior starters on the offensive line. He will help protect Flowers’ blind side along with junior tackle Eric Mayes. He will also be called upon to open holes for Johnson, Flowers, and Darius Tice when the Bulls elect to run between the tackles. He has the experience of playing an increasing role on USF’s back-to-back school record breakers in terms of rushing productivity.
The 6-foot-5, 332-pound road grader spent four years working with Willie Taggart and the Bulls staff to emerge as a starting force in the interior of the USF line. Now that Strong has brought in a new staff, it will fall to the veterans to make sure the unit remains strong under new management. Hall needs to emerge not just as a solid player but also as a solid leader.
Hall could bolster his chances of earning a late-round flyer in the 2018 NFL Draft or landing a free-agent contract with a pro team with a strong season in 2017. If the Bulls break team records for rushing a third straight season, a breakout year from Hall will play a big part in that success.