OCTAVIO JONES | Times
The nickname sounds like a natural, equal parts bovine and bloodthirsty. A catchy, concise moniker illustrating USF's defensive philosophy.
But make no mistake, "Bull Shark" was hardly a no-brainer.
To the contrary, first-year coordinator Tom Allen spent his inaugural weeks on the job investing research and serious thought into the identity he wanted to forge for his unit before settling on sharks.
During USF's bowl media day Tuesday, Allen spoke of the "Bull Shark" genesis, saying he pondered other nicknames before figuratively drifting into salt water.
"Actually I proposed 'Pit Bull,' but that never kind of got (traction)," he said.