Back to the South Florida Bulls Newsfeed

USF spring notes: Bulls, Jean-Mary try tackling an old issue

JOEY KNIGHT | Times

Trumpeted by some high-decibel exhortations from new coordinator Brian Jean-Mary, a fresh defensive era dawned for USF on Monday.

Not that the sun could set fast enough on the prior one.

If the inaugural spring practice was any sign, tackling is priority No. 1 for Jean-Mary, who had the Bulls engaging in wrap-up drills while most were still on their morning commute.

"We have to improve on defense," said new coach Charlie Strong, who inherits nine starters from a unit that ranked 120th nationally (482.0 ypg) last season.

"There were a lot of games that we gave up a lot of scores, but it's still fundamentals with them and you've got to improve with our tackling, and just getting the ball back for our offense.