The University of South Florida football program is entering its 20th season.  The Bulls program has slowly but surely turned the corner since Coach Willie Taggart took over on December 7, 2012.  Coaches, players, and commits credit that to Taggart’s "Bay Made, Bay Stayed" philosophy.  And, Taggart says that is by design.

“We wanted to build our team around the Bay Area kids.  We thought that was going to be important in order for us to go where we want to go.  We picked six counties that surround Hillsborough County and call that our “in-state”.  That's the Bay Area and we try to recruit the heck out of it.” 

The surge in local talent committing to USF has vaulted the Bulls to a No. 5 ranking in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for the 2017 class.  Sarasota, FL native and 2014 commit Marlon Mack says he chose USF because he bought into Taggart's philosophy of homegrown talent playing for the home crowd.

“He always told us that he wanted the local kids because the local kids are going to put on and try to make sure the city is great.  And, I think that’s what we’re doing.”

The Class of 2017 currently has 12 commits, including Jefferson High School offensive lineman Jean Marcellus.  Marcellus says it was his experience with Taggart and the ascent of the program that made him choose USF over the likes of the University of Louisville and the University of Cincinnati.

“I felt the atmosphere and how much the coaches could really love a player.  And, the thought of playing for my city and making a big impact on the team was appealing.”

The Bulls head to AAC Media Days on Monday, August 1 just ahead of football camp, which opens on Thursday, August 4.