TAMPA, Fla. – Calvin Johnson enjoyed a nine-year career with the Detroit Lions that resulted in a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 6-foot-5 and 235-pound receiver caught 731 passes and was named to six straight Pro Bowls.
Keshaun Singleton made his first career start against UAB last Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. The 6-foot-3 and 212-pound receiver’s first career reception was the Bulls’ longest play of the season, a 67-yard touchdown. Quarterback Bryce Archie, making his second career start, found Singleton alone behind the secondary.
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Singleton, a redshirt freshman who had a foot injury and did not see the field last season, made quite an impression in catching four passes for 105 yards in a much-needed 35-25 win over the Blazers.
“I love throwing to the guy,” said Archie, who targeted the Georgia native six times. “We call him ‘Baby Calvin Johnson.’ He is going to help us a lot this year and years to come.”
Singleton is an example of younger players coach Alex Golesh has been turning to the past couple of games. While USF fans have been familiar with true freshman Josh Porter (16 receptions) since the season opener, Singleton and another redshirt freshmen receiver, JeyQuan Smith, have played their way into more prominent roles. Both redshirted last season, both continued to learn the system in preseason camp and both have contributed on special teams.
“The time in weight room, the time on scout team and the time on the special teams units have allowed them to gain confidence,” said the second-year coach, who praised Smith’s work on special teams. “Now they go out there and the lights aren’t (so bright) and their ready to play.”
READ: USF Bulls’ Emotional Week In Orlando Ends In Loss To Memphis
Evan Dangler appeared ready to play against UAB. It’s a good thing because Golesh noted earlier in the week that the tight ends as a group needed to do a better job blocking. Dangler is in his third year at USF, but first on offense after lining up at defensive end.
“He comes to work every day,” said Archie. “Every single day you are going to get the same Evan Dangler. He is going to run through you and do his job at 100 percent. That is kind of who Evan is. That’s his identity and he will help us out a lot this season.”
James Chenault has been helping out this season. The true freshman corner from Orlando, listed at all of 175 pounds, has been receiving more and more playing time.
“He keeps stepping up and he’s a freshman,” said Golesh. “I don’t know what he weighs, but they keep coming after him he keeps at it.”
Another true freshman, linebacker Ira Singleton, had a noticeable impact in the win over UAB. With the Bulls leading by a point late in the third quarter, the 6-foot-5 and 225-pound end stripped quarterback Jalen Kitna of the ball, which was recovered by safety Tavin Ward.
The biggest sequence of the game began with the first sack of Singleton’s career. UAB had a five-point lead with less than seven minutes to play in the game and facing a third-and-eight from their 29-yard line. Kitna dropped back to pass and was sacked by Singleton for a five-yard loss. The Blazers had to punt, which Sean Atkins returned 54 yards to the UAB 16. The Bulls were in the end zone three play later for a 28-25 lead, a score that proved to be the difference.
“They continue to build confidence and us coaches have confidence in playing them,” said Golesh. “Building up these young guys, that’s what building a program is all about.”
The Bulls (3-4/1-2 American) are off this week before heading down to Boca Raton to meet FAU (2-5/0-3) next Friday evening. They return to Raymond James Stadium to host No. 24 Navy (6-0/4-0) on November 9.
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