TAMPA, Fla. – The biggest sequence of USF’s 35-25 win over visiting UAB two weeks ago began with a timely sack by Ira Singleton.
The Blazers had a five-point lead with less than seven minutes to play in the game and faced a third-and-eight from their 29-yard line. Quarterback Jalen 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.
READ: Ben Fletcher Takes Over USF Men’s Basketball Program Following Death Of Amir Abdur-Rahim
USF fans might soon become accustomed to such impactful plays from the 6-foot-5, 225-pound end from Lilburn, Ga.
“He has always had a dynamic skillset of rushing the passer,” said defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. “He’s big, long, a pretty looking cat and he can run. Now, he is starting to get some reps underneath his belt. Early in the season, he was trying to figure it out. (The game) was a little too fast for him. We are really excited about him and we are fully committed to him, too. He’s going to play a ton this week.”
The true freshman, no relation to fellow Georgian, receiver Keyshaun Singleton, is one of the many younger players earning reps as the season progresses.
“I feel like I’m more confident as I’ve been starting to play more and more,” said Singleton, who originally committed to Miami (Ohio). “When I first got here, my technique really wasn’t there, but I was always athletic. As the months have gone by, I have improved my technique while learning more about the game, the plays and everything.”
READ: Keshaun Singleton, James Chenault Among Younger USF Bulls Making An Impact
Singleton enters Friday night’s game at FAU with five tackles and a pair of sacks.
Boca Bound
Friday night’s game at FAU (7:30 ESPN2) will be the second for the Bulls against the Owls in Boca Raton. The first was a 35-23 win in 2007. USF (3-4/1-2 American) lost to FAU (2-5/0-3) at Raymond James Stadium, 56-14, last season. The Bulls have won three of five all-time meetings.
Byrum or Bryce?
Coach Alex Golesh said Tuesday that quarterback Byrum Brown (leg) has been practicing, but whether he is healthy enough to take field and do the things he is capable of doing remained in question. The hope was the have a clearer picture when the team left for Boca on Thursday. Meanwhile, Bryce Archie continued to take first-team reps.
“So much of his game is what he can do with his feet and create,” said Golesh, of Brown. “He continues to practice and continues to work through it. We’re ready to go in either direction.”
Honoring Amir
Helmet stickers and a patch on coaches’ apparel will be worn in memory of men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who passed away last week at age 43. A celebration of his life will be held at the Yuengling Center on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Shovels Ready
Ceremonial shovels will turn some dirt next Friday, Nov. 8, at a groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s on-campus stadium. The event, scheduled for 3:30, will be held north of the indoor practice facility on Sycamore Drive.
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