South Florida Bulls College Football Media Day Quote, 08/04/2021

On where his team is at in this stage of the preseason:

We’re definitely in a much better place than we were a year ago. We had our first meetings last night and really just reflected on the progress we have made as a team in the last 12 months. Last year was a challenge, I think it was a challenge for everybody but especially for a new staff and a team trying to get to know each other. Obviously not having spring practices and things like that it was a struggle, no doubt about it. It was one of those things that once you went through it you felt you were better off with what we learned about ourselves and our team. We’re looking forward to a great preseason camp starting on Friday.

On if there is a specific message/change in direction entering year two:

The biggest message for our team is embrace where we are right now, the only people who are going to be able to change it are the guys on the team. The guys on this team and the coaches. You’re not going to be able to change it with a bunch of conversations and motivational speeches, it’s about the hard work that has to take place on the practice field. Really buying into the fundamentals and the details we’re asking them to do. But I think they’re ready, they’re in a better place mentally as a team. We’re in a better place going into the fall camp and the season. As a coach, for me I think I was able to learn a lot more about our team, our program and where we are. I have a very clear vision of where we want to go but I think it’s important to know where you are to map out the plan for the right steps. For me going into year two, I am focused on maximizing each opportunity we have on the field and in the meeting rooms. Just focusing on ourselves and everything else will take care of itself.

OL Demetris Harris

On NIL legislation:

I think it’s great for college players to make money but to also expose their brand and grown their brand outside of football. A lot of players have talents and things that they like to do outside of playing football, and with name, image and likeness being passed people can really expand on things they like to do outside of football.

DB Mekhi LaPointe

On the environment head coach Jeff Scott has created:

The environment he brings is very energetic, it’s very fresh. A breath of fresh air maybe. We’ve had a few ups and downs since 2017, we’ve been on the trend downwards. The energy he is bringing is definitely a change.