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Always On The Move

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

Updated: 10/04/2007 01:12 am

TAMPA - There is speed. Then there is the University of South Florida's 'game-time' speed.

'We all just have that game-time speed,' USF linebacker Brouce Mompremier said. 'When the ball hikes, we're just trying to get there. You can't clock that speed.'

Can't clock it and, so far, no one can match it. As fast as the No. 6 Bulls have shot up the AP rankings, USF's defense might even be faster.

'We see it every day, that we can run,' USF safeties coach Troy Douglas said. 'In the game it looks normal and then you see it on tape and you're like 'Dang, these guys are flying.'

'We can run, man, I'm telling you. You can see it.'

So far, foes haven't been able to deal with USF's speed. Of the 10 major defensive categories, the Bulls lead the Big East in four and rank among the nation's top 12 in seven of the 10 categories.

Ironically, USF's lowest national ranking (28th) is rushing yards allowed, and the Bulls held West Virginia's No. 2-ranked rushing offense 169 below its 357-yard average.

'They've got very good athletes; they play extremely hard,' West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said. 'They tackle well in space. They're very active and athletic up front.'

The Bulls feel the need for speed because they are, well, not that big.

'Undersized? Of course we are,' USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. 'Defensive end George Selvie weighs 230. We only have one fat guy - nose tackle Richard Clebert at 312 pounds.'

Best Defense Since 2002

Burnham said the Bulls overcome their lack of size by keeping on the move.

'You move, you never sit there and say you're going to take on a 300-pound guy,' Burnham said. 'That's how we've been surviving the past two to three years. It's not the best way, but the only way we can do it.'

Burnham said this is USF's best defense since the 9-2 team of 2002 that featured three NFL draft picks - linebacker Kawika Mitchell, free safety J.R. Reed and defensive end Shurron Pierson.

This year's version features senior cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams, senior linebacker Ben Moffitt and Selvie, a sophomore.

Jenkins is rated the top senior cornerback NFL draft prospect by Mel Kiper Jr., who also calls Jenkins and Williams the nation's best cornerback duo. Moffitt has three interceptions in the past two games, and Selvie leads the free world in sacks.

'This defense has the same kind of leadership as 2002,' Burnham said. 'This team is a little bit similar because we can run. But this is the fastest team we've had here, from nose guard to free safety.'

Recruiting speed has always been a priority of USF coach Jim Leavitt. 'We always like to have guys that can run,' Leavitt said. 'They get to the ball carrier faster.'

Record Pace For Turnovers

Not only are they getting there faster, they're also forcing turnovers at a record rate. USF has 10 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and 15 sacks, all on pace to shatter the school records.

Selvie leads the nation in sacks (9 1/2 ) and tackles for loss (16 1/2 ), while Moffitt and free safety Nate Allen are tied for 10th in interceptions with three each.

The increased number of turnovers can be attributed, in part, to the defensive players running routes with the wide receivers to improve their catching ability. Douglas joked that he moved them over with the receivers because his arm was tired from throwing to the defensive backs.

'It's been really good to see the success so far, and it shows the guys are working hard on what Coach Burnham puts together each week,' cornerbacks coach Rich Rachel said.

After USF battered North Carolina freshman quarterback T.J. Yates (four sacks, four interceptions) in a 37-10 win Sept. 22, UNC coach Butch Davis told Yates it reminded him of when he was a Dallas assistant and the Eagles sacked Troy Aikman 11 times.

'South Florida's defense is fast and athletic,' Davis said. 'It will be one of the best defenses we'll play against this season.'

Added Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville: 'I knew our game and the West Virginia game were the two they were going to point at. We got their best effort, and they got us in a 26-23 overtime USF win. They'll end up being a top 10 team all year long.'

Jenkins said the defense has been studying offenses more.

'The linebackers learn what the safeties and corners do, and the corners learn what the linebackers and defensive ends are supposed to do,' Jenkins said. 'We're all pretty much on the same page.'

Quarterback Matt Grothe said having USF's defense is a luxury for the offense.

'The defense is playing ridiculous right now,' Grothe said. 'That makes us even more confident going into games. We know that even if our offense struggles, we'll still be in games. It's nice because we know the defense is going to play. If we don't score, then we know it's not the end of the world.'

When asked to sum up why the defense has been so successful, Mompremier breaks into a big smile.

'Hustle,' he said. 'That's all it is. We want it bad enough. It shows on game day. We want it bad.'

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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