With the 2021 USF Football season opener just over a month away (N.C. State, Sept. 2), it is the perfect time to countdown who I believe are the best five players on the Bulls’ 2021 roster.
Coming in at number five on the list is Running Back Kelley Joiner.
#5: Kelley Joiner
Joiner has carried quite the workload since joining the Bulls. During the 2019 season, Joiner totted the rock 71 times for a total of 364 yards, and hauled in nine catches for 108 receiving yards.
During the 2020 season, he led the South Florida squad in rushing yards with 368 on 78 carries (4.7 yards/carry) with one touchdown. Joiner also caught eight passes for 73 yards and one touchdown.
Since becoming USF’s featured Running Back, Joiner has not gone unnoticed and always finds a way to “pound the rock” during a game.
Kelley Joiner doin work pic.twitter.com/q1IWtKHVgL
— SoFloBulls (@SoFloBulls_) October 10, 2020
Nothing compliments Joiner’s game as much as his presence catching the ball out of the backfield. Having a tailback with great hands only aides the team’s offense, which is exactly what Joiner does—haul in throws and create. In his two seasons in Tampa, Joiner has accumulated 181 receiving yards on just 17 receptions (10.65 yards/reception).
NOAH JOHNSON TO KELLEY JOINER!!! pic.twitter.com/gHBOn5M29A
— SoFloBulls (@SoFloBulls_) November 7, 2020
One of the key components as to why Joiner is not only a valued player for USF, but also a player who I rank as high as I do, is his ability to stay healthy during the season. Throughout the 2020 season, he played in all nine games, making seven starts for the Bulls. A football player who knows how to stay healthy and is always ready for game day is a player I respect, trust, and want year after year touching the ball.
● RB Spotlight ●
Kelley Joiner – USF
🔐 Breakout Watch
• Joiner is an impressive player. In his career he's rushed for 732 yards 1 TD averaging 4.9 ypc. He's also a viable pass catcher having hauled in 17 passes for 181 yards 1 TD. pic.twitter.com/HP6w1jCbF1
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) July 2, 2021
This season, make sure to look out for the man in the offensive backfield wearing #3. He is going to continue being a difference-maker.
Check back next week to see which player is #4 on the list!