Even though the 2022 USF Football season does not begin for another five months, the annual Spring Football Game gave fans a closer look at what to expect this year. With a new Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, and many talented transfers, there was a lot to watch for during the game.
Despite the excitement surrounding Spring Football, there was something else the fans looked forward to at the game—Alumni Flag Football. Halftime featured many of the Bulls’ star-studded alumni from years past. Each of the two teams had full rosters and coaches. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (’16 – ’17), B.J. Daniels (’09 – ’12), Matt Grothe (’06 – ’09), Kayvon Webster (’09 – ’12), and Vincent Jackson Jr. (’15 – ’18) were some of the Alumni, just to name a few. This “Blast From the Past” game was the first of its kind for South Florida. Alumni signed autographs for fans, too.
ALUMNI FLAG FOOTBALL GAME
🚨April 9th @ Raymond James 🚨 🔥6PM🔥 – Halftime of the USF Spring Game pic.twitter.com/oMcf7kb3Wr— BJ DANIELS (@BJDANIELS10) April 1, 2022
One of the great minds behind the idea to bring the alumni back for this type of game was none other than Chris Black, who serves on the USF Athletics Development Staff.
“Coach [Jeff Scott] really liked the idea of bringing all the guys back and making it a fun time. Marketing and Raymond James Stadium made the decision for the opened end zone Fan Fest. To be honest, the Fan Fest was probably a little more up close than what was originally planned, but I think the average fan, or even someone who hasn’t been involved in recent years, had the opportunity to experience a fun atmosphere,” Black said.
In my opinion, the decision to host the Alumni Flag Football game was phenomenal. It gave many older fans a reason to come back and watch some of the favorite players from years ago. It also gave current students a reason to come to the game—to watch some old guys throw a football around while reliving their glory days.
@a_jax_11 & @Gachette7 getting ready for yesterday’s #USF Alumni game! pic.twitter.com/yBe6b1hiXO
— Josh Katz (@jkatz0) April 10, 2022
This was definitely an event USF Athletics should bring back to future Spring Games.