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They arrived at USF in 1996.
Spent the first year just practicing.
Only 14 remained from that first day of practice 6 years later.
They are the pioneers of USF Football.
"The OG's" are what they called each other.
The 14 are:
LS Ryan Benjamin(53)6-2, 250
Came to USF as a walk-on defensive end, but switched to long snapper and was awarded a scholarship. Was USF's only long snapper for the first 4 years. Not one bad snap! Almost 500. Played on Tampa Bay's NFL Championship team. His recollection of 1996? "A nightmare"
FB Otis Dixon(21) 5-9, 220
Returned for his senior season after missing most of his junior season with a torn ACL. Ran for 17 TD's, including one in the inaugural game. "I remember that game like it was yesterday," he said before his final college game. Currently Head Coach at Lakewood HS in St. Pete, FL.
CB Edwin Greene(2) 5-11, 180
Started USF's first three games in 1997, but was sidelined for most of 1998 with a leg injury. A vital special teams contributor, Green said before his final college game, "I'm not an emotional guy, but I'll be emotional on Saturday."
DE Steve Hatley(55) 6-2, 245
His first impression of Coach Jim Leavitt? "I thought he was crazy," Hatley said, "but he sold us on the dream." Despite being undersized for a defensive end, Hatley was a solid contributor.
DE Shawn Hay(88) 6-4, 260
Was USF's all-time leader in sacks(17) and tackles for loss(36) after his career. Hay is one of only three Bulls to play in every game for those first 4 seasons, making 41 starts. "At first I was hesitant to come here," he said. "But I'm glad I did."
CB Anthony Henry(12) 6-2, 200
Came to USF as a partial qualifier, but graduated in four years to earn a fifth year of eligibility. The only Bull to be captain all four seasons. The team's best athlete. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns and lead the NFL in interceptions his rookie season(2001).
WR Charlie Jackson(1) 5-7, 165
Owned several school records after his career including career catches(102), receiving yards(1,322) and all-purpose yards(3,178). Also scored USF's first TD(a 70-yard bomb from Lance Hoeltke) in USF's first scrimmage, Sept. 25, 1996.
SS Roy Manns(11) 5-11, 185
Came to USF as a walk-on, but left as a senior captain and was the school's all-time leading tackler. "My time at USF is something I'll keep with me forever," he said. "But I don't know if I'd ever do it again."
LB Vassay Marc(44) 6-2, 230
Only the second USF player named to the Butkus Award list(at the time, USF has had 3 in their short history), honoring the nation's top linebacker. Unfortunately, Marc suffered a season-ending neck injury in the Bull's upset of No.1 ranked Troy State on Sept. 30.
WR Leon Matthews(19) 6-2, 190
Spent the entire first season of 1996 with the Bulls, but left the program in 1997. Returned in 1998 and played his final three seasons, compiling 26 catches.
WR Cory Porter(80) 6-3, 195
Started final three games of his freshman season, but had been used in a reserve role since. "I'll remember all these guys forever no matter what," he said. "They've all become my brothers."
C Joey Sipp(68) 6-0, 285
Will forever be known as the only Bull to start every game in USF's beginning. USF fans can thank Mother Nature for landing Sipp. He nearly signed with Marshall, but "it was snowing when I got off the plane."
LB Marshall Smith(46) 5-10, 205
A knee injury and strep throat caused him to miss games his final year, but he played one game as a freshman with a dislocated wrist. Former assistant Andre Waters found a pair of pliers and helped Smith rip his cast off.
RB Rafael Williams(28) 5-9, 190
Led the Bulls in rushing in three of his four seasons and was the schools all-time leading rusher. Williams can't wait for the Bulls' first bowl bid. "Then they can reflect back to what we started."
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