Image courtesy of Vanessa Wenzl | The Crow’s Nest
The University of South Florida opened its 2023 season with new football head coach, Alex Golesh, against Western Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Golesh comes in after the Bulls only had one win last season.
“We’ve won four games in three years, and you can either let that affect you and let it affect your mindset or you can learn understand what happened and go attack,” Golesh said in a summer interview with The Crow’s Nest.
The focus he brings to the team isn’t just winning games, it’s building a culture within the team as well.
The team was brought to a local Embassy Suites to focus on football for the first week back in season. Coach Golesh also said he was taking car keys and distractions out for the players’ next 11 days to focus on football again.
“The shift amongst the players has been ‘I get to do this now’” Golesh said.
The roster this year contains 118 players with 49 new players and 38 scholarships athletes, including walk-ons.
Players were asked what their biggest changes are this season from the last and the majority answer was the accountability amongst the team.
“The more accountability you have, the more respect you have,” Jason Vaughn, senior defensive end, said.
The players have developed new bonds within the short amount time since Golesh has started.
“It’s the coolest part of college football,” Golesh said. “Watching relationships develop, watching guys bonds come together, it’s the best part.”
Defensive coordinator, Todd Orlando, also noted the relationships amongst the players at the start of the season.
“A coach can only take you so much, but it’s your peers that pick you up,” Orlando said.
The home opener vs. Florida A&M will be on Sept. 9 at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
