Bulls Begin Shifting From Camp to Game Week

The Bulls are still in a camp mindset on the field, but the weekly routine is starting to change.

Head coach Brian Hartline said the team is working toward the schedule it will follow during the season. That includes working on Sunday, having a recovery day, getting film work completed and preparing for the week on Monday. Practices will then run Tuesday through Thursday, followed by a Friday walkthrough before Saturday's game.

"We want to make sure this kind of becomes very normal for guys," Hartline said.

The change in routine comes as South Florida continues to define roles throughout the roster.

The most significant decision came at quarterback, where Michael Van Buren Jr. was named the starter following a competition with Luke Kromenhoek.

Hartline said both quarterbacks had made significant progress from the spring through camp, which helped make the competition a close one. The coaching staff considered the overall body of work, with the most recent scrimmage becoming an important part of the decision.

"Mike did earn it," Hartline said. "He did a good job communicating with the guys and trying to be a leader."

Even with Van Buren named the starter, Hartline said the Bulls will continue to work both quarterbacks. He would not put a specific percentage on the distribution of practice reps, but said the team will continue using a high-speed approach with plenty of "good on good" work.

The goal is to have both quarterbacks prepared if South Florida needs either one during the season.

Van Buren's development as a leader has also been part of his progression. Hartline said the quarterback has worked over the summer to step outside his comfort zone and lead in his own way.

The quarterback position is not the only area where South Florida is still sorting things out.

Hartline said the wide receiver room has players the coaching staff feels good about, but the Bulls have not yet had the opportunity to determine exactly who will become the primary options once the games begin.

The competition and evaluation will continue into the season.

With roughly ten days remaining before the opener, Hartline said the team is focused on several specific areas. Discipline, routine, habits and the ability to handle adversity while maintaining a high level of execution are all priorities.

"Discipline's huge," Hartline said.

Hartline also challenged the Bulls to become the hardest and toughest playing team in the country. He said that starts with how the team approaches every practice rep and continues throughout the season.

The expectation is not for South Florida to simply reach a certain level before the opener and stay there.

"If we are the same Week 12 as we are Week 1, we're not going to be a very good football team," Hartline said.

That approach is also reflected in how Hartline views starting jobs. He said earning a starting position is only the first step, and players will continue to be evaluated as the season progresses.

For now, the Bulls are balancing two parts of their preparation. They are still working through the development and competition that comes with camp, while beginning to establish the weekly routine that will carry them through the season.

Practice 17 was another step in that transition, with the opener against FIU getting closer and roles across the team beginning to take shape.