Incoming freshman Auggie Sanchez, part of the 2013 class of recruits under new coach Willie Taggart, may stand as a symbol of continuing tradition for the Bulls in the upcoming season.

Auggie wasn’t the first Sanchez to sport a green and gold football jersey, as his older brother was a former Bulls linebacker under both previous USF coaches, Jim Leavitt and Skip Holtz.

“It’s just really cool to carry on the tradition,” Auggie said. “The next generation of Sanchez playing at USF.”

Auggie’s brother, Armando Sanchez, was red-shirted in 2008 and though he graduated after the 2011 season, he made his impact on special teams. By the end of his senior year, he totaled 33 tackles, 19 on his own. However, Armando’s academics were strong, and he made the Big East All-Academic Team from 2009-11.

Now it is time for a new Sanchez to step foot onto the Raymond James Stadium field and for Auggie to continue his family’s tradition with the Bulls.

Auggie said his excitement to play on his brother’s football team was one of the factors of his choice to come to USF.

“I grew up in Florida. Everything I like to do is here, my family is here,” he said. “I love Florida so it was a no-brainer really.”

At Northeast High School, where both Sanchez brothers went to school before USF, Auggie played positions ranging from quarterback in the wildcat formation to defensive end and even tight end. With this versatile experience, the 6-foot-2 215-pound athlete has seen his way around the field quite a bit in high school, and may be an asset in the 2013 season.

Auggie, who signed on to line up in the backfield as a fullback, said he hopes this diverse skill set will help him get on the field as soon as possible.

“I want to play wherever they want me to play,” Auggie said. “The quicker I get on the field, the happier I’ll be.”

Armando also came into USF with diverse high school experience, having played quarterback and safety, and was ranked 57th among weak side linebackers by Scout.com.

Auggie comes into USF with high school success of his own. The younger Sanchez totaled 160 tackles in 10 games, 14.5 per game, during his senior year. He also had 3.3 sacks and two interceptions.

Through Auggie, the Sanchez name will live on at USF a while longer. Auggie said his mindset as a competitor will help him earn his spot on the team and keep it for years to come.