USF linebackers Whitehurst, Harris suspended 2 games for violating team rules

Junior linebacker Nigel Harris (57) and Tashon Whitehurst were battling for the starting inside linebacker position. ORACLE FILE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU
USF will be without two veteran linebackers for its first two games this season.
Senior Tashon Whitehurst and junior Nigel Harris will be forced to sit out the opener against Florida A&M on Sept. 5 and the first road game at Florida State on Sept. 12 after both were suspended Tuesday for violating unspecified team rules during the spring semester.
Harris, a former Hillsborough High standout, set a school record and led the nation with six forced fumbles last season. He was expected to challenge Whitehurst (49 tackles in 2014) for the starting spot at inside linebacker.
Coach Willie Taggart expressed disappointment in Harris and Whitehurst’s actions, but said he is confident the team has enough depth to fill their void.
Redshirt freshman Jimmy Bayes — rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com — senior C.J. Garye and freshman Danny Thomas are candidates to replace them, Taggart said.
“Those guys are going to have to work their butt off to get back and come back and play and earn the job back,” Taggart said. “I think that’s the beauty of going out and recruiting and having some depth to where you can go play.
“Our guys also understand there’s a standard that we’re going to have around here. It’s a culture that we’re creating and you’ve got to live up to it, or there will be consequences when you don’t.”
More Stories
Athletics update: On-campus stadium to break ground in summer, women’s basketball honorable mentions
Bulls football coach Alex Golesh announced the on-campus football stadium will break ground this summer during a conversation on the South Florida High School Sports Radio show. The news of the on-campus stadium comes after the Board of Trustees approved a $22 million expenditure on March 7 to be used toward the design phase of […]
Abdur-Rahim to bring ‘connected philosophy’ to men’s basketball coaching position
In his introductory ceremony Thursday afternoon, Amir Abdur-Rahim acknowledged the privilege it was to be named the 11th head coach in USF men’s basketball program history. As he spoke to the Bulls community for the first time, Abdur-Rahim made it clear that his approach will be based on tenacity and enthusiasm. “Every day that I […]
John Montes: Playing both sides of a rivalry
Rivalries run deep in college athletics, but for junior infielder John Montes, they mean a little more. Starting Friday, South Florida baseball will hit the road to play its first conference matchup of the season against formidable foe Central Florida – where Montes played before coming to USF in the fall of 2022. When it […]
Former Bulls attempt to impress NFL scouts during Pro Day
When the nerves finally subsided after getting combine tested at the Indoor Performance Facility on Wednesday, former offensive lineman Brad Cecil could finally take a breath of relief. “To be honest with you, I didn’t sleep at all last night,” Cecil said. Cecil is one of nine former USF football players hoping someone from the […]
Women’s basketball season in review
After losing to South Carolina 76-45 in the second round of the NCAA tournament on March 19, USF women’s basketball’s season came to an end. While the Bulls (27-7,15-1 AAC) matched program records in total wins, including longest winning streak and best home record, the AAC tournament did not go the way they had hoped. […]
The powerful women working alongside USF women’s soccer coach
One of USF women’s soccer coach Denise Schilte-Brown’s strongest qualities is her natural competitive nature, but what isn’t always shown is the powerful female athletic department that has helped her get to where she is now. Schilte-Brown began her coaching career shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland where she played as a striker. […]