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The Oracle Haven clinic It’s what you can do, serves LGBT not what you can’t do community The Index

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U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F LO R I DA

Inside this Issue

n “Breaking

Bad” actor RJ Mitte shares advice for ULS event.

LI F E STYLE

“Muppets,” “Supergirl” top pilots this TV season. Page 4

Montage

S PORTS Johnson becomes unexpected leader of offense. BACK

By Abby Rinaldi S T A F F

W R I T E R

It’s not unusual for students to avoid going to the doctor, but for the LGBT community on campus, that may be a bigger concern.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, LGBT youth are at a higher risk for depression, substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, HIV infection rates increased by 26 percent between 2008 and 2011 for gay men between 13 and 24.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida has the highest number of new HIV diagnoses in the nation, with Hillsborough County demonstrating the largest increase — 63 percent from 2012 to 2014. There were 273 new cases of HIV in Hillsborough during 2012, 347 in 2013 and 445 in 2014.

In the hopes of eliminating the stigma of going to the doctor, which can include fearing discrimination or misunderstanding in the LGBT community, USF is promoting its Haven Clinic, which provides confidential resources.

Within the Student Health Services (SHS) building, the Clinic provides primary care geared toward the LGBT community, such as immunizations, STI testing, sexual education and transgender transitioning services.

Headed by Dr. Joseph Puccio, executive and medical director at SHS, the clinic seeks to provide a comfortable and accepting environment for the members of the community that may be fearful of discrimination when seeking out health care. “(USF Haven Clinic) is a clinic that you can come to and ask anything about any sexuality,” Puccio said.

“It’s important for the university

n See HAVEN on PAGE 2

By Chelsea Mulligan S T A F F

“Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte spoke in front of a crowd of about 300 Wednesday night.

ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

W R I T E R

RJ Mitte, who plays the role of Walter White, Jr. in AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” could have spent Wednesday night talking about his life as a famous actor living in Los Angeles.

Instead, he focused his University Lecture Series (ULS) event on inspiring a crowd of about 300 to reach their potential.

In the MSC Ballroom, Mitte began his speech with his childhood and the challenges of being initially undiagnosed with cerebral palsy. Mitte said his form of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy, which he described as his whole body feeling like a Charley horse.

Eventually, his parents met a member of the Shriner’s organization, so he was able to get treatment at a hospital in Louisiana,

about five hours from where he lived. After weekends of physical therapy from age 3 to 13, Mitte was able to start a successful acting career.

“I was able to learn a lot about what I can and can’t do. I never figured out what I can’t do. I’m still trying to figure out what I can’t do,” Mitte said. “I learned a lot about what people see of me, and how people see disability. I never knew that I had anything wrong with me, and I still don’t have anything wrong with me, if anyone asks.”

He said that much of today is focused not on who you are, but how people see you.

“People can’t get past what they see,” he said. “People don’t get there’s so much more to someone than just their outward appearance or what you think they can do.”

The talk also focused on aspects of controlling fear, self-doubt and exceeding expectations.

“I don’t allow my fear to dictate who I am,” he said. “I don’t allow my fear to dictate what I do and where I want to go.

“I might be afraid of doing it, but I’m not going to allow myself to

n See MITTE on PAGE 2

It’s almost time for TEDxUSF

By Russell Nay A S S T .

N E W S

E D I T O R

Whether it’s a classmate, an instructor or a university employee, there could be someone at USF with revolutionary ideas about changing the way the world works.

However, chances are slim others will ever hear their thoughts if they don’t have an audience to present their ideas to.

USF will soon host its third

TEDxUSF, an event featuring eight speakers from the USF community who will speak about topics or issues ranging from organic agriculture to transgender identity, as well as two live musical performances.

The conference will be a local version of a TED event, which is a global conference focused on promoting ideas through short impactful speeches known as TED Talks.

Mallory Trochesset is associate director of USF’s Center for

Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) and the 2015-2016 TEDxUSF curator. She said TEDxUSF is unique from other university-hosted speeches and lectures because it provides USF professors, alumni and students a way to present innovative ideas to the rest of the USF community.

“When I think about Bill Nye or some of the great lectures we’ve had here — those are very wellknown people,” Trochesset said.

“What I think is so special about

n See TEDxUSF on PAGE 2

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MITTE

Continued from PAGE 1

run away from that fear. And we all have that fear, we all have this selfdoubt. But I don’t allow myself to have it, and you should not either.”

Mitte also addressed issues such as bullying and social media, telling students to put more care into what they post online.

“Keep in mind, these businesses are not just looking at you, they’re looking at what your message is,” he said. “What are you putting out there in this world? What are you doing to have an impact?”

After the talk, Mitte held a question and answer session. In contrast to the talk itself, many students asked questions about Mitte’s experiences in acting and dealing with a disability in a superficial industry.

One audience member asked how Mitte felt about playing a character that has a more severe form of cerebral palsy in “Breaking Bad.” “When people saw White, Jr. in the beginning, you saw the crutches first. You didn’t see the char-

HAVEN

Continued from PAGE 1

to have a comfortable, confidential setting to provide the accurate scientific information so students can make informed decisions about their health care.”

The clinic allows students to call SHS and request an appointment with Haven Clinic and avoid any intrusive questions concerning the reasons for their visit.

“Anything about medical or health (services) you have to feel comfortable (about) otherwise you won’t seek out that guidance,” said Susanna Perez-Field, program coordinator for SHS. The clinic began about three years ago as part of an initiative by the USF PRIDE Alliance. The alliance is a campus organization that seeks to build up the LGBT community on campus.

Over the years, the clinic has seen significant growth as undergraduates asked for ways students could receive confidential health care from the SHS office. Although Puccio was unable to disclose the number of students who visited the clinic due to privacy concerns, Puccio said all areas of the LGBT community have utilized the clinic’s services and have found

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

acter, you didn’t see the person, you saw the disability, what you thought made him. And that’s not him. And as you evolved with him, you slowly get that ... you slowly don’t think about that he has (Cerebral Palsy). More people have disabilities than not. Everyone in this room is disabled, we all have these struggles,” Mitte said.

One audience member took the opportunity to say thank you and start a round of applause instead of asking a question.

After the lecture, Thiago Arzua, a senior majoring in chemistry, said he was surprised by Mitte’s sense of humor.

“I didn’t know he was that funny. He’s usually playing more serious roles, so I didn’t know he could do that,” Arzua said.

John-Garry Del Gais, a freshman majoring in industrial engineering, said he found the lecture inspiring and eye-opening.

“It really changed my view on how I see people, honestly,” he said.

Iranian-American writer Firoozeh Dumas will be the next speaker for ULS on Thursday, Sept.

24 at 7 p.m. when she will speak in the Oval Theater. resources where they haven’t been able to find them in the past.

Clinical care sessions meet every other week, and appointments are made within two weeks of requests. In the future, the clinic hopes to expand its hours, Puccio said.

Outside Haven Clinic, there are more services available to the LGBT community on campus. All of the services offered by SHS as a whole are open to the community, such as general medical care, primary care, sexual health and gynecology, immunizations and psychiatry.

SHS Assistant Director of Sexual Health and Gynecology Patrica Trow-Weaver said the office is striving to be about advocacy.

At Wednesday’s LBGTQ+ Open House event for the clinic, Health Promotion Specialist Rachael Novick said the Wellness Center is a safe spot for the LGBT community to come and take advantage of resources and ask questions.

The open house served as an information session and anonymous question and answer session for LGBT students about the resources available to them.

“In our society, there’s so much stigma and so much fear, and out of that comes prejudice and people get mistreated because they’re misunderstood,” Weaver said.

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At TEDxUSF, students, faculty and alumni are encouraged to present lectures on topics they are passionate about. USF student Rhondel Whyte (pictured) spoke at the event last year. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

TEDxUSF

Continued from PAGE 1

this event is it brings together talent from our own USF community … who have these amazing ideas about how to make changes in our world but don’t always have the platform to share those ideas.”

One speaker, Terrell Foster, is a senior in the College of Nursing and a medic in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Trochesset said Foster’s talk, “We Could Be Heroes,” will focus on how USF students can become heroes in unconventional ways.

Another speaker, USF Assistant Professor of Sociology and Latin American Studies Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, is researching modern slavery and human trafficking in Brazil and the U.S. Her book, “The Color of Love: Racial Features, Stigma, and Socialization in Black Brazilian Families” is slated for publication in November and shares the name of her talk.

USF alumnus Ryan Iacovacci currently gardens at a small urban farm in New Port Richey, Florida, where he grows and sells food and helps his neighbors to grow food using organic farming and permaculture practices. His talk is named “Beyond Big Ag, Beyond Civilization.”

Speakers Samira Obeid, a USF alumna and associate professor of sociology, and affiliate faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies Sara Crawley will give a joint talk called “We Are All Trans.” Obeid is

an activist with Equality Florida, a civil rights advocacy group, and a spoken word poet dealing with sexuality, gender, citizenship and immigration issues.

Crawley has completed research and is published on gender, sexualities, social psychology, feminisms, and queer theory.

The deadline for student host applications is Sept. 25, and top candidates will be invited to a live audition with the TED Talks Affairs Team.

Trochesset said about 40 students have already applied to volunteer and help run TEDxUSF. She said student volunteers will help with a variety of tasks during the event, including audience check-in, seating people as they enter the ballroom and managing speakers by helping them get on and off stage.

“They’re getting exposure to TEDxUSF so they can apply for our committee next year and help be a part of planning TEDxUSF in 2016,” she said.

Student volunteers will be selected throughout September.

Because Student Government sent a TEDxUSF staff member for training through a TED program this year, Trochesset said, event organizers were also able to increase the previous maximum audience size of 100.

“We are planning for a 500-person audience … and that will be 80 percent students and 20 percent community members, so you’re looking at 400 seats for our students,” she said. “Hopefully, in

future years we can grow beyond that.”

Like other TED events, TEDxUSF will feature a curated lineup of speakers and a curated audience. This means speakers and audience members have been selected by event organizers, and the USF community audience will need to fill out a registration form through BullSync to demonstrate why they are interested in TEDxUSF and what they can contribute to the event.

Selected audience members have four days to accept their invitation before it is forfeit to another person, and the ticketing process begins Oct. 1.

Trochesset said the event will also be recorded live and later edited and uploaded to the TEDx YouTube channel per the TEDxUSF licensing agreement. As a result, audience members will need to commit to staying for the entire event lasting from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., as Trochesset said audience members leaving and entering the ballroom would be too distracting for the recording.

“It’s just a real unique experience to be a part of a live production where we’re hearing from our own community about what they are passionate about in this world,” she said. “I think it’s worth the time to spend and block off for this event.”

TEDxUSF 2015 will be Nov. 18 in the MSC Ballroom. Visit usf. edu/tedx for more information on volunteering, hosting or getting a ticket.

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

JOHNSON

Continued from PAGE 8

On previous possessions, Taggart said the Immokalee native had noticed whenever he opted to put Johnson on a wheel route, FSU’s defenders would focus on the receivers downfield and leave him quarantined on the outside.

If Flowers simply lobbed him the ball, Johnson knew he would be able to earn a big gain.

“I told coach the cornerback was trailing the receiver and I said the wheel route would be open,” Johnson recalled. “If we get a chance, throw that.”

Trailing by 17 points in an eventual 34-14 loss, Taggart gave him the nod and drew it up.

Sure enough, it worked.

Pinned on his own 29-yard line, Flowers dropped back, turned to his left and fluttered a pass into the hands of Johnson.

Just as he had predicted, most of FSU’s defenders were flushed to the opposite side of the field.

Without hesitating, Johnson hustled down the sideline untouched for a 71-yard touchdown.

“As a coach, when you can get a player to come over and communicate to you what’s going on in the game, that’s big,” Taggart said. “We don’t have that often. We didn’t get that often, and here you have a sophomore that’s in there and he’s all locked in to the game and what’s going on.

“When you can have that, that’s kind of like the best information you can get when you get it from the player that’s out there and doing it. And not only did he call for it, he made it happen.”

The team plans to further capitalize on Johnson’s abilities starting with Saturday’s game at Maryland.

On Tuesday, Taggart hinted at giving Johnson an opportunity to return punts with sophomore Tajee Fullwood. There’s also a good chance Johnson will be on the field the same time as Mack during certain offensive plays to give the Bulls an additional threat.

“D’Ernest is a big-time football player for us that’s going to have a hell of a career here, and he can run, too,” Taggart said. “I know he’s caught a lot of balls, but we continue to expect big things from him.”

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Fall TV: superheroes, screams and Muppets

“Scream Queens,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Roberts, is one of many highly anticipated TV shows debuting in the next few weeks. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

By McKenna Kelley L I F E S T Y L E

E D I T O R

Over the next few weeks, television networks will roll out a diverse crop of new series. From superhero origin stories to a dark comedy about hunted sorority girls, there’s something for everyone this fall.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” CW, Oct. 12, TBA Girl meets boy. Boy dumps girl.

Girl moves across the country 10 years later with the hope of rekindling their romance.

The premise is a bit of a stretch, but with actress Rachel Bloom in the lead, this musical comedy just might work. Less than a month before its premiere, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” has a serious lack of name recognition when compared with other new shows.

However, the CW’s Golden Globewinning breakout hit “Jane the Virgin” suffered much the same last year. As it did with Jane, word of mouth will likely either make or break this series.

“The Muppets” ABC, Tuesday, 8 p.m.

The devastating news first hit the Internet a few months ago: Yes, Kermit and Miss Piggy broke up.

Expect their rebound relation-

ships, with a pig named Denise and singer Josh Groban, respectively, to be a main focus on the new documentary style sitcom.

Cameras follow Muppet favorites like Fozzie Bear and Gonzo around as they live in the human world.

Humorous situations ensue, like when Fozzie’s (human) girlfriend’s disapproving father asks if their potential children would go to the bathroom in the woods. An eavesdropping Fozzie deems this statement an offensive stereotype.

Anticipation has been building all year for this more-adult take on the Muppets, and the show looks like it will deliver.

“Supergirl” CBS, Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.

“Glee’s” Melissa Benoist stars as Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, in the latest TV offering from DC Comics. After choosing to renounce her powers and come to Earth as a young girl, Kara is a lowly assistant in New York City.

That is, until the plane of her sister’s flight bursts into flames above the city. Within seconds, Kara guides the plane to a safe landing on the river, revealing her identity to the whole world.

Considering this pilot leaked onto the Internet back in May, nearly six months before its debut, it’s safe to say audiences are anxiously waiting for the show

to begin. With its tributes to the Superman of the past and an impending superstar in Benoist, “Supergirl” is poised to take off in the ratings.

“Grandfathered” FOX, Sept. 29, 8 p.m.

Despite this show putting only a slightly original twist on a tired trope — wealthy, self-absorbed restaurant owner Jimmy Martino finds out he’s both a father and a grandfather — the nostalgia factor makes it stand out from the crowd.

“Full House” favorite John Stamos plays Martino, while an all-grown-up Josh Peck, of “Drake and Josh” fame, plays his son, Gerald. As if that doesn’t bring back enough memories, Stamos’ “Full House” co-stars Bob Saget and Dave Coulier will both have guest roles in early episodes.

Historically, only a few new sitcoms each season attract enough viewers to warrant a renewal.

Count on “Grandfathered” to live to see a second season.

“Scream Queens” FOX, Tuesday, 8 p.m.

From “American Horror Story’s” Ryan Murphy, “Scream Queens” focuses on Kappa Kappa Tau, a sorority of mean girls forced by the university dean to accept any girl who wishes to become

a member. Things soon take a bloody turn when a serial killer in a red devil costume starts stalking the sorority house. The series has an almost unfair advantage over other new shows, as it appeals directly to the young adult audience of “American Horror Story.”

It even stars Emma Roberts, who appeared on two seasons of the horror anthology.

With each drop of information Murphy and cast members like Lea Michele and Nick Jonas provided on social media this summer, the premiere only becomes more highly anticipated. There is a chance the show could stumble under the pressure of high expectations from critics and fans, something Murphy experienced when he produced “Glee.”

Still, don’t bet against “Scream Queens.”

“Quantico” ABC, Sept. 27, 10 p.m.

This thriller focuses on a group of young FBI trainees, one of whom likely executed the largest attack on the U.S. since 9/11. The diverse cast, led by Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra, reflects television’s movement away from the predominantly white casts of the past.

Airing on Sundays at 10 p.m., it will fit nicely into an intense night of television after “The Walking

Dead” at 9 p.m. on AMC. This show has the good fortune of not airing at the same time as any popular series during the fall, but if the mystery of “whodunit?” isn’t addressed quickly, audiences could be driven away.

“Heroes: Reborn” NBC, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.

The superhero hit returns with a mix of old characters, like Masi Oka’s Hiro Nakamura, and new ones for a limited run of 13 episodes.

As the world around them crumbles into violence and despair, the evolved humans, those with special abilities, are hunted down because of their presumed role in a terrorist attack in Texas. These individuals, the heroes, need each other in order to harness their powers for good.

This new series likely will lure back some of the fans who abandoned the original during its four-season run.

With its specific and devoted fan base, this might be the only show that can successfully stand up to ABC’s Thursday night triple whammy of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” in the ratings.

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Opinion

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

the Oracle the University of South Florida’s student newspaper since 1966

Editor in Chief Grace Hoyte oracleeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor Alex Rosenthal oraclemeditor@gmail.com

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

Companion app enhances safety on and off campus Breanne Williams COLU M N I ST

The increased awareness of crime near universities has lead many students to become wary of traveling alone on campuses.

Sports Editor Unfortunately, most students keep Jeff Odom late hours, making isolated nightly oraclesportseditor@gmail.com treks inevitable.

Luckily a new app has found a Opinion Editor way to make the experience less Breanne Williams stressful. oracleopinion@gmail.com The Companion app, designed by five students at the University Lifestyle Editor of Michigan who wished to comMcKenna Kelley oraclelifestyleeditor@gmail.com bat crime on campuses, allows students to input their destination and the estimated amount of time Multimedia Editor it will take to walk there. Then, the Adam Mathieu user chooses someone from their contacts to monitor their journey.

Digital Editor The chosen contact will be sent Roberto Roldan a link that directs them to a website with an interactive map which Copy Editor virtually tracks the trip using the Safeena Kassoo smartphone’s GPS. The app is free, which will make it accessible to Assistant Editors anyone with a smartphone.

Jacob Hoag Co-founder Lexie Ernst told Russell Nay Global News, “We use the iPhone or Android’s built-in sensors to Graphic Artists detect if somebody’s fallen or Ashley Barzaga started running … When the app Luke Blankenship notices that change in movement, it then asks the user if they’re OK.” Advertising Sales The user has 15 seconds to Lauren Alford respond, and if they fail to, their Rachel Carpenter selected companions will immeAbby Pereira diately be notified. An alarm will Destiny Moore then sound from the phone in The Oracle is published Monday through Thursday hopes of deterring assailants. The during the fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly, Monday and Thursday, during the summer. app also has a ‘Call Police’ option at the bottom of the screen availThe Oracle allocates one free issue to each student.

Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the able for the entire journey.

Oracle office (SVC 0002).

While originally intended for

BY PHONE Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-6242 college students, people worldwide Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-5190 are utilizing the app. Because the News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-1888 app uses GPS, it is effective for Sports ................

974-2842 so much more than trips across Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-2398 campus. It can be used while going Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-2620 across the street, to the gym, the Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

974-6242 store, or sightseeing in a new city.

Website: usforacle.com According to Global News, since Facebook: facebook.com/usforacle its initial release in November, the Twitter: @USFOracle app has been downloaded over CORRECTIONS 600,000 times. The creators are The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors.

Contact Editor in Chief Grace Hoyte at 974-5190.

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constantly looking for ways to improve their product and just last month they launched an enhanced version of the app.

One of the most notable features of Companion is the ‘I Feel Nervous’ button located at the bottom of the screen. If at any point during the trip the user feels anxious they can click the button, which will send an alert to their chosen contact.

The creators of Companion are collecting this data so that local authorities and campus police can identify where people feel unsafe.

This knowledge will hopefully enhance security in these areas to make campuses and cities safer.

USF provides students with a free escort service called Safe Team, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. However not everyone utilizes this service for various reasons, so an app like Companion is extremely beneficial for students.

The fact that it can be used worldwide also enhances the demand, with many students using it while studying abroad or traveling.

The app’s creators told the Detroit Free Press, “they are focused on increasing the number of Companion users before attempting to monetize the app.”

Once they have a substantial amount of data, they plan on selling the info to campus police and local authorities to produce revenue.

Co-founder Danny Freed said, “We’re not trying to just build a data collection app where in the background we’re pulling all this data and selling it off. We seriously want to solve this problem, and we want to solve it through data and we want to have these collaborative partnerships with public safety departments,” according to the Detroit Free Press.

The Companion app is a great tool that allows students to safely go from one destination to the other. Its popularity will hopefully only continue to grow as people become proactive in their safety.

Breanne Williams is a junior majoring in mass communications.

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What you said Opinion Editor Breanne Williams asked students if they think safety is an issue on campus.

“I enjoy the fact that USF keeps in touch with (its) students with alerts; and if there is a serious threat, they take our safety seriously and will cancel classes.”

- Jamie Waryga, a junior majoring in psychology

“I would definitely add more speed bumps and crossing guards.

I’ve seen longboarders almost get hit a lot.”

- Paul Lenchinsky, a senior majoring in finance

“I don’t think safety is an issue. They have security programs and those emergency lights all over campus for students to use.”

- Kristian Hernandez, a freshman majoring in business administration “They need to do something about the secluded areas on campus.

I feel unsafe when I park far away. They should add more cameras to campus, especially in the parking lots.”

- Jocelyn Tejada, a junior majoring in nursing

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Sports Bulls He does it all to face UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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T H E O R AC L E

Football

Volleyball

nation’s best

Outside USF

Rutgers suspends coach three games Rutgers banned football coach Kyle Flood for three games Wednesday and fined him $50,000 for contacting a school faculty member over one of his players’ grades. According to a report by NJ.com, an internal investigation concluded Flood emailed and met with the faculty member in person to discuss the unnamed player’s academic standing. The report also found that Flood provided the player with suggestions to improve a paper in order to complete a course.

By Jeff Odom S P O R T S

As the USF volleyball team prepares for its showdown with No. 1 Penn State on Saturday night at the Sun Dome, here are four things to watch: How sweep it is During its current seven-match losing streak, the Bulls (2-7) have won only two sets — Missouri on Sept. 5, Georgia Tech on Sept. 11.

The Nittany Lions (8-0), meanwhile, haven’t lost since last October and have won 24 consecutive sets.

Did you know?

Block party

The women’s soccer team (6-0-1) has held opponents to just three goals this season and has outshot all but one opponent.

Quote of the day “It’s been kind of the same for the past couple weeks, it hasn’t affected me. You get the questions, I give the answer and that’s all I think about it the rest of the day.” — Lightning captain Steven Stamkos on how he feels entering training camp without a long-term contract.

A look ahead Women’s soccer vs. Georgia Southern Today, 7 p.m.

Men’s soccer vs. FGCU Saturday, 7 p.m.

Volleyball vs. Auburn Saturday, 11 a.m.

Volleyball vs. No. 1 Penn State Saturday, 7 p.m.

Volleyball vs. Florida A&M Sunday, 4 p.m.

E D I T O R

In just two games, sophomore D’Ernest Johnson broke the school’s 17-year-old record for the most receiving touchdowns and yards by a running back. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW PASKERT/FSVIEW

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D’Ernest Johnson’s versatility has paid off for USF this season.

By Jeff Odom S P O R T S

E D I T O R

One swift glance at the stat sheet is all one needs to understand the impact D’Ernest Johnson has had on USF’s offense this season.

In only two games, the sophomore has risen to become USF’s leader in touchdown receptions (four) and receiving yards (188).

The only oddity? Johnson isn’t a receiver — he’s the Bulls’ backup running back.

“I’ve been active a lot,” Johnson said. “They use me in the passing game, because I’ve got good hands.”

Good might be an understatement.

USF at Maryland

When: Saturday, noon Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Maryland TV/Radio: ESPNU, 820-AM

Johnson’s yardage and touchdown count in eight quarters topple those of any running back USF has had in its 17-year program history.

Not even program-greats like Andre Hall, Dyral McMillan or even Marlon Mack can say they’ve done that.

While some might be troubled that Johnson has been quarterback Quinton Flowers’ favorite target thus far, coach Willie Taggart is not of such a

mind.

To Taggart, who convinced the former four-star recruit to sign with USF last year over Louisville, West Virginia and Minnesota, Johnson is just an additional weapon for his stillgrowing, up-tempo offense.

“I would argue with anybody on our staff that D’Ernest by far has the best hands on the football team,” Taggart said.

“They’re just nice and soft and the kid’s just a ballplayer — a good ballplayer.”

During Saturday’s game at No. 9 Florida State, Taggart said Johnson really showed his worth at the start of the fourth quarter by calling his own play.

n See JOHNSON on PAGE 3

Averaging 3.63 blocks per set this season, Penn State holds a 83-30 advantage over its opponents in blocking margin. USF is even at 19-19.

Bulls have experience USF coach Courtney Draper said her team won’t be intimidated by Penn State, because of its experience at No. 4 Nebraska on Sunday.

Though the Cornhuskers swept the Bulls, USF managed to keep it close in the final two sets.

“We got a little taste of what one of the top five teams in the country, so I think that helped us prepare quite a bit,” Draper said.

‘Just have fun’ Most of all, Draper just wants her players to enjoy the chance to play the defending national champions.

“To be able to host them on our home floor is just something that is really exciting,” she said.