South Florida Bulls Football Defensive Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

The South Florida Bulls football team has been a powerhouse in the NCAA for many years and their defensive squad has been a major part of that success. Anchored by a strong defensive line and deep corps of linebackers, the Bulls have consistently been one of the top teams in the nation in terms of total defense.

The secondary is also no slouch, boasting some of the best cornerbacks and safeties in all of college football. With the 2019 season upon us, the Bulls look to once again be a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball.

Table of Contents

1. Jason Pierre-Paul

Defensive end

Jason Pierre-Paul Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLVI, LV)
  • First-team All-Pro (2011)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2020)
  • First-team All-American (2009)
  • First-team All-Big East (2009)

Jason Pierre-Paul was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010, and he has spent his entire career with them. Pierre-Paul is best known for his incredible sack totals – he's recorded at least 10 sacks in each of the past six seasons.

Pierre- Paul also holds several other NFL records, including the most forced fumbles (30) and most fumble recoveries (22). Injuries have been a problem for Jason over the course of his career, but he still managed to make an impact on many different playoff games during that time span.

At 34 years old, it's likely that Jason will retire after this season – if not sooner due to injuries. Jason Pierre-Paul was drafted by the New York Giants in 2010 and has since emerged as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. 

He was named to his first Pro Bowl team in 2011 and has been a key part of two Super Bowl victories for the Giants.

Pierre-Paul also won First Team All-American honors from The Sporting News in 2009, making him one of only three football players ever to achieve this honor at both collegiate and professional levels.

Jason Pierre-Paul is known for his strong pass coverage abilities, but he can also move quickly downfield on run plays if needed. In 2018, Jason Pierre-Paul signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending four seasons with the New York Giants.

Also Played For: new york giants, nfl preseason

2. Ernie Sims

Career

  • High school: Tallahassee (FL) North Florida Christian
  • College: Florida State (2003–2005)
  • NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006), First-team All-American (2004), Second-team All-ACC (2004)
  • Total tackles: 623, Sacks: 5.5, Forced fumbles: 6, Fumble recoveries: 3, Interceptions: 1
  • Total tackles: 623
  • Sacks: 5.5
  • Forced fumbles: 6
  • Fumble recoveries: 3
  • Interceptions: 1

Sims played linebacker for the Detroit Lions from 2006-2009. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2010-2013, and with the Indianapolis Colts from 2011-2014.

Sims has been the linebackers coach for the UCF Knights since 2015. Sims was drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Sims played for the Dolphins for three seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sims played for the Eagles for six seasons before being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sims played for the Buccaneers for four seasons before being released in the 2016 offseason. Sims signed with the Atlanta Falcons and played for them for two seasons.

Sims signed with the Carolina Panthers and played for them for one season. Sims signed with the Washington Redskins and played for them for one season. 

Sims signed with the Detroit Lions and played for them for one season. Sims signed with the Miami Dolphins and played for them for one season.

Also Played For: school football

3. Da'Quan Bowers

Da Career

  • High school: Bamberg-Ehrhardt, (Bamberg, South Carolina)
  • College: Clemson
  • NFL Draft: 2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51
  • As player, Unanimous All-American (2010), First-team All-ACC (2010), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2010)[1], ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2010)[2], Ted Hendricks Award (2010), As coach, CFP national champion (2018)
  • Total tackles: 69, Sacks: 7.0, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 2
  • Total tackles: 69
  • Sacks: 7.0
  • Forced fumbles: 0
  • Fumble recoveries: 2

Bowers was born in Bamberg, South Carolina in 1990. He attended Clemson, where he played defensive line for the Tigers. After playing for the Buccaneers for four seasons, Bowers signed with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2017.

Bowers has a degree in kinesiology from Clemson. He is a member of the National Football League's Players Association. 

Bowers is married and has two children. He is a defensive line coach for the South Florida Bulls. Bowers was named the 2018 American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

He is a two-time All-American at Clemson. Da'Quan Bowers was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. 

Bowers played for the Steelers for four seasons before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2013. Bowers signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, but was released in September of that year.

Bowers has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants.

4. George Selvie

Jacksonville Jaguars

George Selvie Career

  • High school: Pensacola (FL) Pine Forest
  • College: South Florida
  • NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 7 / Pick: 226
  • St. Louis Rams (2010), Carolina Panthers (2011), Jacksonville Jaguars (2011–2012), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013)*, Dallas Cowboys (2013–2014), New York Giants (2015)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Big East Defensive Player of the Year (2007), Bill Willis Trophy (2007), First-team All-American (2007, 2008), 2× First-team All-Big East (2007, 2008), Second-team All-Big East (2009)
  • Total tackles: 143, Sacks: 14.0, Forced fumbles: 2, Fumble recoveries: 4
  • Total tackles: 143
  • Sacks: 14.0
  • Forced fumbles: 2
  • Fumble recoveries: 4

Selvie was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft. Selvie spent two seasons with the Rams before being traded to the Carolina Panthers. Selvie spent two seasons with the Panthers before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Selvie spent one season with the Jaguars before being released. Selvie signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent two seasons with the team. Selvie was released by the Buccaneers in the 2016 offseason. Selvie signed with the Oakland Raiders and spent one season with the team.

Selvie was released by the Raiders in the 2017 offseason Selvie signed with the New York Jets and spent one season with the team.

George Selvie is an American football defensive end who has played for the St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and New York Jets.

Also Played For: south florida bulls football

5. Todd Orlando

Career

  • 1990–1993: Wisconsin
  • Position(s): Linebacker
  • 1994: Central Catholic HS (PA) (DC)
  • 1995: P Fox Chapel Area HS (PA) (DC)
  • 1996–1998: Penn (LB)
  • 1999–2004: Connecticut (ILB)
  • 2005–2010: Connecticut (DC/ILB)
  • 2011–2012: FIU (DC/LB)
  • 2013–2014: Utah State (DC/LB)
  • 2015–2016: Houston (DC/LB)
  • 2017–2019: Texas (DC/LB)
  • 2020–2021: USC (DC/LB)
  • 2022: Florida Atlantic (DC/LB)
  • 2023–present: South Florida (DC)

Todd Orlando is the new defensive coordinator for South Florida, and he will be in charge of the unit. Orlando played linebacker for Wisconsin from 1990 to 1993.

Orlando has previous coaching experience as the defensive backs coach for Wisconsin from 2009 to 2012. Orlando is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. The American conference is Orlando's current conference.

Orlando's team will play their first game of the season on September 3 against North Texas. Orlando is 51 years old, and he is a Pittsburgh native. Todd Orlando is a linebacker who played at Penn. Orlando was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Orlando played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts, the Chicago Bears, and the Tennessee Titans. Orlando was released by the Tennessee Titans in October of 2014. 

Orlando signed with the Houston Texans in January of 2015. Orlando was released by the Houston Texans in October of 2016.

Orlando signed with the South Florida Bulls in January of 2017. Orlando was waived by the South Florida Bulls in September of 2018. Orlando signed with the USC Trojans in January of 2019.

6. Nate Allen

Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Allen Career

  • High school: Cape Coral, (Cape Coral, Florida)
  • College: South Florida
  • NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2010–2014), Oakland Raiders (2015–2016), Miami Dolphins (2017)
  • Total tackles: 388, Sacks: 4.0, Forced fumbles: 3, Fumble recoveries: 3, Pass deflections: 35, Interceptions: 13
  • Total tackles: 388
  • Sacks: 4.0
  • Forced fumbles: 3
  • Fumble recoveries: 3
  • Pass deflections: 35
  • Interceptions: 13

Nate Allen played free safety for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2010-2014. Allen was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Allen has appeared in 112 career games, making 106 starts. Allen has recorded 477 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 10 pass defenses. Allen was a part of the Eagles team that won the Super Bowl in 2013.

Allen is currently a free agent and is looking for a new team. Nate Allen is a versatile defender who has played both linebacker and safety in his career. He has had success in the pass defense department, recording 13 interceptions in his career.

Allen is also a tough tackler, accumulating 388 tackles in his career. He is entering the twilight years of his career, but Allen should still have some good seasons left in him. He is a valuable member of any defense and should be counted on to make a big impact this season.

Allen is a great team player, and he will be a key contributor for the Philadelphia Eagles this season. He is a dependable player who never makes too many mistakes. 

Allen is a versatile defender who can fill a variety of roles on the field. He is a top-tier defender and should be considered one of the best in the NFL.

7. Aaron Lynch

San Francisco 49ers

Aaron Lynch Career

  • High school: Island Coast, (Cape Coral, Florida)
  • College: Notre Dame (2011), South Florida (2012–2013)
  • Position: Defensive end
  • NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 5 / Pick: 150
  • San Francisco 49ers (2014–2017), Chicago Bears (2018–2019), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020)
  • First-team All-AAC (2013)
  • Total tackles: 111, Sacks: 21.0, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 1, Interceptions: 1, Pass deflections: 11
  • Total tackles: 111
  • Sacks: 21.0
  • Forced fumbles: 0
  • Fumble recoveries: 1
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Pass deflections: 11

Aaron Lynch is a talented defensive end who was drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Lynch has appeared in 49 games in his career, recording 85 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2019, and is looking to have a big season with the team. Lynch is a versatile player who can play defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. He is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game.

Lynch is a strong player who is capable of putting pressure on the quarterback. He is a key member of the Bears defense, and is looking to help the team make the playoffs this season. Lynch is a fierce competitor who loves to play football. He is a team player who is always looking to help his teammates succeed.

Aaron Lynch was a standout linebacker at Boise State and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Lynch was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 and had a Pro Bowl season. 

Lynch was released by the Seahawks in 2018 and signed with the Chicago Bears. Lynch had a strong season with the Bears and is looking to build on that in 2019.

Lynch is a physical linebacker who is able to make plays all over the field. Lynch is a big hitter who is able to get to the ball quickly. Lynch is a good run defender who can hold his own against the run. 

Lynch is a good coverage linebacker who can cover a lot of ground. Lynch has been a consistent performer in the NFL and is looking to continue that in 2019.

8. Tre Williams

Career

  • High school: Durant High School (Plant City, Florida)
  • College: South Florida
  • NFL Draft: 2008 / Round: 5 / Pick: 159
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (2008)*, Philadelphia Eagles (2008–2009)*, Seattle Seahawks (2009)*, Pittsburgh Steelers (2009), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010)*, Buffalo Bills (2010)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • First-team All-Big East (2006), Second-team All-Big East (2007), Thorpe Award Candidate, All-American Honorable Mention, Led NCAA in interceptions 2006-2007 (13)

Tre Williams played cornerback for three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being waived in April of 2013. Williams signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May of 2013 and played in 11 games before being released in December of 2013.

Williams signed with the Seattle Seahawks in January of 2014 and played in 10 games before being released in December of 2014. Williams signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March of 2014 and played in 15 games before being released in November of 2014.

Williams signed with the Buffalo Bills in December of 2014 and played in 10 games before being released in November of 2015. Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals in November of 2015 and played in 13 games before being released in November of 2016.

Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints in December of 2016 and played in 10 games before being released in December of 2017. Williams signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December of 2017 and played in 9 games before being released in December of 2018.

Williams signed with the Detroit Lions in December of 2018 and played in 9 games before being released in December of 2019.

Final Words

The South Florida Bulls football team has been a powerhouse in the NCAA for many years and their defensive players have been some of the best in the country.

They have produced some of the best defensive players in the NCAA over the years and they have some of the best players in the country when it comes to defense.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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