The bull shark ranks among the more notorious ocean-dwellers in the world, particularly in warm, shallow waters like those along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is easily provoked, has no qualms about biting humans and can even survive in freshwater systems as well as its natural ocean habitat.
It also makes for a cool moniker for USF’s 4-2-5 defense – a unit largely comprised of players who were relied upon heavily as freshmen and sophomores, and have since developed the confidence and versatility inherent in its amphibious namesake.
Linebacker Auggie Sanchez personifies the Bull Shark defense as well as anyone. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2013, Sanchez has started 28 straight games at middle linebacker and has emerged as the leader of a unit that has held its first three opponents to 19 points per game and finished the 2015 season ranked 13th nationally in turnover margin (0.77).
Sanchez registered 117 tackles last season, the second-highest total in program history and the most among returning players in The American in 2016. He earned all-conference second team honors as a sophomore and is off to a great start to his junior season, with back-to-back 13-tackle performances in wins against Northern Illinois and Syracuse.
“He’s consistent with what he does,” said USF coach Willie Taggart of his defensive leader. “You don’t ever hear him blame anyone or make excuses. And if he makes a mistake, he’s the first one to be down on himself. But he will be locked in to get himself back and ready to go.”