10.22.18

THE ORACLE

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www.usforacle.com

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Shopping should be a pleasure, but traffic may be a pain The on-campus Publix is expected to bring more traffic to an already-congested area. But the university is confident in its plan to combat potential problems before they arise.

By Jesse Stokes E D I T O R

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With the on-campus Publix set to open on Dec. 3, the logistics that go into planning the opening of a store of its caliber are not as cut and dry as a tray of cold cuts.

The intersection of Palm Drive and Fletcher Avenue is already a high-traffic area, especially during the peak rush hours. With the introduction of a fully-functioning grocery store that is open to the public in the area as well, congestion issues may worsen come spring.

According to Aaron Nichols, the assistant director The on-campus Publix is set to open at the start of the spring semester. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/ of administrative services, CHAVELI GUZMAN additional construction is of continuing the construction St. and Fletcher to accommodate That is not the only underway in an attempt to ease of the Laurel Drive extension the Village, Publix, and future additional entrance to campus the heavy traffic in the area. within campus,” Nichols said growth on and off campus. being built, however. Nichols “USF did a long-term traffic in an email to The Oracle. “The This construction is occurring also said that there is a “right impact study for this area of project includes a roundabout right now and is targeted for in/right out” entrance being campus and is in the process and a new campus entry at 46th completion in April 2019.” built as a part of the Publix

project, which will serve to provide direct access to the store.

Audrey Clarke, the public information representative for the USF Police Department (UP), said that drivers and pedestrians should avoid the area, especially during hightraffic times.

“If individuals are not going to Publix and do not have to be in that area, we would say avoid that area, especially during the peak hours, around 5 p.m.,” Clarke said. “During the other times, we will just have to see what the traffic conditions are like during that time and adjust accordingly.”

However, it is not all about traffic for UP, as they also have to prepare for responding to 911 calls at the store.

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Biden to join Gillum for on-campus campaign event Monday

By Jesse Stokes E D I T O R

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C H I E F

Andrew Gillum (D), a candidate for governor of Florida, is hosting a “get-outand-vote” rally Monday at noon with former Vice President Joe Biden at USF’s Campus Recreation.

Students may attend the rally for free, space permitting.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. and

the event will start at 10:30 a.m.

This will be the first time any gubernatorial candidate has been to USF to campaign since the primary elections in 2017.

Gillum first campaigned on campus in August of last year before he secured the Democratic nomination for governor in August.

He will be joined by Biden to address the importance of

young people, specifically college-aged students, voting.

Other democratic candidates for office are accompanying them as well, including Sean Shaw, who is running for attorney general and incumbents Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Charlie Crist.

Some of the key issues that Gillum is running on include, criminal justice reform, gun safety and LGBTQ+ equality.

The team for Gillum’s opponent, Ron DeSantis (R), could not be reached for comment by the time of publication on if there are any plans for DeSantis to visit USF. Gillum began his political career serving as student body president for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) from 200102. He then became the first student to sit on the FAMU

Board of Trustees.

The now 39-year-old Miami native was the youngest candidate elected to the Tallahassee City Commission in 2003.

After 10 years as the city commissioner, Gillum ran for mayor of Tallahassee in April 2013. He won the race with nearly 20,000 votes, totaling about 76 percent.

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The Oracle THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1966

Editor in Chief Jesse Stokes @JesseStokes813

Managing Editor Josh Fiallo @ByJoshFiallo

News Editor

Maria Ranoni @ByMariaRanoni

Sports Editor Sam Newlon @newlon_sam

Multimedia Editor Chaveli Guzman @ChaveliGuzman

Opinion Editor

Aida Vazquez-Soto

Staff Writers

Matthew Cutillo Alyssa Stewart Brian Hattab

Graphic Artists Avery Dyen Jessica Thornton

Advertising Sales Kimberly Flores Skyler Nickols Katelyn Williams

The Oracle is published Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and once weekly, Wednesday, during the summer.

The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student. Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the Oracle office (SVC 0002).

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CORRECTIONS The Oracle will correct or clarify factual errors.

Contact Editor in Chief Jesse Stokes at 974-5190.

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Council being created to build relations between SG and student organizations

By Alyssa Stewart A S S I S T A N T

On the back side of the store, there is an entrance off of Fletcher Avenue near a loading dock for delivery drop off. ORACLE PHOTO/ CHAVELI GUZMAN

PUBLIX

Continued from PAGE 1

“When it comes to 911 calls, USF Police will respond to any 911 calls (to the on-campus Publix),” Clarke said. “If the 911 calls come from a land line, they will automatically come to the police department’s dispatch.

Sometimes, if individuals are using a cell phone, it goes to a cell phone tower, but any agency that receives it, if it is an incident on campus, it will still be routed to USF police.”

Nichols directed any questions about what is going to be done to prevent students, faculty and staff from parking in the Publix parking lot while they go to class or work and what measures are going to be taken to ensure that shopping carts do not leave the store grounds to Publix.

However, Brian West, the media and community relations manager for Publix, could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.

Nichols said that USF and Publix are working closely together to be sure that they are on top of any potential issues and are looking forward to the store’s opening in the spring semester.

“Our agreement with Publix was overseen and will be monitored by senior Business and Finance personnel at USF,” Nichols said. “Our Facilities Management team continues to work closely with the Publix team on this project. USF and Publix have very open channels of communication and work collaboratively to address any issues related to the project.”

N E W S

E D I T O R

Student Government’s (SG) newly created Council of Presidents (COP), which is a temporary group made of student organization heads, will be created into a bill and made permanent if there’s positive feedback from its members, according to Shaquille Kent, USF’s student body vice president.

The COP will conduct its first meeting in mid-November to serve as an introductory forum.

Kent said the purpose of the cost-free initiative is for student organization leaders to voice their concerns and ideas, as well as for SG leaders to let student organization presidents more efficiently know the actions it plans on taking.

However, the initiative is encountering challenges along the way.

One concern is having a large enough location to accommodate the extensive amount of student organizations, according to Kent.

According to the Office of Multicultural Affairs website, there are over 600 registered student organizations.

Prospectively, the COP would meet starting spring 2019, three times a semester, Kent said.

In order to include every president, Kent would have to separate the organizations based on interest groups over the course of three days for each meeting.

Kent categorically divided the groups based on cultural and professional standings. The third group is yet to be decided.

The meetings would include 100 to 200 student leaders per meeting in order accommodate to the size. Kent said the Marshall Student Center (MSC) Oval Theatre is an option, but to have

a more intimate discussion he said he would consider the Senate Chambers since SG already has reservations for the room.

Out of the nearly 600 student organizations, 300 are funded by SG, according to Kent. He said the organizations that are funded and frequently request to book rooms have established relationships with SG. The purpose of the COP is to engage with organizations that are not actively communicating with SG to give everyone a platform to voice their opinions.

“What may be affecting a cultural organization might also be affecting a professional organization,” Kent said. “We want to know the desires of what people want to see on campus and get an assortment of opinions from those leaders.”

“

graphics to advertise the initiative on social media.

Based on the feedback from the first meeting in November, Kent said he will evaluate if this is something that can be solidified.

“I don’t want to impose something on these clubs if this is not something they think will be beneficial for the student body,” Kent said.

Kent said this is an important initiative for the executive branch because of the loss of personal connections due to busy schedules. The COP could operate as a committee without having to pass through the Senate, but to make it a permanent part of SG year-to-year, Kent would have to create a bill.

Kent said the COP would alleviate students relaying

This is beneficial for students who want to interact and let us know the concerns they have.

”

Shaquille Kent, student body vice president

Kent said he would prefer to have the presidents and vice presidents attend the meetings. If leaders are unable to attend, he said the organization can delegate another member.

As chair of the council, Kent said he is acquiring help to organize the committee from Lyncee Romelus, the SG director of diversity, inclusion and sustainability who would serve as the vice chair.

According to Kent, the initiative would be a part of SG by January, if the student organization leaders think it is beneficial.

Kent said he started working on the initiative by accumulating the names of student leaders from the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement to send invitations for the first meeting. He said the SG marketing team is working on

concerns to the Student Body President Moneer Kheireddine and himself through social media. Kent said if the initiative is permanent, it will be easier for the upcoming student body president to know the concerns and ideas from students.

Along with providing student organizations with networking and engagement opportunities, Kent said this would give SG a platform to bring in more student ideas.

“This is beneficial for students who want to interact and let us know the concerns they have,” Kent said. “We can’t fix everything, but having the knowledge will be much better in directing us in where we need to go in the future.”

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EDITORIAL

There are more important things What you said than an on-campus stadium Multimedia Editor Chaveli Guzman asked students if they plan to make use of the on-campus Publix.

An on-campus stadium would transform USF as a university.

It would make game days more accessible, it would bring a level of attention and recognition to the university that it has never seen, and, most importantly perhaps, it would make game days all around a more enjoyable experience.

But it comes at a cost — more than $200 million, according to USF officials.

It should not be USF’s number one priority.

An on-campus stadium is what some USF community members want, but it is not what the university needs.

The proposed on-campus stadium is a nice idea, but is far from a USF’s attention should necessity. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE be focussed primarily on its consolidation efforts and is no easy feat. Keeping up with replacement for System President maintaining USF’s status as a 12 required metrics, which include Judy Genshaft, as she plans to retire preeminent research university. If things like graduation and on July 1 after serving nearly two it fails to keep its status, it’ll lose freshman retention rates. Ensuring decades in her role. the millions of dollars per year that that the university not only stays This is not just more important accompanies it. on track with the metrics but than developing an on-campus With consolidation comes continues to advance and improve stadium, it may be the singlean entirely new structure for the is certainly a challenge of its own. biggest decision USF will have to university system. There are plans It was announced at Saturday’s make in the near future. for some fundamental changes, Homecoming Game against The next system president will including a redistribution of UConn that David Goldstein and need to be someone that is well colleges and schools among the Joanne Nelson made a $2 million educated, informed about the three campuses. With such a gift toward USF’s new football Tampa Bay area, and some of its large structural change looming, center. key community members, and a football stadium on the USF Adam Freeman, a university politically savvy, so that they are Tampa campus should not take spokesperson, told The Oracle last able to navigate the fundraising precedent. month that the on-campus stadium world to bring in dollars for future USF reaching preeminence is not even at the top of the list projects — including the proposed status is arguably the university’s for the university and Athletics, stadium. greatest accomplishment to rather, “the priority at this time is The idea of an on-campus date and will prove to be more the Football Center, not a stadium.” football stadium may seem like a valuable to students degrees than In the months to come, USF nice idea, but in the end, it is simply an on-campus stadium ever could. is also going to need to put a novelty for a growing university Maintaining that accomplishment their attention toward finding a that already has a full plate.

“Yeah, it’s kind of a long walk from JP, but I don’t mind walking.”

— Diana Bowman, a freshman majoring in health sciences.

“Yes, I live in Beacon so I’m right by it. I’m looking forward to it.” ­— Emily Russek, a sophomore majoring in cellular molecular biology.

“I’m looking forward to the Publix, I’ll be using it often.”

— Cheyenne Lilienthal, a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences.

“Absolutely, I love Publix.”

— Lexi Schr, a senior majoring in advertising and public relations

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FRESHMEN

RECAP

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Continued from PAGE 8

made some changes during halftime as the team came out with more aggression. Not only was the defense able to add a sack, redshirt freshman safety Nick Roberts added to the momentum with an interception in the fourth quarter.

“Earlier this year I was playing corner and when I got on the safety, I knew I liked it, I felt more comfortable,” Roberts said. “It feels great knowing we play at home and hearing the crowd cheer for you. I have to hype them up just like they hype me up.”

Although the team came out with the win, they did not feel that they played to their full potential. Players and coaches expressed their concerns over the mistakes their team made — most notably, UConn quarterback David Pindell ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns.

“From a defensive side, we

Commentary

By Brian Hattab S T A F F

True freshman Johnny Ford ran for 164 yards and three touchdowns against UConn. ORACLE PHOTO/BAILY EASTERMAN did not control the line of scrimmage, let the QB run and they rushed for 300 yards,” Strong said. “We are a better team than that, we can play better than that.”

Even after winning by only eight points, some Bulls aren’t frustrated and are happy to

remain undefeated.

“There is no frustration because at the end of the day we got the win,” Ford said. “We got a lot of stuff in store because we haven’t played our best football game. Imagine when we do play our best, it will be lights out.”

has started the past three games.

With all the young players on the team, however, there are bound to be miscues.

“When you have young guys, you’re going to make a bunch of mistakes,” Strong said. “They just haven’t been battle-tested enough to where they can just go play. You have older guys who understand [it’s time to shut this team down] and as [the freshmen] continue to grow, that attitude is going to come to them.”

One of the older guys on the team is Jordan Cronkrite, who played for Florida before transferring to USF and sitting out a year. Even though he’s only played seven games in a USF jersey, he still has some more experience than true freshman Ford.

“I look up to [Cronkrite] because he’s a great role model,” Ford said.

“He’s someone any kid would want

to meet and any kid would like because of his work ethic. Anything you name, he’s going to go after it.”

Cronkrite said that he and Ford keep each other motivated throughout the week because they are working harder due to injuries affecting other running backs.

“We give each other tips, I give him some, he gives me some,” Cronkrite said. “I tell him to be himself…there’s a lot of potential in him and great talent. He’s got a small frame, you saw what he did tonight. I’m really proud of him.”

The five-foot-five 168 pound Ford has some tips for Cronkrite that are a little different. “[I tell him] ‘let’s go’,” Ford said.

“This has been a great opportunity that I’m getting.”

These freshmen and redshirt freshmen are all part of Strong’s first two recruiting classes — many of which have figured into prominent roles on the team.

Takeaways from USF vs. UConn

W R I T E R

No. 21 USF (7-0, 3-0) defeated UConn (1-6, 0-4) 38-30 on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. USF’s 7-0 record matches a program-best, originally set last season. Here are some takeaways from Saturday night’s homecoming game.

Not a good look It’s hard to defend beating a team that came in with the 129th best defense in FBS by a single score. It’s hard to defend allowing a team that came in with the 91st best offense in FBS to score 30 points.

Coach Charlie Strong said the team didn’t play to its full potential and the Bulls allowed UConn to stay in the game.

Indeed the Bulls did. Even despite the slow start, which saw the score tied 7-7 at halftime, all

could have been forgiven if USF had piled on in the second half.

Instead, while the Bulls were able to put up 31 points in the second half, UConn scored 23 points of its own.

Prior to Saturday, UConn’s smallest point differential in a game against FBS opponents — which have all resulted in losses — was 30. USF winning by only eight points is a bad look in comparison.

Johnny Ford is this season’s breakout star USF’s starting running back Jordan Cronkrite had another 100-yard rushing performance Saturday night with 16 carries for 110 yards, although he did lose a fumble in the fourth quarter.

Without Elijah Mack, Duran Bell and Trevon Sands, freshman Johnny Ford stole the show.

Ford ran for 164 yards and three touchdowns, with a long of 78

yards and an average of over 23 yards per carry.

“I just thank [running backs] coach [Shaun] King and coach Strong for the opportunity,” Ford said. “I text them that mostly after every game, just ‘Thank you for the opportunity.’ Because, without the opportunity, I probably would be waiting my turn. But now that my turn’s here, I’m taking advantage of it and giving it all I’ve got.”

USF pulled the ol’ switcheroo

All week leading up to this game, there were rumors that USF would be debuting its alternate black jerseys against UConn.

Nobody at USF would confirm — nor deny, for that matter — the truth of said rumors. As the week went on, with no announcement made, the hope for seeing the black alternates faded.

The hope seemingly completely vanished when USF came out

for pregame warm ups wearing its primary green jersey. Then, shortly after 7 p.m., the Bulls ran onto the field wearing all-black.

On one hand, the whole thing was hilarious. Shoot down rumors, make no announcement, wear something completely different for warm ups. Then, bam, out of nowhere, here come the muchanticipated black jerseys.

On the other hand, USF missed out on an opportunity to have its fans participate in a blackout by not announcing anything in advance.

Either way, don’t count Strong as a fan of the black jerseys, especially given his team’s lackluster performance in them.

“With the black jerseys, that’s why I always say this, ‘You don’t ever change your uniform,’” Strong said. “When you change your uniform — guys worry more about how they look instead of how they play.”

Oh, well. It was nice seeing the black jerseys while they lasted.

Next week could be ugly USF hits the road to face Houston on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

The game will be televised on ABC and ESPN2. A national audience may very well see Houston defensive end Ed Oliver tear apart the USF offensive line.

But they also may see a USF team rise up to the challenge. The Bulls have been very Jekyll-andHyde this season, after all. Just when you’re ready to write them off, Blake Barnett finds Randall St. Felix for an explosive touchdown pass or Jordan Cronkrite runs for 300 yards.

So next week could be ugly. Next week also could be a statement win for a USF team that’s having a pretty weird season, all things considered.

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Football

Freshmen taking the reins for the Bulls

By Sam Newlon S P O R T S

E D I T O R

In college football, it’s widely known that freshmen players have to prove themselves to see the field on game day. Because older players are more experienced and battletested, the upperclassmen are usually the ones who earn starting roles.

In Saturday’s game alone, however, No. 21 USF started five freshmen or redshirt freshmen, with several others having an impact in the game — including the Bulls’ leading rusher, Johnny Ford.

“You’ve got a bunch of young, talented players playing and they’re playing well,” coach Charlie Strong said Saturday. “We’re playing good enough to win, but we can play much better.”

There are always some young players on each team that stand out, however. For No. 1 Alabama,

two freshmen have earned starting roles, cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr., as well as wide receiver and return man Jaylen Waddle.

No. 10 UCF starts just one redshirt freshman — right guard Cole Schneider.

Ford led USF with 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns Saturday. Redshirt freshman Randall St. Felix led all receivers with 123 yards and the Bulls’ lone receiving touchdown, but the success of the freshman doesn’t stop on the offensive side of the ball.

Terrence Horne Jr. tied an NCAA record earlier this season against Georgia Tech with two kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Though, his season was cut short when he tore his ACL in practice.

Redshirt freshmen Mekhi LaPoint and Nick Roberts led the team with 11 and 10 total tackles Saturday, respectively. Roberts tacked on his second interception

Redshirt freshman Nick Roberts had USF’s second-most tackles (10) and a 61-yard interception return against UConn. He’s now second on the team in total tackles with 46. ORACLE PHOTO/SAM NEWLON of the season in the fourth quarter with a 61-yard return that set up a quick Ford rushing touchdown.

“LaPoint and Roberts are two guys that we’ve put in the lineup and they’ve played very well for

us,” Strong said. “They can make plays, they can tackle people, they can hit them and they can find the football.”

Bentlee Sanders and Vincent Davis also made it on Strong’s list

of notable freshmen on the team.

On Saturday, freshman Brad Cecil started at center alongside fellow freshman Donovan Jennings, who

n See FRESHMEN on PAGE 7

Football

Bulls remain undefeated in 38-30 victory over UConn

By Jeremy Johnson

C O R R E S P O N D E N T

No. 21 USF beat UConn 38-30 Saturday at Raymond James Stadium for its Homecoming game to remain undefeated, despite a close-scoring game against a lowly opponent.

“We got the victory, but we did not play as well as we are capable of playing,” coach Charlie Strong said. “We allowed this team to stay in the game.”

After yet another shaky start, the Bulls (7-0, 3-0) seemed to find their stride against UConn (1-6, 0-4) with 43 seconds remaining in the first half.

Freshman Johnny Ford ran 15 yards for the Bulls first touchdown of the night. At the end of his run, he lifted up USF’s newly-unveiled all-black uniform top to reveal a white shirt with his friend’s name on it.

“My friend, Eric, he passed away in 2013, so that makes

five years,” Ford said. “I just dedicated that touchdown to him...I kept that shirt on under and I dedicated that touchdown to him.”

Ford ended his night with 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Cronkrite ran for 103 yards, making it his fifth-straight game rushing more than 100 yards. Even though he’s been a consistent part of USF’s offense, even Cronkrite was unsatisfied with his team’s performance.

“Sorry for my performance tonight, y’all,” he said in a tweet after the game. “Played a horrible game. Won’t happen again.”

The Bulls were able to carry this energy over to the second half, scoring on their first drive of the half. Quarterback Blake Barnett connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Randall St. Felix for a 75-yard touchdown pass.

“It was a great job on his part, he had two really big catches,”

quarterback Blake Barnett said.

“For him to open up like that was really exciting,” Barnett said.

Barnett seemed to be in a much better flow after halftime.

To start the game, he threw interceptions on back-to-back drives. He only threw for 96 yards the first half, but stepped up and threw 169 in the second half.

In addition, the USF defense

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