Rick Kravitz was two years ahead of Jim Leavitt at the St. Petersburg high school. Leavitt went on to become head coach at USF, but Kravitz also has made a name for himself as boss of the defense.
By PETE YOUNG
Published August 28, 2003
[Times photo: Bill Serne 2002]
Bulls defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz, left, credits the ‘‘work ethic’’ installed by coach Jim Leavitt for much of USF’s success.
He has been there since the beginning of the program, returning home - he's a Dixie Hollins graduate - to become the architect of South Florida's perennially powerful defense.
Yep, Rick Kravitz - what? You were expecting someone else, a guy named Leavitt perhaps? - has established himself as one of the nation's best, and perhaps more anonymous, defensive coordinators during USF's first six seasons.
His defense has been impressive from the get-go.
The Bulls were ranked No. 9 and No. 11 in Division I-AA in total defense their first two seasons (1997-98). Last season USF was No. 17 out of 117 I-A schools in total defense (308.9 yards a game) and No. 7 in rush defense (87.2). And it was both stingy and pilfering, forcing 36 turnovers to help the Bulls lead the nation in turnover margin.
"We've done it with a lot of attitude players who just wanted to do whatever it takes to win," Kravitz said. "The work ethic - we've not always been the most talented, but the work ethic is something we've had from the beginning. Jim came in with an attitude that we were going to work harder than everyone else, and it spread."
Kravitz believes maintaining that mindset is as important as anything to playing defense.
"When we start believing we're something special, that's when you'll have problems," Kravitz said. "We have the attitude we're going into an alley, and we're all going back-to-back and we're all coming out of there together."
Leavitt said Kravitz's versatility - he initially coached the linebackers and now the secondary at USF, and he played both ways in college at Troy State - and his ability to connect with players are his primary assets.
"He understands all aspects of the defensive game, the front, linebackers and secondary," Leavitt said. "He loves his players. He's an awfully good teacher. He has a great passion for the game."
Kravitz's relatively laid-back persona complements Leavitt's high-intensity style.
"You've go to coach within your personality. Jim's definitely fiery," Kravitz said. "I don't usually jump down their throat, but I will. When I do light up, (the players) know there's something going on.
Kravitz said he doesn't reflect much on USF's success, but he does get asked about it "all the time."
"We don't think about being good, we just think about where we want to go," Kravitz said. "We just keep pushing, just keep striving. Why can't you be good, why can't you get better?"
Kravitz, who turned 49 on Aug. 6, was two years ahead of Leavitt at Dixie Hollins. Perhaps there was something in the water, as both have emerged as top-flight defensive coordinators, Leavitt previously at Kansas State.
"We've been together here eight years. This is my hometown, I love it here," Kravitz said. "We were excited about building something here in our hometown, and that's what we're trying to do every day."
