TAMPA, Fla. — The definition of “senior” has changed slightly in the post-COVID transfer portal era of college athletics. Twenty-three USF football players will be recognized before Saturday’s game against Tulsa, as most of them run onto the field at Raymond James Stadium for the final time.

Receiver Sean Atkins, a graduate student, has exhausted his eligibility. So this is definitely the last ride for the old walk-on.

“I feel like it’s really hard to understand what that moment will be like until you get on the field,” he said after Thursday’s practice. “Just being there with my parents, it’s going to be super special. I’m sure I’ll feel all the emotions since it’ll be the last time at Ray Jay.”

Atkins earned a scholarship and broke several program records, including the mark for most career receptions – 176, and counting.

“I just have this underdog mentality, and then I go out and prove to everyone that I belong here. I just do my job, honestly,” he added. “To do what I can to help this team win. That’s all I really want.”

Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler is also playing her final game at Ray Jay. He injured his right leg in the season opener after intercepting a pass against Bethune-Cookman. He missed the first half of the season, but he found a way to contribute without taking the field.

“I discovered a lot of things about myself, like different ways of leading, it’s not on the field,” he explained. “For the most part, that’s all it was about. Making sure they become the main gladiators at this point.”

Shuler took a big step forward last week against Charlotte. He recorded a sack and a forced fumble on the same play in the third quarter of the Bulls’ 59-24 victory. The fumble was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Shuler’s friend and fellow linebacker Mac Harris.

“I told (Harris) that was one of my favorite plays I’ve ever been in,” Shuler laughed. “Just the fact that he was able to go after it and score…that’s probably one of my favorite plays. It’s also a really cool image of us embracing in the air.”

Harris, a graduate student with one year of eligibility remaining, said there’s nothing like sharing the field with someone who also excels at making big plays.

“Having someone who loves and respects the game as much as you do is a really comfortable feeling,” Harris said after practice. “We feel like if we’re together, there’s nothing we can’t top.”

The Bulls (5-5) lost starting quarterback Byrum Brown to a leg injury Sept. 28 against Tulane. Head coach Alex Golesh hasn’t named a starting quarterback, but if Brown can’t play, Bryce Archie would likely make his sixth straight start. A win would make the Bulls bowl eligible for the second straight season, but Golesh doesn’t like to discuss the playoffs during the regular season.

“We haven’t talked once — and you can ask (the players) — about a bowl game,” Golesh said bluntly. “Literally, just trying to be the best version of ourselves, week to week.”

The USF head coach, in his second year, said he understands the importance of the entire bowl experience, but he hopes the program continues to evolve into a position where they compete for championships.

“There is no total victory, that’s the goal. For us, the goal is really to be the best version of ourselves, today.”

USF and Tulsa kick off at Raymond James Stadium tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.