USF student-athletes are participating in a mentorship program with DuCon Construction to gain experience in building the university’s first on-campus stadium, which is set to open in fall 2027. The initiative involves more than a dozen athletes from various sports who are learning about construction management, including tasks such as bidding for materials, ordering supplies, project oversight, and community outreach.
The mentorship was developed by Ernest DuBose II, CEO of DuCon Construction. His company is working alongside Manhattan Construction Company and H.J. Russell & Company on the 35,000-seat facility that will host football and lacrosse games as well as concerts and festivals.
“My mom graduated from USF. My son, Deric, played football for USF,” said DuBose. “So, this is my dream project. I wanted to share that dream by providing opportunities to USF student-athletes.”
Student-athletes in the program are paired with construction team mentors who guide them through industry processes. Those interested in pursuing construction management further have opportunities to shadow employees across different departments within the partner companies.
“Until this internship, I didn’t fully understand how much detail went into projects like this one,” said Tyra Thomas, a track and field athlete specializing in the 100-meter hurdles. “It’s been exciting to learn about.”
DuBose explained the program’s long-term vision: “The ideal situation we want is for them to go from internship to career. Whether they continue to work for us on the stadium or another project, or work with one of our subcontractors, we want to help them get hired.”
For some participants like Jaelen Stokes—a safety on the football team—the experience has broadened his career interests beyond athletics or law enforcement. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing the process,” Stokes said. “Most people just hear about the stadium and then see it finished, like it just went up overnight. I’m learning about all the long, hard steps in between.”
Thomas also expressed aspirations shaped by her family background in construction and hopes eventually to address housing needs for student-athletes through real estate development.
“I have a dream of going to college towns, finding abandoned properties, purchasing and fixing them as affordable rentals for student-athletes,” Thomas said. “Between classes, practice, travel, and the season, it is hard for student-athletes to find enough time to work and afford a nice place. I’ve dealt with that. Now, I want to help others.”
DuBose sees similarities between athletics and construction management: “I was a student-athlete, my project manager, Clayton Brown, was a student-athlete, and my superintendent, Issac Ricks, was a student-athlete,” he said. “Just like in sports, success here depends on teamwork, trust and knowing your role. Everyone has a position based on their skills and experience, and when each person plays to their strengths, the whole team wins.”
Stokes added: “The teamwork needed for building a stadium and playing in one are so much alike,” he said. “I can’t wait to come back and visit the new stadium and say I was part of it.”
USF football begins its season August 28 at Raymond James Stadium against Boise State.
