Strength in Unity.

[Captain Canada]

Quarterbacks and linebackers. You may cultivate an environment of terror but them boys can ball.

[Soapy]

Bulls big recruiting weekend starts with a splash as local prospect commits
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

USF will host five 5-star recruits by the end of this weekend and it started the week with some momentum, landing a commitment from Hillsborough High School star linebacker Brian Robinson. Robinson was also considering Ole Miss and Miami.

Robinson, a four-star recruit, is the eight commitment of the nation's third ranked class and the fourth commitment in the last three weeks, joining cornerback Kenny Fowler, punter Stanley Durbin and fellow linebacker Nicholas Holt.

With Robinson's commitment, USF is most likely done at the position after signing three linebackers the year before. A prototypical Will linebacker, Robinson is a good athlete with impressive coverage skills for the position. He'll likely need to add more weight and get better at taking on blocks in order to be an every down player and if he does, a transition to Mike linebacker is not out of the question as he has very good instincts.

Despite committing already, Robinson still intends on being on campus this weekend, recruiting more players to the class. The confirmed visitors list consists of five-star running back Derek Young, five-star receiver Jarod Green, five-star defensive back Mark Robinson, five-star offensive tackle Adam Clemons, five-star offensive guard Chris Booker, four-star defensive end Travis Peters, four-star defensive tackle Michael Williams, four-star offensive guard Ed McKinney, four-star receiver Donte McCarthy and four-star kicker Mike Pleasant.

USF feels really confident on where they stand will all of these players as they are the 247Sports Crystal Ball leader on all ten players. Green has a visit scheduled to Oregon later on in the year while Clemons visited Miami last month and is expected to make a commitment soon.

Other players to watch include for a potential commitment include Booker, whose already visited his other top schools in Notre Dame and Alabama. Williams has visits left on his calendar to Ole Miss and Louisville but the staff is confident that they may be a commitment while he's on campus this week. McKinney recently visited Alabama and is supposed to visit USC as well soon but like Williams, the staff feels confident in their ability to get a commitment.

Peters visited Alabama as well two weeks ago but had visits lined up to Kansas State and Miami later in the year so a commitment isn't expected.

2035 USF Recruiting Class
QB Joey Spence [QB #1]: 6'4", 220lbs | St. Johns, AZ | 5-star | 4.86 40-yd dash, 310 Bench Press Max, 255 Squat Max
WR Jason McDowell [WR #4]: 6'5", 220lbs | Charlotte, MI | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 195 Squat Max
S Wesley Adams [S #1]: 6'5", 212lbs | Mt. Gay-Shamrock, WV [IMG] | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 370 Squat Max
CB Kenny Fowler [CB #1]: 6'0", 166lbs | Cherry Hill, NJ | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 285 Squat Max
WR Sam Washington [WR #25]: 6'0", 172lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.42 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
OLB Brian Robinson [OLB #17]: 6'2", 223lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 4530 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
OLB Nicholas Holt [OLB #105]: 6'4", 238lbs | Oviedo, FL | 3-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 315 Bench Press Max, 545 Squat Max
P Stanley Durbin [P #11]: 6'0", 220lbs | Orlando, FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 225 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max

2035 USF Recruiting Board
HB Derek Young [ATH #1]: 6'0", 217lbs | Washington, IA [IMG] | 5-star | USF, Alabama, Notre Dame
WR Jarod Green [WR #2]: 5'11", 183lbs | Missouri City, TX | 5-star | USF, Oregon, Kansas
DB Mark Robinson [ATH #13]: 6'3", 185lbs | Union City, NJ | 5-star | USF, Michigan State, Notre Dame
T Adam Clemons [T #1]: 6'2", 307lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 5-star | USF, Miami,
G Chris Booker [G #1]: 6'1", 320lbs | Muscle Shoals, AL | 5-star | USF, Notre Dame, Alabama
DE Travis Peters [DE #2]: 6'2", 228lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Miami, USF, Alabama, Kansas State
DT Michael Williams [DT #3]: 6'6", 280lbs | El Paso, TX | 4-star | USF, Ole Miss
G Ed McKinney [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Baker, LA | 4-star | USF, Alabama
WR Donte McCarthy [WR #26]: 6'0", 211lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | USF, Virginia Tech
LB Brian Robinson [OLB #17]: 6'2", 223lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Miami, Ole Miss
K Mike Pleasant [K #1]: 5'10", 181lbs | Mena, AR | 4-star | USF, Oklahoma State
TE Jason White [TE #35]: 6'4", 251lbs | Prien, LA | 3-star | USF, Tennessee, Notre Dame
QB Jared Chavis [QB #46]: 6'3", 191lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | Air Force, USF, FAU, Missouri, Clemson
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LB Willie Farris [OLB #6]: 6'4", 221lbs | Center Point, AL | 4-star | Michigan State, Middle Tennessee State

[Soapy]

Quarterbacks and linebackers. You may cultivate an environment of terror but them boys can ball.

the terror squad.

update on that whole situation, soon.

[Soapy]

What does USF's hiring of Joanne Morris mean for future of football program?
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

The University of South Florida announced on Monday the hiring of Joanne Morris to be the team's new athletic director following the resignation of Michael Kelly.

Kelly had been the school's AD since 2016 and resigned amidst various reports of improprieties and overall lack of institutional control around the USF athletic department, specifically the football team. These reports coincide with independent investigations by both the NCAA and the university itself into the football programs with both investigations expected to be finalized soon.

Morris was the highest ranking female staff member at Notre Dame's athletic department, serving as Senior Deputy Athletics Director since 2032 and prior to that was an Associate Athletic Director, overseeing the compliance department starting in 2025 and the Compliance Program Director before when she joined Notre Dame in 2021 after a stint in corporate law.

USF, to their credit, checked a lot of boxes with their hire. Morris is a lawyer and has extensive experience in not only big time athletics but especially compliance which has been the center of USF athletics for the past twelve months. She's also an outsider, a qualification that many around the university felt was necessary. It also cannot be lost that she's a woman as many have highlighted the lack of women in leadership positions within the athletic department.

Morris' first major decision won't be entirely hers. USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. is expected to finish the season, which could end with his fifth national championship, but his future beyond this season is in the balance. I've been told that Francois Sr. was not involved or consulted at all during the interviewing process for a new AD and has yet to speak to Morris.

This falls in line with a growing feeling around the program that this will indeed be Francois Sr's final season. Even with Morris' hire, which some didn't think would come before the end of the fall semester, the decision whether to retain Francois Sr. is expected to be made by a coalition of the Board of Trustees, school president Rhea Law, her advisors and Morris.

"A month ago, I thought he was safe but now, I'm not sure. [Francois Sr] has insulated himself, he's been late to a few different meetings he was supposed to have with university investigators, cutting those meetings short. He's not acting like a guy that wants to be around," said a source within the university's Board of Trustees, "I think the [Board of Trustees] is going to push to keep him but he lost an ally in [Michael Kelly] and does Morris want to inherit Kelly's mess or start fresh? I don't think so and we all expect [Rhea Law] to choose to move on from him, she's said as much to many people already and this was before [Kelly] resigned."

The same source said that Francois Sr's hefty buyout of $55 million will be a major hurdle.

"If they can get the money," said the source, "He's out."

The university could move to fire Francois Sr. with cause but with his buyout and six years left on his current deal, Francois Sr. could drag USF into court. Either way, it'll be a costly decision.

[Soapy]

Week 9 Preview: vs. #10 LSU Tigers
Record: 6-2, 5-2 SEC
Head Coach: Jason Malloy (84-64 at LSU, 12th year, 111-78)
Offensive Coordinator: James Robertson (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Mark Stoops (4-3)

Team Leaders
Passing: Alex Hall (1718 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT, 163.3 rating)
Rushing: Alex Hall (941 yards, 5.7 ypc, 9 TD)
Receiving: Danny Clemens (36 receptions, 557 yards, 6 TD)
Defense: Chris Duncan (48 tackles, 12 TFL, 3.0 sacks, INT)

Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 38th
Total Offense: 11st
Rushing Offense: 22nd
Passing Offense: 43rd
Total Defense: 72nd
Rushing Defense: 40th
Passing Defense: 88th
Turnover Differential: 74th

Team Schedule
at Alabama: W 30-27
vs. Miami: L 33-14
vs. Florida: W 56-21
at Georgia: W 31-21
vs. Auburn: W 24-9
at #25 Kentucky: W 31-21
at Syracuse: W 41-31
vs. #9 Tennessee: L 42-35 OT

Injuries
LSU WR Justin Kiniry, Rs Senior » 85 ovr, 96 spd, 97 acc, 86 cth » 1 reception, 7 yards
LSU LG Patrick Ware, Senior » 75 ovr, 81 pbk, 82 rbk, 76 str » 2 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed
LSU S Travis Jackson, Senior » 86 ovr, 92 spd, 95 acc, 86 tkl, 77 mcv, 78 zcv
--------
USF S Zach Mack, Junior » 86 ovr, 94 spd, 89 acc, 87 mcv, 92 zcv » 16 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.0 sack, 3 PBU (probable)
USF WR Matthew Smith, Senior » 88 ovr, 86 spd, 95 acc, 90 cth » 26 receptions, 279 yards, 4 touchdowns (probable)

LSU Tigers Projected Starters
QB #10 Alex Hall, Rs Senior | 5'11", 203lbs | 99 ovr, 90 spd, 88 acc, 94 awr, 86 thp, 93 tha
HB #22 Ryan Brown, Senior | 5'11", 180lbs | 93 ovr, 96 spd, 99 acc, 88 btk, 78 car, 99 elu
WR #82 Danny Clemens, Junior | 6'3", 220lbs | 89 ovr, 96 spd, 97 acc, 86 cth
WR #87 Vernon Williams, Sophomore | 6'5", 215lbs | 71 ovr, 89 spd, 86 acc, 76 cth
WR #80 Justin Weisbecker, Junior | 6'4", 248lbs | 70 ovr, 77 spd, 84 acc, 81 cth
TE #89 James Connor, Rs Senior | 6'8", 263lbs | 84 ovr, 81 spd, 94 acc, 93 cth, 72 rbk
LT #79 Michael Allen, Senior | 6'3", 308lbs | 79 ovr, 89 pbk, 77 rbk, 84 str
LG #76 Ryan Brady, Senior | 6'2", 341lbs | 78 ovr, 80 pb, 82 rbk, 83 str
C #65 Bryan Brooks, Junior | 6'2", 284lbs | 80 ovr, 81 pbk, 82 rbk, 81 str
RG #72 Patrick Woods, Rs Junior | 6'2", 304lbs | 76 ovr, 89 pbk, 76 rbk, 80 str
RT #67 Alex Clarke, Sophomore | 6'5", 332lbs | 82 ovr, 89 pbk, 80 rbk, 86 str
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DE #96 Jose Mills, Rs Sophomore | 6'1", 250lbs | 71 ovr, 66 spd, 83 acc, 77 str, 77 pmv, 77 fmv, 75 bsh
DE #93 Derrick Green, Sophomore | 6'2", 231lbs | 83 ovr, 79 spd, 88 acc, 76 str, 84 pmv, 90 fmv, 81 bsh
DT #64 Pat Little, Senior | 6'3", 297lbs | 83 ovr, 68 acc, 78 str, 90 pmv, 87 fmv, 91 bsh
DT #60 Hunter Miranda, Rs Junior | 6'1", 285lbs | 75 ovr, 67 acc, 78 str, 80 pmv, 73 fmv, 80 bsh
LB #53 Joseph Tutins, Rs Senior | 6'6", 222lbs | 78 ovr, 80 spd, 87 acc, 67 awr, 73 tkl, 88 bsh, 75 zcv
LB #50 Cedric Thornton, Rs Senior | 6'0", 245lbs | 87 ovr, 83 spd, 85 acc, 63 awr, 82 tkl, 89 bsh, 80 zcv
LB #59 Chris Duncan, Junior | 6'3", 239lbs | 84 ovr, 81 spd, 95 acc, 52 awr, 76 tkl, 89 bsh, 85 zcv
CB #28 Chuck Jennings, Freshman | 6'0", 192lbs | 80 ovr, 97 spd, 93 acc, 52 awr, 85 mcv, 85 zcv, 80 press
CB #37 Adrian Dowdell, Freshman | 6'1", 181lbs | 78 ovr, 95 spd, 90 acc, 58 awr, 82 mcv, 85 zcv, 85 press
NB #31 Gary Marshall, Rs Sophomore | 6'2", 181lbs | 73 ovr, 81 spd, 91 acc, 77 awr, 83 mcv, 89 zcv, 78 press
DB/S #45 Kyle Lewis, Sophomore | 6'1", 205lbs | 83 ovr, 99 spd, 94 acc, 56 awr, 74 tkl, 75 mcv, 80 zcv
S #20 Pat Sampson, Rs Senior | 6'1", 192lbs | 75 ovr, 83 spd, 91 acc, 71 awr, 70 tkl, 74 mcv, 65 zcv
S #49 James Davis, Freshman | 5'11", 200lbs | 68 ovr, 81 spd, 83 acc, 48 awr, 73 tkl, 60 mcv, 74 zcv
K #12 William Booker, Senior | 6'0", 202lbs | 89 ovr, 90 kick power, 89 kick accuracy
P #1 Greg Taylor, Junior | 5'11", 176lbs | 87 ovr, 91 kick power, 8 kick accuracy

[Soapy]

-----------------------------------------------
#10 LSU (6-3, 5-3) | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 || 20
#2 USF (8-0, 7-0) | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 || 49
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Tigers hang tough for three quarters but fold in the fourth quarter as Bulls remain undefeated
For the second straight season, LSU stood blow for blow with the USF Bulls and this time, entered the fourth quarter trailing 21-13.

The Bulls would score 21 unanswered points for a total of 28 fourth quarter point to beat LSU 49-20 on Saturday and keep their undefeated season alive.

USF was without their top receiver Robert Givens, who suffered a knee injury on the first play of the game. USF was already down to just three scholarship receivers entering the game and were now down to two. Marques Iosefo stepped up, scoring four times including twice on former USF recruiting target Chuck Jennings, one of them being the 31-yard touchdown with 4:28 left in the game to extend USF's lead to three possessions.

On the next possession, Alex Hall was intercepted by true freshman Jeremy Daniels for a pick six. Hall was intercepted four times last year by USF.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LSU] D. Williams, 6 Yd run (5:38)
[USF] M. Iosefo, 8 Yd pass from J. Jones (2:35)

Quarter 2

Quarter 3
[LSU] W. Booker, 53 Yd FG (5:16)
[USF] M. Iosefo, 73 Yd pass from J. Jones (5:04)
[USF] M. Iosefo, 14 Yd pass from J. Jones (2:30)
[LSU] W. Booker, 50 Yd FG (0:50)

Quarter 4
[USF] B. Jackson, 4 Yd run (7:09)
[USF] M. Iosefo, 31 Yd pass from J. Jones (4:28)
[USF] J. Daniels, returned interception 23 Yds (4:22)
[LSU] A. Craig, 12 Yd pass from A. Hall (2:39)
[USF] B. Jackson, 16 Yd run (0:25)
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#2 South Florida Bulls
QB Jeff Jones: 28 of 36, 319 yards, 4 touchdowns.
HB Bobby Jackson: 14 carries, 111 yards, 2 touchdowns.
HB Terrance Small: 7 carries, 36 yards.
WR Matthew Smith: 7 receptions, 46 yards.
WR Marques Iosefo: 5 receptions, 137 yards, 4 touchdowns.
TE Chris Wallace: 5 receptions, 61 yards.
LB Chris Williams: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
S Zach Mack: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
LB Nick Robinson: 5 tackles, tackle for loss.
DT Pete Ford: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
DT Matt Bush: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.
DE Rick Hunter: 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
CB Jeremy Daniels: Interception, touchdown.

#10 LSU Tigers
QB Alex Hall: 19 of 23, 180 yards, touchdown, interception, sacked once, 9 carries, 56 yards, fumble.
HB Ryan Brown: 20 carries, 108 yards.
HB D'Juan Williams: 12 carries, 43 yards, touchdown.
WR Danny Clemens: 3 receptions, 44 yards.
DB Kyle Lewis: 2 receptions, 42 yards.
LB Cedric Thornton: 11 tackles.
CB Chuck Jennings: 7 tackles, tackle for loss.

[Soapy]

Week 9 Top Stories
1. All is well in Columbus as Buckeyes down Big Ten rival Rutgers.
2. USC takes out conference opponent Arizona State 40-34.
3. The Crimson Tide barely edge out conference foe Arkansas in a 31-30 thriller.
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Week 9 SEC Results
USF 49 - LSU 20 | ALA 31 - ARK 30 | TENN 42 - CCU 28
TAMU 38 - UF 19 | TEX 39 - TCU 7 | AUB 42 - FSU 26
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Week 10 SEC Schedule
Alabama (4-5, 3-5) at Coastal Carolina (3-4, 0-0)
Miami (4-4, 3-3) at #18 Texas A&M (5-2, 3-2)
Oklahoma (2-6, 1-5) at Florida State (6-2, 4-1)
#22 Kentucky (4-3, 4-3) at #8 Tennessee (8-1, 6-1)
Arkansas (5-4, 4-4) at Auburn (4-4, 4-2)
Florida (0-9, 0-8) at Appalachian State (1-7, 0-0)
Mississippi State (0-8, 0-8) at Ole Miss (2-5, 2-4)
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Week 10 Notable Games
#14 Stanford (6-2, 6-1) at #5 Oregon (6-1, 3-1)
#15 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1) at #21 Purdue (6-2, 4-2)
#7 Notre Dame (7-1, 6-1) at #6 Navy (5-1, 3-1)
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SEC Conference Standings
East
1. USF, 8-0, 7-0
2. Florida State, 6-2, 4-1
3. Auburn, 4-4, 4-2
4. LSU, 6-3, 5-3
5. Miami, 4-4, 3-3
6. Georgia, 3-5, 3-5
7. Alabama, 4-5, 3-5
8. Florida, 0-9, 0-8
West
1. Tennessee, 8-1, 6-1
2. Texas, 8-1, 6-1
3. Texas A&M, 5-2, 3-2
4. Kentucky, 4-3, 4-3
5. Arkansas, 5-4, 4-4
6. Ole Miss, 2-5, 2-4
7. Oklahoma, 2-6, 1-5
8. Mississippi State, 0-8, 0-8
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CFP Rankings
1. USF, 8-0
2. USC, 8-0
3. Illinois, 7-0
4. Texas, 8-1
5. Oregon, 6-1
6. Tennessee, 8-1
7. Navy, 5-1
8. Notre Dame, 7-1
9. Penn State, 6-1
10. Ohio, 7-0
11. Oklahoma State, 5-1
12. Michigan State, 6-1
13. Stanford, 6-2
14. UCF, 6-1
15. Missouri, 5-2
16. LSU, 6-3
17. Ohio State, 4-3
18. Wisconsin, 5-2
19. Texas A&M, -2
20. Purdue, 6-2
21. Tulsa, 6-0
22. Kentucky, 4-3
23. Colorado, 5-2
24. Rutgers, 4-3
25. Florida State, 6-2
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Players of the Week
QB Trevor Carter (Utah State): 14 of 20, 202 yards, 33 carries, 208 yards, 6 total touchdowns.
LB John Taylor (Middle Tennessee State): 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery.
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QB Russell Russ (Texas A&M): 19 of 32, 251 yards, 18 carries, 95 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
S Ryan Patterson (Auburn): 4 tackles, interception.
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247Sports Five-Star Commitments
#1 Derek Young [ATH #1]: 6'0", 217lbs | Washington, IA | 5-star | University of South Florida
#2 Anthony Atkins [ATH #2]: 6'1", 188lbs | Silver Springs, NV | 5-star | University of Alabama
#3 Curtis Green [WR #1]: 5'11", 185lbs | Amarillo, TX | 5-star | University of Alabama
#6 Joey Spence [QB #1]: 6'4", 220lbs | St. Johns, AZ | 5-star | University of South Florida
#7 Jarod Green [WR #2]: 5'11", 183lbs | Missouri City, TX | 5-star | University of South Florida
#8 Phil Little [ATH #5]: 5'11", 214lbs | Binghamton, NY | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#9 Derrick Jacobs [ATH #6]: 6'0", 185lbs | Union City, CA | 5-star | University of Notre Dame
#11 Matt McKeon [DE #1]: 6'6", 257lbs | Palo Alto, CA | 5-star | University of Alabama
#12 David Wilson [ATH #8]: 5'11", 187lbs | La Crosse, WI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#14 Jason McDowell [WR #4]: 6'5", 220lbs | Charlotte, MI | 5-star | University of South Florida
#18 Roderick Pruitt [ATH #10]: 6'3", 210lbs | Freeport, IL | 5-star | University of Missouri
#19 Gavin Fritz [ATH #11]: 6'5", 217lbs | Walterboro, SC | 5-star | Arkansas State University
#20 Myron Murphy [ATH #12]: 6'1", 210lbs | Port Lavaca, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#21 Mark Robinson [ATH #13]: 6'3", 185lbs | Union City, NJ | 5-star | University of South Florida
#24 Darren Murphy [WR #6]: 6'1", 189lbs | Niles, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#26 Shawn Heard [ATH #14]: 6'4", 325lbs | Sayreville, NJ | 5-star | University of Texas
#28 Adam Clemons [T #1]: 6'2", 307lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#29 T.C. Hicks [ATH #15]: 6'3", 177lbs | Santa Cruz, CA | 5-star | University of Iowa
#31 Vince Bell [OLB #2]: 6'4", 243lbs | Burleson, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#33 Luke Davidson [HB #3]: 6'0", 200lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Naval Academy
#34 Jesse Nash [ATH #16]: 6'0", 223lbs | Reynoldsburg, OH | 5-star | Temple University
#39 Chris Harris [ATH #18]: 6'3", 208lbs | Apple Valley, CA | 5-star | University of Miami
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Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#28 Adam Clemons [T #1]: 6'2", 307lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#33 Luke Davidson [HB #3]: 6'0", 200lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Naval Academy
#57 Jonathan Riggs [WR #11]: 6'0", 190lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#67 Kalvin Brown [WR #12]: 5'11", 179lbs | Gladeview, FL | 4-star | University of Oklahoma
#87 Robert Ball [HB #9]: 6'0", 186lbs | Lake Worth, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#89 Steven Whitmore [HB #10]: 6'0", 209lbs | Cutler, FL | 4-star | University of North Carolina
#118 Derrick Walton [ATH #29]: 6'2", 260lbs | Riviera Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#124 Graham Frazier [TE #7]: 6'2", 257lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#132 Ron Anderson [ATH #32]: 6'0", 206lbs | East Naples, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#137 Sam Washington [WR #25]: 6'0", 172lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#143 Donte McCarthy [WR #26]: 6'0", 211lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#145 Charles Morris [HB #17]: 6'0", 213lbs | Miami Springs, FL | 4-star | Army Academy - West Point
#166 John Thompson [WR #29]: 6'1", 204lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#181 Chuck Larsen [S #7]: 6'0", 196lbs | Englewood, FL | 4-star | University of Tennessee
#200 Joe Walker [ATH #37]: 5'9", 209lbs | Olympia Heights, FL | 4-star | Oregon State University
#205 John Lilly [WR #34]: 5'11", 183lbs | Stuart, FL | 4-star | Army Academy - West Point
#212 Colby Lewis [WR #35]: 6'1", 187lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#227 Phil Roland [CB #11]: 5'10", 170lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#231 Gary Manning [S #10]: 6'0", 205lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#270 Brian Robinson [OLB #17]: 6'2", 223lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#292 Jacob Robinson [T #17]: 6'3", 284lbs | Pine Hills, FL | 4-star | University of Wisconsin

[Soapy]

Biggest recruiting weekend ever? Bulls land eight more commitments as stars littered campus
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

The University of South Florida program hosted a slew of top recruits over the weekend and ended the weekend on Sunday with eight of them, including four 5-stars, committing during an IG Live while still on their visit.

Five-star running back Derek Young, five-star receiver Jarod Green, five-star defensive back Mark Robinson, five-star offensive tackle Adam Clemons, four-star offensive guard Ed McKinney, four-star defensive tackle Michael Williams, four-star receiver Dionte McCarthy and four-star kicker Mike Pleasant all committed during the Sunday morning dinner portion of their official visit as USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr's house.

The commitments were done on an IG Live session of quarterback commit Joey Spence, who made a surprise appearance on campus that weekend along with the rest of USF's commits that had committed prior to taking official visits, including five-star receiver Jason McDowell and four-star cornerback Kenny Fowler.

"Coach [Francois Sr.] told us we were invited," said Spence, who remains firm on his commitment to USF, "We have a few group chats of the guys but one of them is just the guys committed so once I told them about it, everyone was down to make the trip."

Spence has been an active recruiter for USF and his presence, being the nation's top quarterback, certainly helped USF seal the deal for its top targets including adding two more receivers for Spence in Green and McCarthy who have different games and approaches.

Green, who picked USF over Oregon and Kansas, is of slight build at five-foot-eleven and 183 pounds but makes plenty of plays from the slot with explosiveness and crisp route running. He could potentially play Z receiver in USF's offense but his more natural spot will most likely be at slot.

McCarthy is a more traditional Z receiver with his ability to paly both outside or come inside in motion. He's most dangerous with the ball in hands and at 211 pounds, he's a tough receiver to bring down. The player comparison for McCarthy might be a smaller, faster Brandon Marshall. The main concern with McCarthy, who also considered Virginia Tech, is he suffers from occasional concentration drops.

With now four receivers in the class, USF also got Spence some protection up front with one of their highest ranked recruits ever along the offensive line in West Palm Beach's Adam Clemons. USF was able to wrestle him away from Miami to land the nation's top ranked offensive tackle. At six-foot-two, he's a bit undersized to be a true left tackle at the next position but Clemons should be able to compete at both tackle spots pretty soon for playing time and kicking in to guard is also an option as he's plenty strong enough and athletic.

They landed another top 100 talent along the offensive line in McKinney out of Louisiana who had Alabama and USC in his final top three. A plus athlete who played tight end prior to his sophomore season, McKinney still needs to add some nastiness to his game if he's going to play along the interior in the SEC at a high level but from a physical standpoint, he has all the makings of a future multi-year starter. A move to center is not out of the question for McKinney although his abilities as a pulling guard might be more valuable with his 4.70 forty time.

The other five-stars USF landed in Young and Robinson might be the best players in the class. Young, the nation's top recruit, had a final top three of USF, Notre Dame and Alabama before going with the Bulls. A dynamic athlete that can play either receiver or running back, he'll be able to provide the Bulls a unique weapon in the backfield right away with his combination of size and speed. Some have compared him to a bigger Bobby Jackson and while Jackson is a more natural running back, the comparison is fair as they have similar testing numbers with Young having thirty pounds and three inches on Jackson which is scary.

Similar to Young, USF could use Robinson in a multitude of ways but corner is his most likely landing spot as they haven't had a long corner like Robinson at six-foot-three in a while. He lacks the physicality that USF typically likes in his safeties although that's something he could potentially grow into if they do decide to put him at safety.

Rounding out the defense is top 55 prospect Michael Williams out of Texas. At six-foot-six and 280 pounds, Williams has plenty of room on his frame to keep adding weight and could end up being a 320+ pounder by the team he leaves Tampa. There are questions about his motor but when Williams is clicking, he's a punishing player who finishes with emphasis.

Last but not least is a kicker whose been described as having a generational leg in Pleasant. It's not often you see a kicker ranked as a four star and nearly in the Top 247 (#262) but Pleasant is just that special.

Left on the board for USF is another five-star offensive lineman in Chris Booker, four-star defensive end Travis Peters, three-star quarterback Jared Chavis and three-star tight end Jason White. Booker and Peters were on campus this past weekend as well and USF is confident they'll be able to land a commitment from both of them soon but Alabama is a legitimate contender for Peters. Those around Peters feel that if Alabama was closer to his hometown of Miami, he'd have already committed to the Tide. Kansas State and Miami are also after him and will try to get him on campus but it'll likely be a two-man battle between Alabama and the Bulls.

With the recent signings, USF is back on top as the nation's top recruiting class and has the most five-stars (6) and the most four-stars (8) committed in their class. The next closest are Texas and Alabama with three 5-stars apiece and Notre Dame with six 4-stars.

2035 USF Recruiting Class
HB Derek Young [ATH #1]: 6'0", 217lbs | Washington, IA [IMG] | 5-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 330 Bench Press Max, 315 Squat Max
QB Joey Spence [QB #1]: 6'4", 220lbs | St. Johns, AZ | 5-star | 4.86 40-yd dash, 310 Bench Press Max, 255 Squat Max
WR Jarod Green [WR #2]: 5'11", 183lbs | Missouri City, TX | 5-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
WR Jason McDowell [WR #4]: 6'5", 220lbs | Charlotte, MI | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 195 Squat Max
DB Mark Robinson [ATH #13]: 6'3", 185lbs | Union City, NJ | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 260 Squat Max
T Adam Clemons [T #1]: 6'2", 307lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 5-star | 4.92 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
S Wesley Adams [S #1]: 6'5", 212lbs | Mt. Gay-Shamrock, WV [IMG] | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 370 Squat Max
CB Kenny Fowler [CB #1]: 6'0", 166lbs | Cherry Hill, NJ | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 285 Squat Max
DT Michael Williams [DT #3]: 6'6", 280lbs | El Paso, TX | 4-star | 5.18 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
G Ed McKinney [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Baker, LA | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
WR Sam Washington [WR #25]: 6'0", 172lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.42 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
WR Donte McCarthy [WR #26]: 6'0", 211lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
K Mike Pleasant [K #1]: 5'10", 181lbs | Mena, AR | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
OLB Brian Robinson [OLB #17]: 6'2", 223lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 4530 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
OLB Nicholas Holt [OLB #105]: 6'4", 238lbs | Oviedo, FL | 3-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 315 Bench Press Max, 545 Squat Max
P Stanley Durbin [P #11]: 6'0", 220lbs | Orlando, FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 225 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max

2035 USF Recruiting Board
G Chris Booker [G #1]: 6'1", 320lbs | Muscle Shoals, AL | 5-star | USF, Notre Dame, Alabama
DE Travis Peters [DE #2]: 6'2", 228lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Miami, USF, Alabama, Kansas State
TE Jason White [TE #35]: 6'4", 251lbs | Prien, LA | 3-star | USF, Tennessee, Notre Dame
QB Jared Chavis [QB #46]: 6'3", 191lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | Air Force, USF, FAU, Missouri, Clemson
-------------------
LB Willie Farris [OLB #6]: 6'4", 221lbs | Center Point, AL | 4-star | Michigan State, Middle Tennessee State

[Soapy]

Bye Week Report: Could Givens' injury be the straw that breaks the camel's back?
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

USF opened their season with matchups against Ole Miss, Ohio State, Alabama and LSU. They had several reports and articles come out that put the program on center stage for all the wrong reasons and bring into question the future of the program and it's iconic head coach.

They're undefeated and the top ranked team in the nation.

USF's resolve has been commendable and this past Saturday, it was put to the test once more in their battle against the Tigers, losing their top receiver and team leader Robert Givens to a completely torn MCL that will end his junior season and most likely, his USF career as he's expected to enter the draft.

Givens is second on the team in receptions (40) and touchdowns (9) and third in receiving yards (564) but his unique talent at six-foot-three and their fastest receiver allowed him to be a dynamic playmaker on the outside as their X receiver. Marques Iosefo is plenty explosive (17 yards per reception) and showed just as much last week replacing Givens but with Iosefo moved to the X, it brings Matthew Smith to the Z position on the outside where he's just not as effective compared to when he's in the slot.

It doesn't help that the guys that were supposed to be providing depth at the position, Buck Duckett and Kevin Morris, are catching 35 combined passes instead at Kentucky, leaving USF with no more scholarship receivers. Michael Arrington has been a nice find as a preferred walk on from Virginia but Givens' injury might be the ultimate test for Francois Sr, the Bulls football team and their star quarterback Jeff Jones.

Team Leaders
Passing: Jeff Jones (70.7% completion, 2798 yards, 35 TD, 5 INT, 170.5 QB rating)
Rushing: Bobby Jackson (695 yards, 8.9 ypc, 11 TD)
Receiving: Chris Wallace (44 receptions, 595 yards, 5 TD)
Defense: Richie Cowan (28 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 INT, 2 PBU)

Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 1st -- 53.0 PPG
Total Offense: 1st -- 564.4 YPG
Rushing Offense: 43rd -- 207.1 YPG
Passing Offense: 2nd -- 357.3 YPG
Scoring Defense: 2nd -- 13.5 PAPG
Total Defense: 6th -- 301.4 YAPG
Rushing Defense: 2nd -- 116.4 YAPG
Passing Defense: 31st -- 185.0 YAPG
Turnover Differential: 5th -- (8)

Team Schedule
vs. Georgia (3-5) -- W 56-7
vs. Ole Miss (2-5) -- W 61-10
vs. #17 Ohio State (4-3) -- W 62-0
at Florida (0-9) -- W 28-16
OPEN
at Alabama (4-5) -- W 33-21
at Mississippi State (0-8) -- W 66-14
vs. Auburn (4-4) -- W 69-20
vs. #16 LSU (6-3) -- W 49-20
OPEN
Nov. 4 vs. #2 USC (8-0) -- 8:00 PM EST
Nov. 11 at Florida State (6-2) -- 1:00 PM EST
Nov. 18 at Miami (4-4) -- 1:00 PM EST
Nov. 24 at #13 UCF (6-1) -- 7:00 pm EST

Biggest takeaways from first half of the season

• The defense isn't just good, it might be an all-time elite defense
  It took Bob Shoop a few years after taking over the defense in 2030 but he's finally got the right personnel after some outstanding recruiting at all levels of the defense to produced one of college football's best units.
  
  They got manhandled earlier on in the game against LSU but just turned on a switch and dominated a very good rushing attack. Their performance against Ohio State is an all timer and have made every offense they've come across look worse than they actually are.
  
  They're also doing it with a wide array of talent as opposed to just a couple of star players, which has been the case in past elite defenses for the Bulls. Clayton Bradford is the leader but on any given day, it can be linebacker Chris Williams (50 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, sack, 2 INT) that takes over a game or one of the young guys at the line of scrimmage in Ron Cox or Matt Bush or John Allen that help turn the tide of a game.
  -
• Jeff Jones is having an even better season in 2034
  His yardage numbers are down from last season but he's also averaging eight lass attempts per game as the running game is more effective and a bigger part of the offense this year.
  
  Jones' touchdown INT ratio is 7:1 and is on pace to throw for 61 touchdowns, ten more than he did last season and that's without the all-star cast of receivers he had last year.
  
  He'll have his work cut out for him with two top fifteen matchups to end the season, including next week's No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash and he'll have to do it without his best receiver but Jones' case for the Heisman might be strengthen if he gets through that.
  -
• The Bobby Jackson hype wasn't all hype
  It was clear talking to coaches throughout the spring that they were waiting for Jackson's arrival in the summer as a true freshman for the offense to really open up.
  
  Jackson is averaging eight yards per carry with a team leading eleven touchdowns and he's also caught 29 passes this season. His role as a pass catcher should continue to increase with the Givens injury and his work on special teams (32.6 yards per return on kickoff, 18 yards per return on punts) could make him a dark horse for Heisman considerations.

What to watch for in second half of the season

• Who emerges at receiver?
  Chris Wallace has been a good addition as a tight end that's more of a receiver at six-foot-one and fellow tight ends Gemara Siegel (13 receptions, 2 TDs) and Keith Oliver (9 receptions, TD) have contributed as well but USF needs to figure out what they're going to do at receiver going forward.
  
  Ryan Sullivan, a walk-on from Alabama, has caught a touchdown pass and Charles Fisher is another walk-on that's played and caught a pass but can USF really rely on them in crunch time when legs are tired and guys like Marques Iosefo need a breather in the fourth quarter?
  -
• Can teams exploit lack of true disruptive pass rusher?
  The only weak point of USF's defense is that they don't have a true dominant pass rusher. Rick Hunter leads the team in sacks with nine and the redshirt senior is a productive player but he's far from an edge rusher that keeps offensive coordinators up at night as a lot of his sacks are coverage sacks or manufactured pressures.
  
  USF has managed to do more than fine without one but as the season progresses and teams realize they have to push the ball downfield against the Bulls in order to have success, you have to wonder if that lack of a true pass rusher ends up biting them.

[Captain Canada]

If Francois Sr heads out, that mass exodus might be fucking insane