The Bullpen: Should USF fans be worried about Mark Cunningham's increasing rate of turnovers?
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
The biggest improvement from quarterback Mark Cunningham in his first year in Peter Nicholson's offense was increased ball security with Cunningham throwing just one interception in his first three starts of the season.
In the last three games, Cunningham has thrown six interceptions and fumbled three times, bringing his season total to thirteen on the season, on pace for twenty-four on the season if the team plays fifteen games like they did last season, besting his total of twenty one turnovers from last year.
Cunningham's kryptonite remains throwing across the middle where his passes -- which lacks zip at time -- can be cut off by a roaming safety or a leaping linebacker. Cunningham's accuracy remains impressive, even through this slump, completing nearly seventy nine percent of his passes. But it's those contested windows that remain an issue for Cunningham and will likely impact his draft stock should he declare.
‣ Taylor Smith making the most of his opportunities in first two career starts
Sophomore tight end Earl May had a few splash plays as a true freshman, earning him the start at tight end heading into his sophomore year. But after registering just eight receptions through his first six starts, redshirt sophomore Taylor Smith has gotten the start, scoring a touchdown in the Purdue game and catching three passes for 71 yards last week against BYU.
Bulls fans might have forgotten about Smith but he was a talented recruit in his own right as a four-star prospect out of South Carolina that spent some time at IMG Academy. Effective as a blocker, Smith has shown to be a reliable pass catcher in his limited reps with no drops on the season so far compared to three by May.
It should be an interesting battle for the rest of the season and heading into next year as USF has two four-star tight ends committed in Russell Arrington and Jake Bryant.
‣ It's going to be hard to keep Marcellus Smith away from the College Football Award Ceremy
The junior defensive end has really elevated his game in the past couple of weeks, having perhaps the best game of his career last week against BYU with a career high three sacks.
Smith also had four quarterback pressures, two of which resulted in interceptions. He's been on a tear lately with very good performances against Georgia and Purdue as well, likely making him one of the top semi finalists for the Lombardi Award. Among the twelve named, Smith leads the way with seven sacks on the season.
Another familiar name on that list is Houston's Nick Brown, the former USF player who transferred to the Cougars after one season in Tampa. Brown has been impressive in his first season with Houston after redshirting last year, registering 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks from his defensive tackle spot.
USF Bulls land a kicker commitment amidst CB Jonathan Brown recruiting drama
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
On Tuesday, USF landed a commitment from three-star kicker Josiah Henderson but it was quickly upstaged within a few hours by what went on with Top247 cornerback Jonathan Brown and his recruitment.
Brown, who was originally scheduled to take his final official visit to USF on Saturday, surprised the college football world on Tuesday night with a commitment to Stanford, picking the Cardinal over Oklahoma, Purdue and USF. The commitment didn't last very long with Brown deleting the post by Wednesday morning from his social media but his father spoke with reporters later that day, insisting that his son was still committed to Stanford.
Brown eventually took to social media on Thursday night to acknowledge that he was at one point committed to Stanford but after further deliberation with those around him, he will be holding off on his announcement and let the process play out. In his post, Brown never used the word 'decommit' and didn't mention any schools specifically outside of Stanford, citing his respect for the program, the university and the coaching staff.
In speaking to those close to Brown's recruitment at USF, the original commitment came as a surprise to the staff as they had been in constant communication with Brown about his upcoming visit with all of the details ironed out for a few months now.
USF does have two highly ranked corners in Brandon Bryant and Anthony Sharp already committed along with safety Shawn Franklin which potentially could have impacted Brown's decision to commit to Stanford without officially visiting USF.
The coaches have spoken to Brown since the social media frenzy but its unclear if they expect him to still follow through with his official visit. USF is also expecting defensive linemen James Boyd, kicker James Boyd, running back David Thomas and quarterback Shawn Williams.
2043 USF Recruiting Class
WR Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 200 Squat Max
HB/WR Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 330 Bench Press Max, 315 Squat Max
CB Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
G Kevin Brown [G #4]: 6'4", 308lbs | Rome, GA | 4-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
TE Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
DE Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
G Ed Foster [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Dallas, TX | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
DB Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
TE Jake Bryant [TE #6]: 6'6", 260lbs | Canton, OH | 4-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
G Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Brett Pennington [C #3]: 6'0", 304lbs | Fountain Hills, AZ [IMG] | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
LB Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
S Shawn Franklin [S #5]: 6'3", 202lbs | Natchitoches, LA | 4-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
G Luis Pearson [G #10]: 6'5", 294lbs | Shelby, NC [IMG] | 4-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
DE Brian Neal [DE #17]: 6'8", 260lbs | Mullins, SC | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
CB Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 220 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
OLB Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
LB Marcus Wiley [OLB #55]: 6'2", 215lbs | Phoenixville, PA | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 535 Squat Max
K/P Josiah Anderson [K #16]: 6'2", 195lbs | Sans Souci, SC | 3-star | 4.78 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Oklahoma, Stanford, Purdue, USF
DT James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | USF, Miami
K Jonathan Love [K #10]: 6'0", 178lbs | Horn Lake, MS | 3-star | USF, Mississippi State
QB Shawn Williams [QB #22]: 6'4", 235lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | USF, Auburn, Clemson
HB Davis Thomas [HB #82]: 6'2", 199lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 3-star | USF, Florida State, Florida
-----------------
K Ricky Anderson [K #1]: 6'0", 178lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | Committed to Miami
P Mike Webb [P #2]: 5'11", 202lbs | St. Petersburg, FL | 3-star | Florida, Auburn
Week 12 Preview: vs. Texas Longhorns
Record: 2-6, 1-4 Champions Division
Head Coach: Brenton Nicholas (16-17 at Texas, 3rd year, 35-24)
Offensive Coordinator: Carl Parker (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Ty Maddox (4-3 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Craig Weaver (730 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT, 113.1 QB rating)
Rushing: Darren Roberson (605 yards, 7.0 ypc, 10 TD)
Receiving: Larry Brown (33 receptions, 464 yards, 2 TD)
Defense: Jon Hemphill (52 tackles, 13 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 6 PBU, 2 FF)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 67th
Total Offense: 86th
Rushing Offense: 61st
Passing Offense: 80th
Total Defense: 125th
Rushing Defense: 125th
Passing Defense: 104th
Turnover Differential: 104th
Team Schedule
vs. #17 San Diego State: L 39-32
at Vanderbilt: W 30-27
vs. #4 Alabama: L 48-14
at BYU: W 41-38 OT
at #18 Oklahoma: L 38-26
vs. #24 TCU: L 31-14
vs. #10 Stanford: L 47-24
vs. #9 Michigan: L 43-39
Sarasota running back Davis Thomas commits to USF over Florida State
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Three-star running back David Thomas has committed to the University of South Florida, becoming the 21st member of an ever increasing recruiting class.
Thomas, who also had an offer from Florida State, committed during his official visit to USF on Friday night while meeting with the coaching staff. The six-foot-two running back is the 82nd ranked running back in the class and rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior and is on pace to do so as well in his senior season with Sarasota High School.
While Thomas is the only designated running back in the class, USF has another potential running back in Dave Parker who is listed as an athlete. While a solid athlete, it's tough to envision Thomas being an eventual starter at USF but could have a similar role to Victor King, a former walk-on whose been the team's short yardage specialist this season.
2043 USF Recruiting Class
WR Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 200 Squat Max
HB Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 330 Bench Press Max, 315 Squat Max
CB Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
G Kevin Brown [G #4]: 6'4", 308lbs | Rome, GA | 4-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
TE Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
DE Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
G Ed Foster [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Dallas, TX | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
DB Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
TE Jake Bryant [TE #6]: 6'6", 260lbs | Canton, OH | 4-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
G Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Brett Pennington [C #3]: 6'0", 304lbs | Fountain Hills, AZ [IMG] | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
LB Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
S Shawn Franklin [S #5]: 6'3", 202lbs | Natchitoches, LA | 4-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
G Luis Pearson [G #10]: 6'5", 294lbs | Shelby, NC [IMG] | 4-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
DE Brian Neal [DE #17]: 6'8", 260lbs | Mullins, SC | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
CB Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 220 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
OLB Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
LB Marcus Wiley [OLB #55]: 6'2", 215lbs | Phoenixville, PA | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 535 Squat Max
HB Davis Thomas [HB #82]: 6'2", 199lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 3-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
K/P Josiah Anderson [K #16]: 6'2", 195lbs | Sans Souci, SC | 3-star | 4.78 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Oklahoma, Stanford, Purdue, USF
DT James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | USF, Miami
K Jonathan Love [K #10]: 6'0", 178lbs | Horn Lake, MS | 3-star | USF, Mississippi State
QB Shawn Williams [QB #22]: 6'4", 235lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | USF, Auburn, Clemson
-----------------
K Ricky Anderson [K #1]: 6'0", 178lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | Committed to Miami
P Mike Webb [P #2]: 5'11", 202lbs | St. Petersburg, FL | 3-star | Florida, Auburn
USF continues to roll through the schedule, avoid pitfall against Texas Longhorns
Another game, another slow start for USF quarterback Mark Cunningham and another outstanding performance from USF's elite defensive unit.
The Texas Longhorns gave USF a scare, a run for their money but were ultimately unable to hand them their first loss of the season as the Bulls survived at home against the Longhorns with a 30-20 victory.
Cunningham, who had been intercepted twice trying to target Scott Price, was able to find him in thee end zone in the third quarter to tie the game. After Texas was forced to settle for a field goal, USF went for it on 4th and goal on a toss to Victor King who was able to get to the edge for the touchdown after being stopped short the previous play.
USF's defense, led by Marcellus Smith, took care of the rest, ending back to back drives with sacks as Justin Thomas' touchdown on a screen pass sealed the victory.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[TEX] K. Morris, 37 Yd FG (5:15)
[USF] C. Sanders, 31 Yd FG (2:23)
[TEX] D. Roberson, 40 Yd run (0:20)
Quarter 2
[USF] S. Price, 2 Yd pass form M. Cunningham (0:04)
Quarter 3
[TEX] J. Graham, 73 Yd pass from C. Weaver (5:48)
[USF] S. Price, 2 Yd pass from M. Cunningham (2:49)
[TEX] K. Morris, 43 Yd FG (0:45)
Quarter 4
[USF] V. King, 1 Yd run (4:55)
[USF] J. Thomas, 34 Yd pass from M. Cunningham -- 2pt failed (3:09)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Mark Cunningham: 33 of 49, 337 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, sacked 5 times, fumble (recovered)
HB Jacob Wheeler: 22 carries, 160 yards
HB Justin Thomas: 5 carries, 41 yards, 3 receptions, 50 yards, touchdown
WR Scott Price: 15 receptions, 158 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Eddie Shaw: 5 receptions, 50 yards
WR Carl Graham: 3 receptions, 43 yards
DE Marcellus Smith: 10 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
S Clarence Sullivan: 6 tackles, tackle for loss
DT Brent Lawrence: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack
DE Kyle Wood: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack
DE John Potts: 1 tackle, tackle for loss, sack
CB Charlie Robinson: Interception
Texas Longhorns
QB Craig Weaver: 12 of 23, 183 yards, touchdown, interception, sacked 5 times
HB Darren Roberson: 11 carries, 80 yards, touchdown
WR Phillip Graham: 5 receptions, 54 yards
WR Joe Graham: 4 receptions, 94 yards, touchdown
S Joe Cox: 9 tackles, interception
CB Abdul Coleman: 9 tackles, tackle for loss, interception
DE Kerry Thomas: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Clearwater quarterback Shawn Williams makes it official with commitment to USF
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
It was rumored about and expected for weeks and three-star quarterback Shawn Williams finally pulled the trigger, committing to the University of South Florida to play for his favorite team.
Williams, a three-year starter at Clearwater High School just an hour away from campus, emerged as USF's top pick at the position a few weeks ago, becoming Williams' first and to this date only FBS offer. Williams didn't immediately commit but after scheduling an official visit for this past weekend which went really well, the Bulls were able to land his commitment.
As a prospect, Williams is a very good athlete whose potential might be a bit higher than his high school ranking suggest. At Clearwater, Williams didn't run the most sophisticated passing offense and up until this season, he had more rushing attempts than passing attempts but showed huge strides as a passer this summer at camps and on the 7-on-7 circuit.
A physical runner with impressive size, Williams joins a talented quarterback room that signed two quarterbacks last cycle in four-star Chris Price and three-star Justin Ingram, who the staff felt had four-star potential at the time of his signing and remain high on him following the spring despite tough showings at times.
2043 USF Recruiting Class
WR Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 200 Squat Max
HB Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 330 Bench Press Max, 315 Squat Max
CB Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
G Kevin Brown [G #4]: 6'4", 308lbs | Rome, GA | 4-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
TE Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
DE Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
G Ed Foster [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Dallas, TX | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
DB Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
TE Jake Bryant [TE #6]: 6'6", 260lbs | Canton, OH | 4-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
G Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Brett Pennington [C #3]: 6'0", 304lbs | Fountain Hills, AZ [IMG] | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
LB Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
S Shawn Franklin [S #5]: 6'3", 202lbs | Natchitoches, LA | 4-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
G Luis Pearson [G #10]: 6'5", 294lbs | Shelby, NC [IMG] | 4-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
DE Brian Neal [DE #17]: 6'8", 260lbs | Mullins, SC | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
CB Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 220 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
OLB Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
QB Shawn Williams [QB #22]: 6'4", 235lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press Max, 340 Squat Max
LB Marcus Wiley [OLB #55]: 6'2", 215lbs | Phoenixville, PA | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 535 Squat Max
HB Davis Thomas [HB #82]: 6'2", 199lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 3-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
K/P Josiah Anderson [K #16]: 6'2", 195lbs | Sans Souci, SC | 3-star | 4.78 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Oklahoma, Stanford, Purdue, USF
DT James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | USF, Miami
K Jonathan Love [K #10]: 6'0", 178lbs | Horn Lake, MS | 3-star | USF, Mississippi State
-----------------
K Ricky Anderson [K #1]: 6'0", 178lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | Committed to Miami
P Mike Webb [P #2]: 5'11", 202lbs | St. Petersburg, FL | 3-star | Florida, Auburn
Week 12 Top Stories
1. Ohio State notches a big time win against previously undefeated Minnesota.
2. Michigan State holds on to beat Oregon 30-23.
3. Red Wolves suffer a collapse against Sun Belt adversary South Alabama.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 12 Champions Division Results
USF 30 - TEX 20 | MICH 34 - PUR 24 | MSU 30 - ORE 23
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 13 Champions Division Schedule
Oregon (3-6, 2-5) at #1 USF (9-0, 7-0)
Purdue (5-4, 3-3) at #3 Alabama (9-1, 6-1)
Texas (2-7, 1-5) at Michigan State (4-5, 1-5)
BYU (2-8, 0-7) at #18 Oklahoma (6-4, 4-4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 13 Notable Games
#19 Navy (8-2, 6-2) at #4 Rutgers (9-1, 6-1)
Northwestern (8-3, 5-2) at #13 Miami University (9-1, 5-1)
#20 Wisconsin (7-3, 4-3) at #9 Minnesota (10-1, 7-1)
#7 Virginia Tech (9-1, 8-0) at #22 Georgia (6-3, 4-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division and College Football Playoffs Guidelines
- The top four teams from the Champions Division will be awarded an automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs. The remaining four spots are voted upon by the committee and can contain non ANAC members
- Once the teams are selected, the committee votes on the seeding as well
- ANAC members that are selected for the playoffs are automatically promoted or retain their place within the Champions Division for next season
- The bottom team in the Champions Division is automatically relegated and the top team in the Contenders Division is automatically promoted
- The remaining non-playoff teams in the Champions Division will compete in a play-in bowl with top seeded, non-playoff Contenders Division members for the right to play in the Champions Division the next season
- Bottom eight finishers in the Contenders Division are relegated and replaced with the top eight finishers in the Rising Division
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division Standings
1. USF, 9-0, 7-0
2. Alabama, 9-1, 6-1
3. Michigan, 7-2, 6-2
4. Stanford, 8-3, 5-3
5. Purdue, 5-4, 3-3
6. Oklahoma, 6-4, 4-4
7. Oregon, 3-6, 2-5
8. Michigan State, 4-5, 1-5
9. Texas, 2-7, 1-5
10. BYU, 2-8, 0-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contenders Division Promotion Zone
1. Virginia Tech, 9-1, 8-0
2. Minnesota, 10-1, 7-1
3. Georgia Tech, 9-1, 6-1
4. Ohio State, 8-2, 6-2
5. Georgia, 6-3, 4-2
6. Wisconsin, 7-3, 4-3
7. LSU, 6-4, 4-4
8. USC, 4-6, 4-5
9. Penn State, 5-5, 3-4
10. Miami, 5-4, 3-4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rising Division Promotion Zone
1. Missouri, 8-2, 6-1
2. Tennessee, 8-3, 7-2
3. Florida, 7-4, 6-2
4. Iowa, 6-4, 6-3
5. Colorado, 5-6, 5-4
6. Notre Dame, 4-6, 4-4
7. Pittsburgh, 7-4, 4-4
8. UCLA, 5-5, 4-4
9. Mississippi State, 6-5, 4-5
10. Arkansas, 4-8, 4-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- College Football Playoff Rankings
1. USF, 9-0
2. Toledo, 10-0
3. Rutgers, 9-1
4. Alabama, 9-1
5. Georgia Tech, 9-1
6. Army, 8-1
7. Michigan, 7-2
8. Stanford, 8-3
---------------
9. Virginia Tech, 9-1
10. Minnesota, 10-1
11. Fresno State, 8-2
12. Ohio State, 8-2
13. Southern Miss, 9-1
14. San Diego State, 8-2
15. Houston, 9-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
QB Alan Pitts (Rutgers): Bye Week
QB Jason Beebe (Toledo): Bye Week
QB Melvin Ingram (Alabama): W 31-13 at Arkansas - 17 of 23, 197 yards, 20 carries, 113 yards, touchdown
QB Vincent Pleasant (Virginia Tech): W 34-14 vs. UCF - 20 of 25, 218 yards, 2 touchdowns, 20 carries, 99 yards
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Alex Willis (Louisiana): 16 of 27, 292 yards, 25 carries, 99 yards, 5 total touchdowns
LB Demario Blackmon (Clemson): 13 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery
-------
HB Bryce Nash (Stanford): 18 carries, 154 yards, 2 touchdowns
CB Jonathan Jones (Michigan): 8 tackles, tackle for loss, forced fumble, interception
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Aaron Dukes [ATH #1]: 6'3", 187lbs | Brownsville, TX [IMG] | 5-star | University of Michigan
#2 Antonio Craft [TE #1]: 6'7", 243lbs | Hanahan, SC | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | University of South Florida
#5 Maurice Darby [ATH #2]: 5'10", 191lbs | Van Wert, OH | 5-star | Ohio State University
#8 Craig Butler [ATH #5]: 5'11", 177lbs | Coppell, TX | 5-star | Michigan State University
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#11 Junior Johnson [ATH #6]: 6'0", 220lbs | University Heights, VA [IMG] | 5-star | Georgia Tech University
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#13 Rashad Mirvil [WR #4]: 6'2", 180lbs | Holyoke, MA | 5-star | Michigan State University
#15 Seth Doyle [ATH #7]: 6'2", 223lbs | The Village, OK | 5-star | University of Oregon
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#12 Kelly Brown [WR #3]: 6'0", 188lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Miami
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#48 Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#65 Darnell Norwood [ATH #20]: 6'2", 190lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#84 Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#89 Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#90 Doug Miller [HB #10]: 6'1", 211lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#97 Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#107 Drew Ryan [WR #22]: 6'4", 205lbs | Quincy, FL | 4-star | University of Pittsburgh
#108 Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#109 Jeff Schultz [ATH #32]: 6'6", 265lbs | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#121 Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#132 Aaron Stewart [ATH #34]: 6'1", 216lbs | Haines City, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#133 Alfred Robbins [T #1]: 6'5", 329lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#144 T.J. Richard [S #3]: 6'3", 199lbs | Deltona, FL | 4-star | Boston College
#149 James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#158 Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#172 Waylon Gates [C #4]: 6'1", 285lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | Stanford University
#189 Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#217 Charles Harris [ATH #47]: 6'4", 226lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | Clemson University
#219 Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#220 Duane Smith [S #6]: 6'1", 205lbs | Highpoint, FL | 4-star | Northwestern University
#241 Chris Davis [TE #11]: 6'6", 248lbs | Ensley, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#243 Tim Baker [ILB #9]: 6'2", 240lbs | Bartow, FL | 4-star | Mississippi State University
#270 Eric Hardy [WR #56]: 6'4", 231lbs | Cutler, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#274 Chad McGrew [ATH #51]: 6'4", 202lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
USF adds James Boyd and Jonathan Love to loaded recruiting class as they approach scholarship limit
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
In what is shaping up to be the largest recruiting class in USF history under head coach Malcolm Francois Jr, USF added two more members of the 2043 class in four-star defensive tackle James Boyd and three-star kicker Jonathan Love following their official visit this past weekend.
Boyd is listed as an athlete, capable of playing both offensive or defensive line at the next level. USF likes him and is recruiting him to be a defensive tackle but he does provide some flexibility once he gets on campus and the numbers situation is more clear at both positions.
While Boyd also held an offer from Miami, he's a bit of a questionable four-star talent as the production just hasn't been there with just 36 total career tackles in his time at Largo High School. Boyd moves very well for someone his size and in athletic testing, it's easy to fall in love with his measurables and fluidity but ultimately, with no intended disrespect to the prospect, this is a questionable take for USF and one that will be interesting to watch develop.
Love is the second kicker that USF signed in this class, joining Josiah Henderson. The plan is for Henderson to eventual convert to punter and for Love, the tenth ranked kicker in this class, to be the team's replacement for senior Chris Sanders.
2043 USF Recruiting Class
WR Ryan Murray [WR #1]: 6'0", 180lbs | Springdale, OH | 5-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 200 Squat Max
HB Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 330 Bench Press Max, 315 Squat Max
CB Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
G Kevin Brown [G #4]: 6'4", 308lbs | Rome, GA | 4-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
TE Russell Arrington [TE #5]: 6'6", 270lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
DE Seth Whitaker [ATH #28]: 6'1", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press Max, 640 Squat Max
G Ed Foster [G #5]: 6'2", 321lbs | Dallas, TX | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DE Dante Avery [DE #9]: 6'2", 255lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
DB Cameron Stokes [ATH #31]: 6'3", 205lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
TE Jake Bryant [TE #6]: 6'6", 260lbs | Canton, OH | 4-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
G Brian Jackson [G #36]: 6'3", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
C Brett Pennington [C #3]: 6'0", 304lbs | Fountain Hills, AZ [IMG] | 4-star | 5.08 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 525 Squat Max
DT James Boyd [ATH #35]: 6'4", 275lbs | Largo, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 545 Squat Max
LB Nate Jacobs [ILB #6]: 6'5", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
S Shawn Franklin [S #5]: 6'3", 202lbs | Natchitoches, LA | 4-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
G Luis Pearson [G #10]: 6'5", 294lbs | Shelby, NC [IMG] | 4-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
DE Brian Neal [DE #17]: 6'8", 260lbs | Mullins, SC | 4-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
CB Anthony Sharp [CB #7]: 5'9", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 220 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
OLB Oliver Colvin [OLB #13]: 6'3", 232lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
QB Shawn Williams [QB #22]: 6'4", 235lbs | Clearwater, FL | 3-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press Max, 340 Squat Max
LB Marcus Wiley [OLB #55]: 6'2", 215lbs | Phoenixville, PA | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 535 Squat Max
K Jonathan Love [K #10]: 6'0", 178lbs | Horn Lake, MS | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
HB Davis Thomas [HB #82]: 6'2", 199lbs | Sarasota Springs, FL | 3-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
P Josiah Anderson [K #16]: 6'2", 195lbs | Sans Souci, SC | 3-star | 4.78 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Oklahoma, Stanford, Purdue, USF
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K Ricky Anderson [K #1]: 6'0", 178lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | Committed to Miami
P Mike Webb [P #2]: 5'11", 202lbs | St. Petersburg, FL | 3-star | Florida, Auburn
