I like this recruiting class.
Strength in Unity.
Strength in Unity.
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TEX (6-5, 4-3) | 10 | 10 | 6 | 0 || 26
#11 USF (9-2, 6-1) | 14 | 24 | 0 | 3 || 41
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Stone Breaks Single-Season Catch Record in Bulls Win over Texas
Whenever you're in the record books with the likes of Zac White and Franklin Sapp, you've done something right as a USF Bull.
After breaking Sapp's single-season yardage record as a freshman, William Stone broke Zac White's single season record for most catches on a 44-yard touchdown that helped give the Bulls a 41-26 victory over the Texas Longhorns on Saturday.
Stone, who has played both receiver and running back this season, leads the team in rushing yards and is fourth in the nation with 1,128 receiving yards. He finished the game with his 92nd catch of the season, putting him on the brink of 100 receptions. Andrew Vincent, who put together another solid performance, is also nearing the 1,000-yard mark. The Bulls haven't had two receivers reach 1,000-yards since White and Sapp.
Texas starting quarterback Clifton McFarland left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. In the first half, McFarland accounted for all but two yards of the Texas offense.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[TEX] C. McFarland, 3 Yd run (8:27)
[USF] J. Dixon, 6 Yd run (5:45)
[TEX] S. Holmes, 44 Yd FG (2:24)
[USF] E. Bass, 31 Yd pass from J. Pittman (0:43)
Quarter 2
[TEX] G. Smith, 34 Yd pass from C. McFarland (9:35)
[USF] A. Vincent, 25 Yd pass from J. Pittman (7:34)
[USF] J. Pittman, 26 Yd run (6:49)
[USF] K. Justice, 30 Yd FG (2:32)
[TEX] S. Holmes, 34 Yd FG (0:51)
[USF] W. Stone, 44 Yd pass from J. Pittman (0:18)
Quarter 3
[TEX] S. Holmes, 48 Yd FG (7:14)
[TEX] S. Holmes, 43 Yd FG (1:27)
Quarter 4
[USF] K. Justice, 25 Yd FG (2:05)
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#11 South Florida Bulls
QB James Pittman: 31 of 39, 388 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 13 carries, 38 yards, touchdown.
HB Derrick Green: 16 carries, 103 yards.
WR Andrew Vincent: 9 receptions, 118 yards, touchdown.
WR William Stone: 9 receptions, 111 yards, touchdown.
TE Erik Bass: 6 receptions, 92 yards, touchdown.
LB Montrell Jennings: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.
LB Travis Hughes: 7 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 interceptions.
DE Stephen Hill: 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks.
DT Jeremy Daniels: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Texas Longhorns
QB Clifton McFarland: 23 of 28, 219 yards, touchdown, interception, 12 carries, 70 yard, touchdown.
QB Joe Harris: 13 of 14, 113 yards, interception, 11 carries, -4 yards.
HB Johnny Irvin: 8 carries, 17 yards, 8 receptions, 62 yards.
WR Tyrell Carpenter: 7 receptions, 49 yards.
WR Ernest Dorsey: 5 receptions, 68 yards.
WR Roderick Ostrander: 5 receptions, 62 yards.
TE George Smith: 5 receptions, 46 yards, touchdown.
LB Kurt Collier: 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack.
S Dennis Taylor: 6 tackles, interception.
CB Pierre Randle: 5 tacles, interception.
Strength in Unity.
Week 13 Big XII Results
USF 41 - TEX 26 :: KU 35 - ISU 21 :: KSU 48 - OKST 14
TCU 41 - TTU 20 :: UCF 55 - BAY 29
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Week 13 Top Stories
1. All is well in Syracuse as Orange down ACC rival Florida State.
2. Payne and Michigan State knock off conference opponent Penn State 20-9.
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Week 14 Big XII Schedule
#20 UCF (10-1, 7-0) at #9 USF (9-2, 6-1)
Kansas State (4-7, 2-5) at Iowa State (5-6, 2-5)
Texas Tech (3-8, 2-5) at Texas (6-5, 4-3)
Baylor (5-6, 4-3) at TCU (6-5, 2-5)
West Virginia (6-5, 4-3) at Oklahoma (3-8, 1-6)
Oklahoma State (7-4, 3-4) at #24 Kansas (8-3, 5-2)
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Week 14 Notable Games
#20 UCF (10-1, 7-0) at #9 USF (9-2, 6-1)
#19 Georgia (9-2, 7-1) at #15 Georgia Tech (9-2, 7-2)
#13 UCLA (8-3, 6-2) at #6 USC (9-2, 6-2)
#7 Notre Dame (7-3) at #4 Stanford (9-2, 7-2)
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BCS Rankings
1. Navy, 10-0
2. Clemson, 10-1
3. Stanford, 9-2
4. Alabama, 9-2
5. Ole Miss, 9-2
6. USC, 9-2
7. Notre Dame, 7-3
8. Michigan State, 8-3
9. USF, 9-2
10. Colorado, 9-2
11. Arkansas, 9-2
12. Arizona State, 8-3
13. Penn State, 9-2
14. UCLA, 8-3
15. Georgia Tech, 9-2
16. Florida State, 8-3
17. Georgia, 9-2
18. Louisville, 8-3
20. UCF, 10-1
21. North Carolina, 8-3
22. Syracuse, 6-5
23. San Jose State, 10-1
24. Nebraska, 7-3
25. Kansas, 8-3
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Big XII Conference Standings
North
1. Kansas, 8-3, 5-2
2. West Virginia, 6-5, 4-3
3. Oklahoma State, 7-4, 3-4
4. Iowa State, 5-6, 2-5
5. Kansas State, 4-7, 2-5
6. Oklahoma, 3-8, 1-6
South
1. UCF, 10-1, 7-0
2. USF, 9-2, 6-1
3. Texas, 6-5, 4-3
4. Baylor, 5-6, 4-3
5. TCU, 6-5, 2-5
6. Texas Tech, 3-8, 2-5
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Players of the Week
QB Derrick Williams (UCF): 18 of 27, 397 yards, 15 carries, 68 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
LB Randall Thomas (Fresno State): 11 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles.
------------------------
QB Derrick Williams (UCF): 18 of 27, 397 yards, 15 carries, 68 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
LB Travis Hughes (USF): 7 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 interceptions.
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Heisman Finalists
HB Nate Pugh (Navy): 316 carries, 2025 yards, 22 touchdowns.
QB Derrick Williams (UCF): 223 of 313, 3423 yards, 39 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 167 carries, 806 yards, 8 touchdowns.
QB Franklin Sullivan (SJSU): 175 of 260, 2601 yards, 28 touchdowns, interception, 162 carries, 872 yards, 10 touchdowns.
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Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Jeff Young [WR #1]: 6'5", 199lbs | Glenvar Heights, FL | Georgia Tech
#2 Jason Barbour [WR #2]: 6'2", 212lbs | Fairview Shores, FL | University of South Florida
#3 Brad Whitworth [ATH #1]: 6'1", 215lbs | Jackson, MI | University of Michigan
#4 Kyle King [ATH #2]: 6'1", 214lbs | Cary, NC | Ohio State University
#5 Mario Bass [TE #1]: 6'2", 223lbs | State College, PA | University of Texas
#6 Chris Jones [HB #1]: 6'1", 202lbs | Buford, GA | Ohio State University
#7 Derek Bruner [WR #3]: 5'11", 178lbs | Warren, PA | Penn State
#9 Erik McDaniel [ATH #4]: 6'2", 199lbs | Oxford, OH | Ohio State University
#10 Steve Robinson [WR #4]: 6'1", 196lbs | Aberdeen, WA | University of Southern California
#11 Darius Downs [WR #5]: 6'4", 215lbs | Miami, FL | University of South Florida
#12 Mark Robinson [WR #6]: 6'2", 193lbs | Torrance, CA | University of Minnesota
#13 Matt Madsen [WR #7]: 6'1", 198lbs | Snellville, GA | University of Minnesota
#14 Thomas Mills [ATH #5]: 6'5", 200lbs | Gilroy, CA | University of Notre Dame
#16 Jason Dudley [WR #9]: 6'0", 180lbs | Lakeland North, WA | University of Wisconsin
#17 Rashad Tolbert [ATH #6]: 5'11", 210lb | Sedalia, MO | University of Nebraska
#20 Mike Cook [HB #2]: 5'11", 194lbs | Ran Palos Verdes, CA | New Mexico State
#22 Travis Odom [HB #3]: 6'2", 285lbs | Altadena, CA | University of Syracuse
#23 Nick Foster [ATH #7]: 5'11", 216lbs | Shields, MI | University of Tennessee
#24 Scott Johnson [S #1]: 6'2", 201lbs | Rose Hill, VA | Florida State University
#25 Will Parker [TE #3]: 6'3", 237lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | University of Texas
#26 Ed Cade [C #1]: 6'2", 290lbs | Stanford, CA | Penn State
#27 Lance Scott [ATH #8]: 6'0", 193lbs | Ferriday, LA | University of Alabama
#29 Earl Miller [G #1]: 6'5", 281lbs | Lowell, MI | University of Illinois
Strength in Unity.
Week 14 Preview: #20 Central Florida Golden Knights
Record: 10-1, 7-0 Big XII
Head Coach: Darrell Hazell (27-22 at UCF, 4th year, 49-50)
Team Leaders
Passing: Derrick Williams (71.2% completion, 3423 yards, 39 TD, 2 INT, 202.9 QB rating)
Rushing: Jeff Sands (678 yards, 6.5 ypc, 7 TD)
Receiving: Frank Taylor (82 receptions, 1137 yards, 11 TD)
Defense: Dominic Holmes (81 tackles, 12 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 INT)
Team Rankings
Total Offense: 3rd
Total Defense: 98th
Points Per Game: 3rd
Turnover Differential: 6th
Team Schedule
at Hawaii: W 41-35
vs. Florida Atlantic: L 31-17
vs. Oklahoma: W 35-31
vs. Old Dominion: W 49-19
vs. Florida: W 56-42
at West Virginia: W 42-37
vs. Iowa State: W 42-21
vs. Texas: W 38-34
at Texas Tech: W 45-20
vs. TCU: W 38-34
at Baylor: W 55-29
Injuries
CB Billy Robbins, Rs Junior | 6'1", 180lbs | 82 ovr, 90 spd, 82 acc, 96 mcv, 92 zcv
DT John Barrett, Rs Senior | 6'2", 303lbs | 87 ovr, 75 acc, 82 str, 88 pmv, 81 fmv, 86 bsh
DE Sid Fisher, Rs Senior | 6'3", 283lbs | 83 ovr, 72 spd, 95 acc, 74 str, 80 pmv, 90 fmv, 87 bsh
Recruits in Attendance
WR James Harper [WR #41]: 6'5", 231lbs | Beeville, TX | 4-star | USF, Clemson, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech
Central Florida Golden Knights Projected Starters
QB Derrick Williams, Rs Junior | 6'3", 211lbs | 92 ovr, 85 spd, 73 acc, 88 thp, 91 tha
HB Jeff Sands, Rs Junior | 5'11", 208lbs | 86 ovr, 89 spd, 86 acc, 84 btk, 74 car
WR Frank Taylor, Rs Senior | 6'4", 197lbs | 85 ovr, 94 spd, 96 acc, 85 cth
WR Drew Harrison, Rs Senior | 6'2", 211lbs | 84 ovr, 90 spd, 84 acc, 86 cth
WR Jeff Wright, Junior | 6'1", 205lbs | 81 ovr, 85 spd, 99 acc, 72 cth
TE Kevin Williams, Junior | 6'3", 267lbs | 82 ovr, 83 spd, 82 acc, 68 cth, 79 rbk
LT Martin McNeal, Rs Junior | 6'7", 237lbs | 82 ovr, 85 str, 84 pbk, 86 rbk
LG Nick Sutton, Rs Senior | 6'1", 292lbs | 88 ovr, 89 str, 82 pbk, 93 rbk
C Joe Harris, Rs Senior | 6'1", 318lbs | 91 ovr, 89 str, 90 pbk, 87 rbk
RG Brandon Flynn, Rs Senior | 6'4", 314lbs | 84 ovr, 80 str, 86 pbk, 88 rbk
RT Dustin Powers, Rs Junior | 6'5", 281lbs | 81 ovr, 90 str, 84 pbk, 82 rbk
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DE Nate Blair, Rs Senior | 6'1", 306lbs | 87 ovr, 60 spd, 78 acc, 82 str, 88 pmv, 84 fmv, 84 bsh
DE Brent Fuller, Sophomore | 6'3", 243lbs | 77 ovr, 72 spd, 85 acc, 77 str, 81 pmv, 78 fmv, 80 bsh
DT Jon Malone, Senior | 6'4", 304lbs | 88 ovr, 90 acc, 76 str, 95 pmv, 81 fmv, 83 bsh
DT Javon Smith, Rs Senior | 6'1", 295lbs | 82 ovr, 73 acc, 88 str, 87 pmv, 85 fmv, 80 bsh
LB Dominic Holmes, Rs Junior | 6'2", 226lbs | 85 ovr, 87 spd, 98 acc, 86 tkl, 82 bsh
LB Jeremy Bowen, Rs Senior | 5'11", 244lbs | 81 ovr, 88 spd, 89 acc, 80 tkl, 78 bsh
LB Vince Smith, Senior | 6'5", 225lbs | 86 ovr, 81 spd, 93 acc, 76 tkl, 85 bsh
CB Jeremiah Parker, Senior | 6'3", 192lbs | 78 ovr, 90 spd, 90 acc, 89 mcv, 88 zcv
CB Maurice Brown, Junior | 6'1", 176lbs | 77 ovr, 90 spd, 93 acc, 83 mcv, 87 zcv
S Brett Stewart, Junior | 6'1", 186lbs | 81 ovr, 87 spd, 91 acc, 78 zcv, 80 tkl
S Alex Bullock, Senior | 6'3", 202lbs | 80 ovr, 81 spd, 93 acc, 82 zcv, 79 tkl
Strength in Unity.
How tf they lose to FAU!?
Strength in Unity.
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#20 UCF (10-2, 7-1) | 7 | 14 | 3 | 10 || 34
#9 USF (10-2, 7-1) | 14 | 7 | 7 | 14 || 42
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The Bulls Steal One From Bitter Rival UCF
In the last six minutes of the game, USF true freshman David Green lived a lifetime.
The former five-star recruit fumbled the ball in Bulls territory with eight minutes left in the game, allowing UCF to extend their lead to six. After a William Stone touchdown gave the Bulls the lead back, it was Green who put the exclamation mark on the victory.
Green's 61-yard touchdown run helped the Bulls secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and avenge last year's loss with a 42-34 win over rival UCF on Friday night.
It was a tough night for Heisman candidate Derrick Williams. He threw for 294 yards but had three interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter which led to Green's touchdown run.
Stone, who did not make the Heisman finalist list, broke his own record for most receiving yards in a single season with 1279. Stone had set the record as a true freshman.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] W. Stone, 2 Yd run (3:24)
[UCF] J. Sands, 17 Yd run (1:46)
[UCF] K. Adkins, 1 Yd pass from D. Williams (1:33)
[USF] A. Vincent, 14 Yd pass from J. Pittman (0:56)
Quarter 2
[UCF] D. Williams, 11 Yd run (9:18)
[USF] T. Holland, 7 Yd pass from J. Pittman (6:09)
[UCF] D. Williams, 7 Yd run (0:42)
Quarter 3
[UCF] S. Glover, 19 Yd FG (7:48)
[USF] A. Vincent, 43 Yd run (6:27)
Quarter 4
[UCF] J. Sands, 2 Yd run (9:18)
[UCF] S. Glover, 19 Yd FG (6:39)
[USF] W. Stone, 7 Yd run (3:53)
[USF] D. Green, 61 Yd run (3:08)
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#9 South Florida Bulls
QB James Pittman: 29 of 33, 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, interceptions, 10 carries, 32 yards.
HB Derrick Green: 14 carries, 127 yards, touchdown.
WR William Stone: 5 carries, 16 yards, 2 touchdowns, 9 receptions, 151 yards.
WR Andrew Vincent: 7 receptions, 102 yards, touchdown.
FB Terrence Holland: 7 receptions, 40 yards, touchdown.
TE Erik Bass: 4 receptions, 57 yards.
LB Travis Hughes: 15 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, sack.
LB Dallas Gross: 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.
S Edgar Thompson: 6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, interception.
CB Ray Hill: 6 tackles, interception.
DE Stephen Hill: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
CB Jason Garcia: Tackle, interception.
Central Florida Golden Knights
QB Derrick Williams: 22 of 32, 294 yards, touchdown, 3 interceptions, 18 carries, 54 yards, 2 touchdowns.
HB Jeff Sands: 26 carries, 120 yards, 2 touchdowns.
TE Kevin Williams: 8 receptions, 121 yards.
WR Jeff Wright: 5 receptions, 81 yards.
S Alex Bullock: 8 tackles.
CB Jeremiah Parker: 4 tackles, interception.
Strength in Unity.
Week 14 Big XII Results
USF 42 - UCF 34 :: ISU 42 - KSU 23 :: TEX 35 - TTU 31
BAY 31 - TCU 28 :: OU 45 - WVU 21 :: OKST 45 - KU 42
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Week 14 Top Stories
1. The shocker of the week is #5 Ole Miss falling to SEC rival Mississippi State.
2. No other game was bigger than Notre Dame's 31-17 win over rival Stanford.
3. Virginia Tech squeaks by Virginia in conference play.
4. Auburn suffers a collapse against SEC adversary Alabama.
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Week 15 Notable Games
New Mexico State (7-4, 0-0) at #4 Notre Dame (8-3, 0-0)
Army (5-6, 0-0) at #1 Navy (11-0, 9-0)
UL Monroe (4-7, 2-3) at #18 UL Lafayette (9-2, 4-1)
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BCS Rankings
1. Navy, 11-0
2. Clemson, 11-1
3. Notre Dame, 8-3
4. Alabama, 10-2
5. USC, 10-2
6. Michigan State, 9-3
7. USF, 10-2
8. Arkansas, 10-2
9. Stanford, 9-3
10. Penn State, 10-2
11. Georgia, 10-2
12. Ole Miss, 9-3
13. Louisville, 9-3
14. North Carolina, 9-3
15. Georgia Tech, 9-3
16. Syracuse, 7-5
17. UCF, 10-2
18. UCLA, 8-4
19. Nebraska, 8-4
20. UL Lafayette, 9-2
21. Boise State, 10-2
22. Colorado, 9-3
23. Virginia Tech, 8-4
24. San Jose State, 10-2
25. Ohio State, 7-5
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Big XII Conference Standings
North
1. Kansas, 8-4, 5-3
2. West Virginia, 6-6, 4-4
3. Oklahoma State, 8-4, 4-4
4. Iowa State, 6-6, 3-5
5. Kansas State, 4-8, 2-6
6. Oklahoma, 4-8, 2-6
South
1. USF, 10-2, 7-1
2. UCF, 10-2, 7-1
3. Texas, 7-5, 5-3
4. Baylor, 6-6, 5-3
5. TCU, 6-6, 2-6
6. Texas Tech, 3-9, 2-6
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Players of the Week
QB Aaron Daugherty (Ohio State): 22 of 30, 341 yards, 15 carries, 64 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
LB Jason Miller (Utah): 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles.
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HB Derron Walton (Oklahoma State): 21 carries, 198 yards, 2 touchdowns.
S Edgar Thompson (USF): 6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, interception.
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Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#1 Jeff Young [WR #1]: 6'5", 199lbs | Glenvar Heights, FL | Georgia Tech
#2 Jason Barbour [WR #2]: 6'2", 212lbs | Fairview Shores, FL | University of South Florida
#3 Brad Whitworth [ATH #1]: 6'1", 215lbs | Jackson, MI | University of Michigan
#4 Kyle King [ATH #2]: 6'1", 214lbs | Cary, NC | Ohio State University
#5 Mario Bass [TE #1]: 6'2", 223lbs | State College, PA | University of Texas
#6 Chris Jones [HB #1]: 6'1", 202lbs | Buford, GA | Ohio State University
#7 Derek Bruner [WR #3]: 5'11", 178lbs | Warren, PA | Penn State
#8 Mike Douglas [ATH #3]: 6'0", 181lbs | North Bethesda, MD | University of Wisconsin
#9 Erik McDaniel [ATH #4]: 6'2", 199lbs | Oxford, OH | Ohio State University
#10 Steve Robinson [WR #4]: 6'1", 196lbs | Aberdeen, WA | University of Southern California
#11 Darius Downs [WR #5]: 6'4", 215lbs | Miami, FL | University of South Florida
#12 Mark Robinson [WR #6]: 6'2", 193lbs | Torrance, CA | University of Minnesota
#13 Matt Madsen [WR #7]: 6'1", 198lbs | Snellville, GA | University of Minnesota
#14 Thomas Mills [ATH #5]: 6'5", 200lbs | Gilroy, CA | University of Notre Dame
#16 Jason Dudley [WR #9]: 6'0", 180lbs | Lakeland North, WA | University of Wisconsin
#17 Rashad Tolbert [ATH #6]: 5'11", 210lb | Sedalia, MO | University of Nebraska
#20 Mike Cook [HB #2]: 5'11", 194lbs | Ran Palos Verdes, CA | New Mexico State
#22 Travis Odom [HB #3]: 6'2", 285lbs | Altadena, CA | University of Syracuse
#23 Nick Foster [ATH #7]: 5'11", 216lbs | Shields, MI | University of Tennessee
#24 Scott Johnson [S #1]: 6'2", 201lbs | Rose Hill, VA | Florida State University
#25 Will Parker [TE #3]: 6'3", 237lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | University of Texas
#26 Ed Cade [C #1]: 6'2", 290lbs | Stanford, CA | Penn State
#27 Lance Scott [ATH #8]: 6'0", 193lbs | Ferriday, LA | University of Alabama
#29 Earl Miller [G #1]: 6'5", 281lbs | Lowell, MI | University of Illinois
Strength in Unity.
Recruiting Class in Review: Bulls land their first ever Heisman winner in 2020 recruiting class
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Whichever class followed the 2019 recruiting class -- which included Michael Harrell, Chuck Sanders, James Thomas and Marcus Hines -- was going to have it's task cut out for it. Troy Henry certainly did his part and many contributed to the team's national championship in 2021 but top to bottom, how does this class grade out? The grading criteria is as follows: 1 star for non-contributor, 2 star for depth player, 3 star for contributor, 4 star for impact starter, 5 star for a star player.
2020 USF Bulls Recruiting Class
HB Troy Henry [HB #3]: 5'10", 195lbs | Alexander City, AL | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 275 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
Career Stats » 608 carries, 4310 yards, 48 touchdowns, 158 receptions, 1345 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Analysis » Does anything really need to be said? Henry left USF as their all-time leader in the following categories: rushing touchdowns in a game, season and all-time, rushing yards in a game, season and all-time. The best running back to ever play for the school, Henry winning the Heisman his junior season does put him in the conversation with Michael Harrell, Zac White and Franklin Sapp as one of the best to ever play for the Bulls.
Grade » 5-star
G Brian Smith [G #1]: 6'4", 309lbs | Clearwater, FL | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 480 Bench Press Max, 665 Squat Max
Career Stats » 53 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed.
Analysis » The highest ranked offensive linemen to ever commit to the Bulls, landing Smith was a big deal and he'd turn out to be a three-year starter that was instrumental in them winning championships.
Grade » 4-star
WR/DB Brandon Burns [ATH #11]: 6'1", 197lbs | Hanford, CA | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 270 Squat Max
Career Stats » 9 receptions, 142 yards at USF, 37 receptions, 690 yards, 4 touchdowns at USC.
Analysis » Burns never found his position at USF. He spent his freshman season at defensive back, moved to offense to fill a need as a sophomore but then didn't play his junior season much as other young players leap-frogged him. He's done well for himself after transferring to USC.
Grade » 2-star
ATH Erik Bass [ATH #22]: 6'0", 246lbs | Athens, AL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
Career Stats » 102 receptions, 1141 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Analysis » A two-year captain, Bass splashed onto the scene as a true freshman but saw his role diminished in 2021 and in 2022, he was an after thought in the offense with just eight receptions. He's having a career year as a senior with 44 catches for 539 yards but his 2023 season costs him that fourth star.
Grade » 3-star
T Derek Charles [T #3]: 6'5", 269lbs | Burbank, CA | 4-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 460 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
Career Stats » 39 pancakes, 26 sacks allowed.
Analysis » Charles is having a very tough senior season, enough to potentially cost him a spot in the NFL. He's allowed fourteen sacks this season after allowing just twelve the previous three seasons. He's been a day one starter, however, and has earned those four stars.
Grade » 4-star
S Sam Peterson [S #8]: 6'1", 179lbs | Glenrcok, WY [IMG Academy] | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 325 Squat Max
Career Stats » 104 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, touchdown.
Analysis » It seems crazy now but at the time, there was questions about Peterson being a take for the Bulls. He played low level competition in his home state of Wyoming and his one season at IMG wasn't enough to convince some people of his talents. Several All-Americans later, he's one of the best defensive backs in Bulls history.
Grade » 5-star
WR John Dixon [WR #43]: 6'3", 213lbs | Lake Wales, FL | 3-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 290 Bench Press Max, 235 Squat Max
Career Stats » 17 carries, 107 yards, touchdown, 3 receptions, 30 yards.
Analysis » A log jam at the position saw him convert to running back only to be stuck behind what seems like an infinite amount of five-star running backs.
Grade » 2-star
QB Jeremy Thomas [QB #21]: 6'1", 242lbs | Calhoun, GA | 3-star | 5.02 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 230 Squat Max
Career Stats » 24 of 35, 201 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.
Analysis » Thomas' weight never got under control and with a forty time over five seconds, he was just never a fit for the offenses that the Bulls have ran since he committed. He transferred to Georgia State only to get beat out by senior Chris Yates. He'll try his luck again next season.
Grade » 2-star
LB Montrell Jennings [LB #30]: 5'11", 231lbs | Pinellas Park, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 560 Squat Max
Career Stats » 99 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 interceptions.
Analysis » Proof that the process works, Jennings was a local hidden gem found by the USF who liked his physical attributes. He was non-existent his first two seasons but since then, he's steadily improved and could return next season as one of the better linebackers in the Big XII.
Grade » 4-star
TE Martin Rushing [TE #32]: 6'7", 260lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.64 40-yard dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 280 Squat Max
Career Stats » 1 reception, 28 yards.
Analysis » Sometimes the idea is better than the execution. USF signed two tight ends with hopes that Bass would be a receiver hybrid while Rushing at six-foot-seven would be an goal-line option. Rushing just never got onto the field but with another year of eligibility left, he could start next season when Bass graduates.
Grade » 1-star
QB James Pittman [QB #38]: 6'6'", 220lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | 4.64 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 360 Squat Max
Career Stats » 351 of 477, 3934 yards, 29 touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 202 carries, 1005 yards, 10 touchdowns.
Analysis » Pittman was signed as a project with many within the program thinking he'd be, at best, a package quarterback. He was asked to be more than that in 2022 but in 2023, Pittman turned into one of the better quarterbacks in the Big 12.
Grade » 4-star
QB Eugene Shaw [QB #49]: 6'2", 212lbs | Glendale, WI | 3-star | 4.98 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
Career Stats » 6 of 10, 71 yards, interception.
Analysis » Shaw is currently at EMCC and trying to get back into college football. USF took a lot of swings at the position in this cycle and there were a lot of misses.
Grade » 1-star
S Pierre Hodge [S #36]: 6'0", 195lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.52 40-yd dash, 395 Bench Press Max, 305 Squat Max
Career Stats » 4 tackles.
Analysis » The shift at the level of recruiting that USF was doing happened right after this class where a player like Hodge, with all due respect, simply wasn't going to be signed to play defensive back for the Bulls. They've been trying to recruit a higher level since and as a result, the likes of Hodge got stuck behind some very talented players.
Grade » 1-star
S Chris Wade [S #26]: 6'1", 177lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 335 Squat Max
Career Stats » 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass deflections, forced fumble.
Analysis » In a similar boat as Hodge, Wade was however able to get on the field as a redshirt freshman. They'll both get their chances in 2024 if the Bulls lose some players to the draft and continue to run a defense with five defensive backs as their base.
Grade » 2-star
FB Terrance Holland [FB #15]: 6'1", 250lbs | Carol City, FL | 2-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max
Career Stats » 37 receptions, 304 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Analysis » Similar to his brother, Holland enjoyed some success in the latter part of his tenure at USF. Both brothers thrived when Malcolm Francois took over play calling with Holland catching 29 passes as a senior.
Grade » 3-star
Superlative Awards
Most Important Signing: USF had swung and miss on a few big time prospects among the offensive line. Landing Brian Smith was big because they went toe to toe with some of the top schools and landed him.
Most Productive Signing: Does it need to be said?
Biggest Bust of the Class: Burns is the only four-star that wasn't at least a one-year starter.
Most Untapped Potential: Erik Bass looked really good as a freshman and really good as a senior. What happened between those years? Some of the blame goes to a few upperclassmen ahead of him and some of it goes on Bass who never developed into a reliable enough blocker to be TE1 as opposed to a gimmick player.
Biggest Steal of the Class: A tie between Jennings and Pittman as the rest of the second half of this class all sort of crapped out.
Biggest Lost of the Class: Imagine a secondary with Marcus Hines, Jason Garcia, Ben Lewis and Sonny Underwood. USF was in on Underwood for the whole cycle but couldn't beat Iowa -- yes, Iowa -- for the five-star corner out of Miami. Maybe with Underwood, however, they don't get Garcia in the next cycle.
Strength in Unity.
Bulls add versatile WR in Texas' 4-star WR Harper out of Beeville
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
USF head coach Malcolm Francois took over coaching of the receivers -- again -- when Doc Holliday's retirement led to shuffles on the staff. Of USF's twelve commitments, four of them just happen to be new toys for the head coach.
The Bulls got their fourth receiver in the class in Beeville's James Harper, a six-foot-five receiver that has been a rising senior after catching 1,470 yards as a senior. Harper told 247 Sports that he's currently in the 230-pound range for his weight and while some schools were looking for him to lean out, USF was not amongst them.
If one chooses to read in between the lines, Harper might not be a receiver after all. The team is light on tight ends and if five-star target Vincent Everett ends up elsewhere, the Bulls will be really light at the position. Harper has the size to play tight end but its a position he's never played before and despite his size, he's not a physically imposing player and rather relies on his speed to make plays down the field.
2024 USF Recruiting Class
WR Jason Barbour [WR #2]: 6'2", 212lbs | Fairview Shores, FL | 5-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 300 Bench Press, 300 Squat
WR Darius Downs [WR #5]: 6'4", 215lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press, 280 Squat
LB Danny Love [LB #2]: 6'4", 238lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 620 Squat
DT James Faulk [DT #6]: 6'4", 275lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.92 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press, 570 Squat
HB Jason Finley [HB #14]: 6'1", 212lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press, 310 Squat
DT William Levine [DT #9]: 6'4", 292lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 630 Squat
WR Ryan Wagner [WR #32]: 6'3", 209lbs | Coral Spring, FL | 4-star | 4.32 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press, 325 Squat
WR James Harper [WR #41]: 6'5", 231lbs | Beeville, TX | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press, 205 Squat
DE Kyle Swain [DE #13]: 6'2", 253lbs | Prichard, AL | 4-star | 4.78 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 560 Squat
QB Jay Jackson [QB #21]: 5'11", 204lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press, 350 Squat
T Marcus Clark [T #50]: 6'5", 288lbs | St. Joseph, MO | 3-star | 5.16 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press, 560 Squat
G Robbie Wade [G #78]: 6'0", 309lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.98 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 630 Squat
2024 USF Recruiting Board
TE Vincent Everett [TE #2]: 6'1", 241lbs | Plantation, FL | 5-star | Florida, USF, Auburn
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S Kelvin Ware [S #1]: 6'1", 199lbs | Cerritos, CA | 5-star | Michigan, Alabama, USC
C Ed Cade [C #1]: 6'2", 290lbs | Stanford, CA | 5-star | Committed to Penn State
C M.J. Williams [C #2]: 6'0", 290lbs | Beaumont, TX | 4-star | Committed to Tulsa
T Parker Wright [T #4]: 6'7", 283lbs | Gainesville, FL | 4-star | Florida, Minnesota
TE Tony Hurst [TE #15]: 6'3", 249lbs | Moses Lake, WA | 4-star | Committed to Oregon