Russell, Alabama convert on last second Hail Mary to beat Bulls
Alabama spent an entire year hearing about their win last season over USF not counting due to Roger Shaw Jr's injury, which kept them out of the BCS National Championship game this January in favor of USF and Ohio State.
With the defending champions in town, Alabama was able to hold Shaw to less than 30 yards on the ground at halftime, only for the Heisman winner to eventually get it going and for USF to seemingly come back from the dead and pull off the comeback victory.
Steven Russell, who completed just one of his first six passes of the game, had different plans. Russell's Hail Mary touchdown to Matt Williamson will be lore for years to come in Tuscaloosa as the Tide pulled off the incredible 28-25 victory over the Bulls on Saturday night.
Todd Woods seemingly had his career defining moment, throwing two touchdown passes in the last three minutes of the game to put the Bulls up four point with 19 seconds left in the game.
A wheel route on the first play from scrimmage and Russell evading a sack on the next play put the Tide 31 yards away from the endzone with just seven seconds left in the game. Russell's first heave into the endzone fell incomplete and several yards shy of the endzone. Alabama seemingly lined up for a similar play to the right side of the field but following a USF timeout, all the receivers shifted over to the left.
With Russell not having to go across the field this time around, his ball not only made it into the endzone, it made it into the hands of Williamson (6-foot-1) who outjumped two USF defenders in Clayton Bradford (5-foot-10) and Damien Ford (5-foot-10).
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] B. Henry, 53 Yd FG (0:47)
Quarter 2
[ALA] V. Utley, 9 Yd run (2:11)
[USF] M. Smith, 9 Yd pass from T. Woods (0:16)
Quarter 3
[ALA] V. Utley, 2 Yd run (6:22)
[ALA] C. Davis, 24 Yd pass from S. Russell (1:08)
Quarter 4
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 8 Yd pass from T. Woods -- 2pt (2:40)
[USF] C. Lane, 31 Yd pass from T. Woods (0:19)
[ALA] M. Williamson, 31 Yd pass from S. Russell (0:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #3 South Florida Bulls
QB Todd Woods: 29 of 34, 254 yards, 3 touchdowns, sacked 5 times, 2 fumbles.
HB Roger Shaw Jr: 25 carries, 99 yards, 6 receptions, 27 yards, touchdown.
HB Anthony Montgomery: 1 carry, 1 yard (left game with injury).
WR Bryan Mangum: 6 receptions, 39 yards.
WR Courtney Lane: 5 receptions, 55 yards, touchdown.
WR Max McDonald: 3 receptions, 41 yards.
LB Mark Johnson: 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack.
LB Curtis Carter: 8 tackles, 4 tackles for loss.
#2 Alabama Crimson Tide
QB Steven Russell: 14 of 22, 175 yards, 2 touchdowns, sacked 2 times.
HB Vernon Utley: 26 carries, 141 yards, 2 touchdowns.
WR Chad Davis: 4 receptions, 55 yards, touchdown.
WR Rob Henderson: 3 receptions, 42 yards.
WR Matt Williamson: 2 receptions, 43 yards, touchdown.
CB Chris Bain: 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
ILB Josh Ruffin: 9 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, sack.
CB Darren McMahan: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
OLB Adam Mackey: 5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, forced fumble.
DE Charles Brown: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, forced fumble.
Week 6 Top Stories
1. The Crimson Tide steal one from #3 USF 28-25.
2. The Fighting Irish remain unbeaten as they knock off conference foe Syracuse.
3. Stanford lifts its Pac-12 record to 2-2 with a close win over Washington State.
4. Purdue moves to 3-2 after their drubbing of Iowa.
5. California can't keep up with Pac-12 opponent UCLA losing 43-40.
6. Louisiana Tech takes care of UAB in conference opener.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 6 SEC Results
ALA 28 - USF 25 | TEX 38 - OU 28 | RU 45 - ARK 42 OT | MIA 38 - AUB 28 | LSU 20 - UF 16
FAU 28 - MSST 16 | FSU 52 - UMD 21 | SCAR 41 - UGA 35 OT | GSU 42 - TAMU 18
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 7 SEC Schedule
Auburn (2-4, 1-2) at Kentucky (1-3, 1-2)
Tennessee (0-5, 0-4) at Mississippi State (3-2, 2-1)
Georgia (1-5, 1-4) at #1 Alabama (5-0, 3-0)
#22 LSU (2-3, 2-3) at UL Lafayette (0-3, 0-0)
Florida (1-4, 1-4) at Vanderbilt (3-3, 3-3)
Oklahoma (2-4, 2-3) at Arkansas (2-4, 2-3)
TCU (1-2, 0-1) at #8 Texas (4-1, 4-1)
#4 Ole Miss (5-0, 4-0) at Texas A&M (1-4, 0-3)
#12 Florida State (3-1, 2-1) at #14 Miami (4-2, 4-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 7 Notable Games
#18 Navy (2-2, 1-1) at #25 Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0)
#10 Clemson (2-2, 1-1) at #7 Georgia Tech (4-0, 2-0)
#6 Michigan State (5-0, 3-0) at #20 BYU (3-2, 0-0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Derrick Douglas (UCF): 16 of 19, 191 yards, 34 carries, 193 yards, 3 total touchdowns.
CB Brandon Lewis (Notre Dame): Tackle, 4 interceptions.
-------
HB Andrew Peterson (Florida State): 25 carries, 190 yards, 3 touchdowns.
DE Mark Ellis (Mississippi State): 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, forced fumble, 2 fumble recovery.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#3 Dale Glover [ATH #3]: 6'4", 239lbs | Pittsburg, CA | 5-star | University of Southern California
#5 Charles Mitchell [ATH #4]: 6'2", 187lbs | Dunn, NC | 5-star | University of Texas
#17 Randall Sullivan [WR #5]: 6'0", 198lbs | Carencro, LA | 5-star | University of Texas
#22 Justin Woods [HB #4]: 6'0", 198lbs | Santa Rosa, CA | 5-star | University of Texas
#24 Josh Cox [DE #1]: 6'8", 251lbs | Port Neches, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#25 Tim Mueller [WR #7]: 6'1", 193lbs | Jenison, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#26 Quincy Horne [WR #8]: 5'11", 185lbs | East Lansing, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#39 Jason Gibson [HB #6]: 5'10", 198lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#46 Chris Williams [ILB #1]: 6'0", 244lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#132 Pedro Scott [G #7]: 5'11",269lbs | Palmetto Estates, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#134 Derek Holland [HB #15]: 6'1", 213lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 4-star | Georgia Southern University
#138 Brandon Dawson [HB #16]: 6'0", 201lbs | West Little River, FL | 4-star | Florida Atlantic University
#179 Tim Heath [DT #10]: 6'3", 286lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#198 Johnny Lewis [G #10]: 6'3", 338lbs | Brent, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#226 Kevin Jude [TE #10]: 6'5", 238lbs | East Naples, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#258 Stephen Dixon [OLB #12]: 6'0", 219lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#279 Clay Jenkins [G #14]: 6'4", 282lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 4-star | University of Texas
Tampa's King, Orlando's Stratton commits to Miami and Florida State
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Two former USF targets committed this weekend in Tampa Tech's quarterback Jesse King committing to the Miami Hurricanes and Orlando area five-star prospect Calvin Stratton committing to the Seminoles of Florida State.
King's commitment comes to no surprise as the Hurricanes had pulled away in his recruitment ever since the Bulls decided to hone in on IMG quarterback Jeff Jones as their target for this cycle. The local prospect deciding to go to an SEC foe in Miami should make things interesting as he'll get an opportunity to perhaps make the Bulls regret their decision.
Another USF target in Alabama's Frank Buchanan, the top rated quarterback this cycle, also recommitted to South Alabama. Similar to King, USF had backed off on his recruitment once they pegged Jones as their guy.
Stratton's commitment is mitigated with USF landing four-star running back Jason Gibson, King's teammate in high school and also being favorites to land five-star receivers Buck Duckett, Kevin Morris and Marques Iosefo. Stratton could potentially also play defensive back at the next level but the Bulls were primarily recruiting him as a running back.
USF did land a commitment during their bye-week from three-star local offensive lineman Dave Riley. A high school tackle who is being evaluated by most schools as a guard, Riley has ways to go before he's ready to take the field against SEC competition but has a long frame with plenty of room to add more weight.
2032 USF Recruiting Class
HB Jason Gibson [HB #6]: 5'10", 198lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press, 345 Squat Max
LB Chris Williams [ILB #1]: 6'0", 244lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 455 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
C Brandon Franklin [C #2]: 6'0", 287lbs | Kernersville, NC | 4-star | 5.06 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 610 Squat Max
DE John Allen [DE #16]: 6'1", 254lbs | Galliano, LA | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
LB Stephen Dixon [OLB #12]: 6'0", 219lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T James Cochran [T #29]: 6'5", 295lbs | Church Point, LA | 3-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 455 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
G Dave Riley [G #41]: 6'5", 270lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
2032 USF Recruiting Board
WR Buck Duckett [WR #6]: 6'0", 185lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 5-star | USF, Clemson
WR Kevin Morris [ATH #12]: 6'7", 214lbs | Daytona Beach, FL | 5-star | USF, Florida State, Florida
WR Marques Iosefo [WR #3]: 5'11", 171lbs | Lahinaluna, HI [IMG Academy] | 5-star | USF, Alabama
QB Jeff Jones [QB #2]: 6'2", 193lbs | Port Charlotte, FL [IMG Academy] | 4-star | USF, Clemson, SMU
DT Matt Bush [DT #1]: 6'1", 267lbs | Jeannette, PA | 4-star | USF, Auburn, Army, Maryland
CB Joe Jackson [CB #2]: 6'0", 186lbs | Omaha, NE [IMG Academy] | 4-star | USF, Texas A&M, Texas
DT Dallas Thomas [DT #6]: 6'3", 293lbs | Newton, NC | 4-star | USF, North Carolina, Cal
DE Ron Cox [DE #4]: 6'1", 300lbs | Houston, TX | 4-star | USF, Michigan State
DE T.J. Meeks [DE #15]: 6'4", 255lbs | Kirksville, MO | 4-star | USF, Wisconsin, Rutgers
-------------------
ATH Calvin Stratton [ATH #13]: 5'11", 222lbs | Conway, FL | 5-star | Committed to Florida State
QB Frank Buchanan [QB #1]: 6'5", 208lbs | Montevallo, AL | 4-star | Committed to South Alabama
QB Jesse King [QB #7]: 6'3", 230lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Committed to Miami
Week 7 Top Stories
1. Ohio State stays unbeaten with a 35-7 win vs. conference rival Illinois.
2. Yellow Jackets take care of ACC opponent Clemson 35-23.
3. The Midshipmen put away ACC rival Virginia Tech in overtime thriller.
4. All cylinders were clicking for Minnesota against Northwestern.
5. Wisconsin moves to 5-1 after their drubbing of Army.
6. Purdue storms back against Big Ten rival Nebraska.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 7 SEC Results
UK 39 - AUB 28 | TEN 34 - MSST 14 | ALA 38 - UGA 14 | LSU 40 - ULL 31 | UF 49 - VANDY 20
OU 38 - ARK 35 | TEX 26 - TCU 14 | MISS 35 - TAMU 10 | MIA 38 - FSU 9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 8 SEC Schedule
#2 Notre Dame (7-0, 7-0) at #10 USF (5-1, 5-1)
Tennessee (1-5, 1-4) at South Carolina (3-3, 2-3)
Georgia Southern (5-1, 0-0) at #4 Ole Miss (6-0, 5-0)
Texas A&M (1-5, 0-4) at Mississippi State (3-3, 2-2)
#9 Texas (5-1, 4-1) at Kentucky (2-3, 2-2)
Arkansas (2-5, 2-4) at #11 Miami (5-2, 5-2)
#19 LSU (3-3, 2-3) at Oklahoma (3-4, 3-3)
Vanderbilt (3-4, 3-3) at Georgia (1-6, 1-5)
#1 Alabama (6-0, 4-0) at Arkansas State (1-3, 0-0)
Tulane (2-2, 1-0) at #17 Florida State (3-2, 2-2)
Florida (2-4, 1-4) at Auburn (2-5, 1-3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 8 Notable Games
#24 BYU (3-3, 0-0) at #22 New Mexico State (5-1, 0-0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Lukas Hall (South Alabama): 14 of 25, 278 yards, 33 carries, 144 yards, 5 total touchdowns.
CB Shane Beverly (Louisville): 2 tackles, 3 interceptions.
-------
QB Steve Robinson (Florida): 16 of 26, 281 yards, 25 carries, 123 yards, 4 total touchdowns.
LB Andre Raymond (Kentucky): 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#3 Dale Glover [ATH #3]: 6'4", 239lbs | Pittsburg, CA | 5-star | University of Southern California
#5 Charles Mitchell [ATH #4]: 6'2", 187lbs | Dunn, NC | 5-star | University of Texas
#13 Brandon Robinson [ATH #8]: 6'4", 248lbs | Steubenville, OH | 5-star | University of Alabama
#17 Randall Sullivan [WR #5]: 6'0", 198lbs | Carencro, LA | 5-star | University of Texas
#22 Justin Woods [HB #4]: 6'0", 198lbs | Santa Rosa, CA | 5-star | University of Texas
#24 Josh Cox [DE #1]: 6'8", 251lbs | Port Neches, TX | 5-star | University of Texas
#25 Tim Mueller [WR #7]: 6'1", 193lbs | Jenison, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#26 Quincy Horne [WR #8]: 5'11", 185lbs | East Lansing, MI | 5-star | Michigan State University
#29 Calvin Stratton [ATH #13]: 5'11", 222lbs | Conway, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#29 Calvin Stratton [ATH #13]: 5'11", 222lbs | Conway, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
#39 Jason Gibson [HB #6]: 5'10", 198lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#46 Chris Williams [ILB #1]: 6'0", 244lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#89 Jordan Jackson [DE #8]: 6'6", 241lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#130 Victor Robinson [ILB #9]: 6'1", 236lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#132 Pedro Scott [G #7]: 5'11", 269lbs | Palmetto Estates, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#134 Derek Holland [HB #15]: 6'1", 213lbs | Chattahoochee, FL | 4-star | Georgia Southern University
#138 Brandon Dawson [HB #16]: 6'0", 201lbs | West Little River, FL | 4-star | Florida Atlantic University
#155 Jesse King [QB #7]: 6'3", 230lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#179 Tim Heath [DT #10]: 6'3", 286lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#198 Johnny Lewis [G #10]: 6'3", 338lbs | Brent, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#219 Greg Burns [DT #17]: 6'4", 287lbs | Port Charlotte, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#226 Kevin Jude [TE #10]: 6'5", 238lbs | East Naples, FL | 4-star | University of Oregon
#258 Stephen Dixon [OLB #12]: 6'0", 219lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#276 Travis Martin [HB #31]: 5'11", 207lbs | Mulberry, FL | 4-star | Georgia Tech University
#279 Clay Jenkins [G #14]: 6'4", 282lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 4-star | University of Texas
Week 8 Preview: vs. #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Record: 7-0, 7-0 ACC
Head Coach: Skip Holtz (112-36 at Notre Dame, 12th year, 224-131)
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Rhule (Pro)
Defensive Coordinator: Matt House (4-3)
Team Leaders
Passing: Andrew Hicks (1125 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT, 120.6 rating)
Rushing: Jim White (629 yards, 6.6 ypc, 6 TD)
Receiving: Mike Sims (21 receptions, 306 yards, 6 TD)
Defense: Jason Robinson (37 tackles, 15 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 FF)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 8th
Total Offense: 12th
Rushing Offense: 7th
Passing Offense: 89th
Total Defense: 2nd
Rushing Defense: 8th
Passing Defense: 6th
Turnover Differential: 5th
Team Schedule
vs. Louisville: W 37-14
vs. South Carolina: W 31-21
vs. UCF: W 35-21
at Wake Forest: W 51-14
at #16 Clemson: W 31-27
at Syracuse: W 42-0
vs. Boston College: W 42-14
Bulls Take Care of Notre Dame 55-35 Behind Strong Performance from Shaw
It was only right that after his 62-yard touchdown run to ice the game in the fourth quarter, the usually understated Roger Shaw Jr. struck a Heisman pose in his first return back to New Jersey New York since winning the Heisman last December.
At this rate, he'll be back there once more and leaving with something heavy. Shaw scored five second half touchdowns in USF's 55-34 win over Notre Dame on Saturday night at Metlife Stadium.
The Fighting Irish held a one-point lead at the end of the first half after USF was able to score on a 52-yard field goal just before the end of the second quarter as time expired. On the second play from scrimmage of the second half, the tone was set as Shaw ripped off a 72-yard touchdown run. The teams continued to exchange touchdowns until the fourth quarter where USF was able to score three consecutive touchdowns and go on a 21-0 run, climaxing with Shaw's 62-yard touchdown.
Notre Dame did try to make the score respectable with a 28-yard touchdown with 1:09 left in the game but after USF tried to run the clock out, Shaw eventually broke another touchdown, his fifth on the ground and sixth total of the game. He finished the game with over 300 yards from scrimmage, bringing his season total to 1,435 yards along with 23 total touchdowns.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 1 Yd run (3:13)
Quarter 2
[USF] B. Henry, 35 Yd FG (7:57)
[ND] N. Murray, 52 Yd pass from A. Hicks (7:13)
[USF] B. Henry, 52 Yd FG (0:00)
Quarter 3
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 72 Yd run -- 2pt failed (7:25)
[ND] C. Richardson, 21 Yd pass from A. Hicks -- 2pt failed (5:06)
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 3 Yd run -- 2pt (4:01)
[ND] J. White, 66 Yd run (2:53)
Quarter 4
[USF] M. Smith, 11 Yd pass from T. Woods (7:08)
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 8 Yd pass from T. Woods (3:06)
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 62 Yd run (1:41)
[ND] M. Wilson, 28 Yd pass from A. Hicks (1:09)
[USF] R. Shaw Jr, 15 Yd run (0:53)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #10 South Florida Bulls
QB Todd Woods: 29 of 31, 283 yards, 2 touchdowns, interception, sacked once.
HB Roger Shaw Jr: 25 carries, 263 yards, 5 touchdowns, 6 receptions, 65 yards, touchdown.
HB Anthony Montgomery: 12 carries, 84 yards.
WR Robert Givens: 7 receptions, 56 yards.
WR Courtney Lane: 4 receptions, 39 yards.
WR Bryan Mangum: 4 receptions, 39 yards.
S David Daniel: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
LB Curtis Carter: 5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack.
S Zach Mack: 3 tackles, interception.
DE Aaron Spurlock: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
#2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
QB Andrew Hicks: 17 of 23, 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, sacked 5 times.
HB Jim White: 12 carries, 164 yards, touchdown.
WR Chris Richardson: 6 receptions, 101 yards, touchdown.
WR Mitch Wilson: 3 receptions, 54 yards, touchdown.
WR Nate Murray: 2 receptions, 90 yards, touchdown.
S Mike Thomas: 10 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
CB Jake Leonard: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
LB Joe Elbert: 6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss.
Bulls land six commitments during exciting weekend in New York
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Five-star receivers Buck Duckett and Kevin Morris had never been outside of the southern states in their life so when USF was planning an innovative and rare weekend for official visits that included their trip to New York City, the two Florida prospects were all in. By Sunday, they were committed to the Bulls as was four-star defensive linemen T.J. Meeks, Ron Dox, Dallas Thomas and Matt Bush along with four-star quarterback Jeff Jones.
Duckett and Morris headlined a recruiting weekend that saw USF land six commitments, all of which visited USF's campus on Friday and were in attendance for their neutral site game against Notre Dame on Saturday. In order to be complaint with NCAA rules, USF was only able to pay for their travel to and from campus which left recruits having to pay out of pocket for the trip and according to them, they all did.
"It was a fun experience," said Jones, whose travelled a lot this season with IMG Academy and been on his fair share of unofficial visits already, "This is by far the best experience I've ever had, the game was great too."
While the five-star receivers were the highest ranked recruits, Jones might be the most important one given his position and the fact he's the highest ranked quarterback signed by the team since Mike McFarland. From an evaluation standpoint, he has a very similar build to current USF quarterback Brandon Wilson at six-foot-two and 193 pounds with a slender frame which could be a cause for concern durability wise. He hasn't had to take a ton of hits both at Port Charlotte High School due to the lack of competition and when he transferred to IMG, he's played behind an elite offensive line. While not a great athlete, he's mobile enough and he has a good, not great arm with room for improvement consistency wise. A good comparison would be James Brown with slightly more upside and a higher floor.
If Jones does end up having success at USF, he'll most likely be finding Duckett and Morris early and often. Morris is an athletic freak at six-foot-seven with a verified sub 4.5 time on the forty. Physically, he reminds me of former USF and Florida State receiver Andrew Rivas but hopefully for the Bulls, he has a better career than the former five-star.
For Duckett, the comparison might be current USF receiver Courtney Lane. He's very good after the catch and while Lane has surer hands, Duckett is a more advanced route runner and has a knack for making spectacular, one handed catches. He could potentially be a Y or Z receiver in the Bulls offense and ideally a Y in the future with Morris, with his size, being a Z which is where traditionally USF has put their bigger receivers.
The missing triplet at receiver is Marques Isoefo, Jones' teammate at IMG. Ioesefo will be on campus this weekend when USF takes on Auburn with a commitment potentially being on the horizon after the Bulls turned up the heat.
The Bulls also loaded up on the defensive line with Bush, Thomas, Cox and Meeks. Bush is a bit undersized for defensive tackle at 267 pounds and could struggle against the run and bigger SEC interior lineman while also not having the athleticism to play on the edge. However, he's the top rated defensive tackle for a reason and that's because he can get after the quarterback. He'll need to continue to get bigger and stronger but could potentially play from day one on obvious passing downs.
USF is pairing him with the perfect running mate in Thomas who is the exact opposite. Thomas doesn't have a bevy of moves pass rushing wise nor does he has a great first step but he's a disruptive presence inside with the body type of clog holes on the inside. Joining him there will likely be Cox, who plays defensive end in high school but at 300 pounds, he's almost guaranteed to kick inside and that's where the Bulls like him due to his combination of size, speed and power. Ideally, all three should be part of the rotation at defensive tackle next season with Cox and Thomas being active on early downs and Bush coming in on third downs.
Cox moving inside would also open the pathway to earlier playing time for Missouri's Meeks. Meeks will make his way into the rotation due to his ability to set the edge and be stout against the run and his limitations as a pass rusher would in the past perhaps see him move inside but it's a loaded boat there with Bush, Thomas and most likely Cox. What the Bulls do with John Allen and Meeks, two big bodied defensive ends that are a bit slower, should be interesting this spring.
2032 USF Recruiting Class
WR Buck Duckett [WR #6]: 6'0", 185lbs | Belle Glade, FL | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 270 Squat Max
WR Kevin Morris [ATH #12]: 6'7", 214lbs | Daytona Beach, FL | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 215 Squat Max
DT Matt Bush [DT #1]: 6'1", 267lbs | Jeannette, PA | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
HB Jason Gibson [HB #6]: 5'10", 198lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.58 40-yd dash, 350 Bench Press, 345 Squat Max
LB Chris Williams [ILB #1]: 6'0", 244lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 455 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
QB Jeff Jones [QB #2]: 6'2", 193lbs | Port Charlotte, FL [IMG Academy] | 4-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 220 Squat Max
DE Ron Cox [DE #4]: 6'1", 300lbs | Houston, TX | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 545 Squat Max
C Brandon Franklin [C #2]: 6'0", 287lbs | Kernersville, NC | 4-star | 5.06 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 610 Squat Max
DT Dallas Thomas [DT #6]: 6'3", 293lbs | Newton, NC | 4-star | 5.22 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 570 Squat Max
DE T.J. Meeks [DE #15]: 6'4", 255lbs | Kirksville, MO | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 610 Squat Max
DE John Allen [DE #16]: 6'1", 254lbs | Galliano, LA | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press Max, 605 Squat Max
LB Stephen Dixon [OLB #12]: 6'0", 219lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T James Cochran [T #29]: 6'5", 295lbs | Church Point, LA | 3-star | 5.00 40-yd dash, 455 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
G Dave Riley [G #41]: 6'5", 270lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.94 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
2032 USF Recruiting Board
WR Marques Iosefo [WR #3]: 5'11", 171lbs | Lahinaluna, HI [IMG Academy] | 5-star | USF, Alabama
CB Joe Jackson [CB #2]: 6'0", 186lbs | Omaha, NE [IMG Academy] | 4-star | USF, Texas A&M, Texas
-------------------
ATH Calvin Stratton [ATH #13]: 5'11", 222lbs | Conway, FL | 5-star | Committed to Florida State
QB Frank Buchanan [QB #1]: 6'5", 208lbs | Montevallo, AL | 4-star | Committed to South Alabama
QB Jesse King [QB #7]: 6'3", 230lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Committed to Miami
Week 9 Preview: vs. Auburn Tigers
Record: 2-6, 1-4 SEC
Head Coach: Al Golden (7-13 at Auburn, 2nd year, 143-127)
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Hudspeth (Spread)
Defensive Coordinator: Alex Fogle (4-3)
Team Leaders
Passing: Tom Gilmore (1851 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT, 127.2 rating)
Rushing: Willie Barnett (344 yards, 4.2 ypc, 3 TD)
Receiving: John Hayden (36 receptions, 726 yards, 7 TD)
Defense: Ryan Cooke (34 tackles, 4 INT, 2 PBU)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 91st
Total Offense: 64th
Rushing Offense: 111st
Passing Offense: 10th
Total Defense: 104th
Rushing Defense: 88th
Passing Defense: 88th
Turnover Differential: 120th
Team Schedule
vs. Tennessee: W 45-38
vs. Alabama A&M: W 24-14
vs. #22 South Alabama: L 27-24 OT
at Arkansas State: L 21-16
vs. #15 Florida State: L 45-13
vs. #9 Miami: L 38-28
at Kentucky: L 39-28
vs. Florida: L 38-26
