Strength in Unity.

[Soapy]

USF to interview Ryan Day, Shelton Porter and Matt Wilson for QB coach
Johnny Murray -- The Tampa Bay Times Sports Columnist

The University of South Florida has interviews scheduled with former Arkansas head coach Ryan Day, former Cal head coach Matt Wilson and Colorado State offensive coordinator Shelton Porter for the team's quarterbacks coach opening.

At the top of USF's list was recently fired UCF head coach DeMarcus Bennett who spent two years as USF's offensive coordinator but the Tampa native was hired by Rutgers to be their offensive coordinator.

USF is currently in talks with Malcolm Francois Jr. to be the team's next offensive coordinator with Francois Jr. expected to have input on the hiring of the team's quarterback coach. He is currently listed as Special Advisor to the Head Coach.

The Bulls are also reportedly interested in former Louisiana Tech head coach Jeremy Butler and Miami offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Butler was the team's offensive coordinator for the 2037 season where Joey Spence threw for 5,291 yards and the team went undefeated.

[Soapy]

The prodigal son returns as Malcolm Francois Jr, Jeremy Butler hired as co-offensive coordinators
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

The University of South Florida has officially announced the hiring of Malcolm Francois Jr. and Jeremy Butler to be the team's co-offensive coordinators with Francois Jr. additionally coaching the receivers and Butler coaching the quarterbacks.

Both coaches were former coordinator at USF with Butler being part of the 2037 coaching staff that led USF to a 13-0 season during the inaugural Champions Division season where they won the championship. In the offense, Derek Young rushed for over 1,000 yards and also had a 1,000-yard receiving while Chris Wallace broke several records, catching 129 passes for 1,496 yards and 28 touchdowns. The offense was led by quarterback Joey Spence who threw for 5,291 yards and 58 touchdowns.

The only USF quarterback to throw for more yards in a season was Jeff Jones who did so in 2033 under Francois Jr.'s Air Raid offense, throwing for 5,988 yards as a true freshman.

It is unclear at this time who will have play-calling duties on gamedays.

USF Coaching Departures
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Peter Nicholson (1 year) » San Jose State Head Coach
Wide Receivers Coach Jimmy Marks (1 year) » San Jose State Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receiver's Coach

USF Coaching Additions
Former Louisiana Tech (fired) Head Coach Jeremy Butler » USF Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach
Navy Offensive Coordinator Malcolm Francois Jr. » USF Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach

2043 USF Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Malcolm Francois (30th year)
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach: Trai Martinez (6th year)
Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach: Jeremy Butler (1st year)
Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach: Malcolm Francois Jr. (1st year)
Offensive Line Coach/Running Game Coordinator: Ryan Williams (4th year)
Running Backs Coach: Blake Morris (2nd year)
Tight Ends Coach: Robert Holland (2nd year in role, 4th year with program)
Defensive Line Coach: Taylor Fletcher (6th year in role, 12th with program)
Defensive Backs Coach: Anthony McPherson (2nd year)
Special Teams Coordinator: Lorenzo Bell (2nd year)

Notable Head Coaching Changes
Michigan State :: Brian Kennedy replaces Josh Heupel (retired)
Oregon :: Rob Hines replaces Mark Helfrich (retired)
Purdue :: David Wilson replaces Brian Polian (retired)
Texas :: Kenny Prater replaces Brenton Nicholas (fired)
---------
UCF :: Alex Pitts replaces DeMarcus Bennett (fired)
Washington :: Raymond Lowry replaces Justin Wilcox (retired)
----------
Arkansas :: Cody Matthews replaces Ryan Day (fired)
Colorado :: Richard Owens replaces Brian Kennedy (left for new job)
Indiana :: Josh Whitfield replaces Chase Murphy (retired)
Kansas :: Justin Daniels replaces Sean Ellis (fired)

[Soapy]

Mark Cunningham, Jacob Wheeler among juniors to declare for the draft
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer

USF juniors Mark Cunningham, Jacob Wheeler, Carl Graham, Akeem Smith and Charlie Robinson have all declared for the draft, foregoing their final year of eligibility.

Early reports indicated that Cunningham would be returning for his senior season at USF following a disappointing end to the year, throwing five interceptions against Michigan in the CFP Quarterfinals. However, Cunningham's meeting with the NFL Draft Advisory Board went better than expected with Cunningham ultimately deciding to declare as he had a chance at going in the first three rounds.

The rest of the juniors weren't a surprise with Robinson being a potential first round pick and Wheeler among the top players at his position as is the case with Smith and Graham at nickel and slot respectively.

USF did get some positive news with cornerback Travis Jones returning for his fifth year at USF as a redshirt senior while the Smith triplets -- USF's Brandon and Marcellus Smith along with Southern Miss' Brian Smith Jr. -- made the decision to return for their senior season.

The Bulls lost two players over the winter to the transfer portal with guard Blake Mitchell transferring to Troy and Joe Wilson going down south to play for Richard Miller's FIU Panthers.

2043 Players Leaving » Career Stats
#12 Mark Cunningham (QB, Junior): Declared Early » 791 of 1095, 9262 yards, 69 touchdowns, 46 interceptions, sacked 71 times, 155.7 passer rating, 238 carries, 635 yards, 8 touchdowns, 11 fumbles
#1 Jacob Wheeler (HB, Junior): Declared Early » 513 carries, 3346 yards, 31 touchdowns, 7 fumbles, 86 receptions, 607 yards, 6 touchdowns, 5 drops, 34 kick returns, 1098 yards, 2 touchdowns, 15 punt returns, 142 yards
#8 Carl Graham (WR, Junior): Declared Early » 189 receptions, 2421 yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 drops
#4 Akeem Smith (CB, Junior): Declared Early » 98 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 7 pass breakups, fumble recovery
#14 Charlie Robinson (CB, Junior): Declared Early » 55 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, 15 pass breakups
#74 Blake Mitchell (G, Freshman): Transfer (Troy) » No stats
#80 Joe Wilson (TE, Freshman): Transfer (FIU) » 4 receptions, 33 yards, touchdown, 1 pancake
#39 Chris Sanders (K, Senior): Graduation » 56 of 68, 54 FG Lng, 100% XP
#33 Brett Lawrence (DT, Senior): Graduation » 40 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, forced fumble
#75 Ray Anderson (G, Senior): Graduation » 10 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed
#13 Jacob Venckus (QB, Rs Senior): Graduation » 108 of 164, 1134 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, sacked 5 times, 137.2 passer rating
#78 Cole Britton (T, Rs Senior): Graduation » 7 pancakes, 15 sacks allowed
#92 Gerald Wallace (P, Senior): Graduation » 136 punts, 5551 yards, 34.8 Net Avg, 32 downed inside the 20, 17 touchbacks
#99 Kareem Cunningham (DE, Senior): Graduation » 15 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, touchdown, fumble recovery
#94 Derek Simpson (DT, Rs Senior): Graduation » No stats

[Soapy]

USF adds Texas State transfer in Tim Richardson to recruiting class as Jonathan Brown sweepstakes resume
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

Clearwater quarterback Shawn Williams' former left tackle Tim Richardson has committed to the University of South Florida, transferring from Texas State after spending one season with the Bobcats.

Richardson, who is from Clearwater, was teammate with Williams at Clearwater High School for the past three seasons and was a two-star prospect coming out of high school. In Richardson, USF adds some decent future depth along the offensive line as they continue to build out a unit that can not only go two-deep but field a competitive third unit out there as well.

With the transfer, USF is now officially down to one roster spot available for cornerback Jonathan Brown. Since his recruiting snafu last season where he was committed to Stanford for a grand total of a few hours before pulling back his recruitment, the Bulls have emerged as the heavy favorites to land Brown.

Purdue and Oklahoma are also involved in the recruitment.

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
--------------------
T Tim Richardson [TRANSFER]: 6'3", 301lbs | Clearwater, FL [Texas State] | 66 ovr, 69 pbk, 78 rbk, 77 str

2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Oklahoma, Stanford, Purdue, USF
-----------------
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

[Soapy]

Spring Confidential: Assessing USF's offense heading into spring practices
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

As National Signing Day approaches, USF already has the bulk of next year's roster on campus with the majority of the recruiting class enrolling early and the Bulls not expecting to take any additional transfers this season.

With spring football roughly a month away, it's as good of a time as any to get an inside look at how USF's roster is shaping up to be.

Quarterback
Returning: Rashard Woodard (Jr), Chris Price, (Rs-Fr), Justin Ingram (Rs-Fr)
Additions: 3-star Shawn Williams (summer arrival)
Losses: Mark Cunningham (draft), Jacob Venckus (graduation)

USF's season was undone largely in part due to inconsistency at the quarterback position with Mark Cunningham throwing five interceptions in the loss to Michigan and twenty-one on the season. Cunningham is gone now and Rashad Woodard, who many in the program felt was the more talented of the two, will have every opportunity given to him to run away with this job.

Can Price and Ingram keep it competitive in the spring? Woodard is already a junior and draft eligible after this season so if all goes well, Ingram and Price could be twelve months removed from being starters themselves so this backup quarterback battle will be one to watch, especially when Shawn Williams arrives in the summer for fall camp.

Running Back
Returning: Justin Thomas (So), Victor King (Sr)
Additions: 5-star Dave Parker (early enrollee)
Losses: Jacob Wheeler (draft)

Another spring with a thin group at running back so it'll be interesting to see how USF handles the slight of frame Justin Thomas who almost rushed for over 1,000 yards as a true freshman but isn't your typical feature running back from a build standpoint.

Dave Parker has some versatility and while earlier in his recruitment he might have been seen as a receiver, the numbers situation almost requires Parker to at least start out at running back to aid Thomas in terms of carries as he's just a bit more of a threat than Victor King who is a solid goal line option.

Wide Receiver
Returning: Scott Price (Jr), Eddie Shaw (So), Joshua Butler (So), Andre Morgan (Jr), Nick Weiss (Jr)
Additions: 5-star Ryan Murray (early enrollee)
Losses: Carl Graham (draft)

The top three is likely solidified with Scott Price and Joshua Butler as the two outside receivers and Eddie Shaw as slot receiver...unless five-star Ryan Murray has anything to say about that.

The freshman is on campus already and will participate in spring, hoping to shake up that rotation at the top while also needing to initially beat out veterans Andre Morgan and Nick Weiss. Morgan and Weiss provide some versatility with being able to play both inside and outside, something that Murray also did in high school and will need to translate to the college level.

The room should get a boost with the coaching of Malcolm Francois Jr.

Tight End
Returning: Taylor Smith (Rs-Jr), Earl May (Jr)
Additions: 4-star Russell Arrington, 4-star Jake Bryant
Losses: Joe Wilson (transfer)

Earl May entered last season with a ton of hype as a versatile chest piece but after struggling with drops, he was benched in favor of Taylor Smith who flashed some but was far from a consistent factor in the offense, finishing the season with 24 receptions.

Smith returns as a starter with two four-star tight ends on his heel and May looking to have a bounce back season. Both Russell Arrington and Jake Bryant are more blockers than receivers so it remains to be seen how they fit in USF's new offense under Francois Jr. and Jeremy Butler, who tend to lean towards a pass heavy split.

Offensive Line
Returning: T/G Steve Bailey (Sr), C Kyle Jones (Sr), G/T Jake Thompson (Sr), G Nick Ryan (So), T Sam Jefferson (So), G Josh Henry (So), T Kyle Wilson (So)
Additions: 4-star G Kevin Brown, 4-star G Ed Foster, 4-star G Brian Jackson, 4-star C Brett Pennington, 4-star G Luis Pearson (all early enrollees)
Losses: G Blake Mitchell (transfer), G Ray Anderson (graduation), T Cole Britton (graduation)

Just a few years removed from having an extremely thin group up front in terms of number, USF now might have enough guys to field a third team offensive line with five signings this past December that are all already enrolled and will be competing for playing time in the spring.

While the development of this unit and the long term future seems to be in good hands, the starting five for next season presents plenty of intrigue. Does Steve Bailey remain at left tackle after struggling there last season? Does Jake Thompson slide over to right tackle to replace Cole Britton who finished the season as a starter or does Sam Jefferson, who started three games there, get the nod?

And there's always the five signings, all four-stars, and while they're all listed as interior linemen, USF's coaching staff believes that Kevin Brown and Luis Pearson are capable athletes to also play offensive tackle which shakes the entire board up. It should be a fun couple of weeks for OL coach Ryan Williams as he figures out where to put all of this talent and he showed last season he isn't afraid to mix it up and rotate throughout a season and even in a game.

[Google[Bot]]

camp previews are always my favorite

[Soapy]

Jonathan Brown drama lasts until the eleventh hour as USF pulls scholarship offer, ends up at Oklahoma
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider

Top247 cornerback Jonathan Brown career will be an interesting one to watch after a whirlwind of events in his recruitment that ultimately led with Brown committing to Oklahoma after both USF and Stanford said 'no thanks'.

Brown attempted to commit to USF on National Signing Day, announcing as much in his high school auditorium on Wednesday morning but was told by USF's staff that his National Letter of Intent wouldn't be accepted as the program had moved on from Brown.

Heavy favorites heading into the final stretch, Brown reportedly no-showed USF's staff when they showed up to his high school in McKinney, Texas for a scheduled in-school visit during the last week of January. While at the time it was clarified that it was a scheduling mix-up, it left a poor taste in USF's defensive staff mouth who informed Brown at the time that his scholarship offer had been revoked.

It's unclear why Brown went through with the commitment on Wednesday morning but USF's staff remain adamant that Brown was not part of their recruiting class, reaching out to CBS Sports who broadcasted the commitment ceremony to confirm so just minutes after the announcement.

Brown eventually signed with Oklahoma, not Stanford, who he had committed to months prior. The announcement was not televised nor posted on his social media but by Oklahoma's social media page. Brown has not publicly spoke since his second announcement snafu on Wednesday morning.

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
--------------------
T Tim Richardson [TRANSFER]: 6'3", 301lbs | Clearwater, FL [Texas State] | 66 ovr, 69 pbk, 78 rbk, 77 str

2043 USF Recruiting Board
CB Jonathan Brown [CB #3]: 6'1", 164lbs | McKinney, TX | 4-star | Committed to Oklahoma
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

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
#3 Mike Clancy [HB #1]: 6'1", 209lbs | Abbeville, SC [IMG] | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#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
#6 Jonathan Watson [ATH #3]: 6'0", 206lbs | Washington, DC | 5-star | Pennsylvania State University
#7 Dan Dunlap [ATH #4]: 6'0", 197lbs | La Marque, TX | 5-star | University of Utah
#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
#10 Mike Jackson [WR #2]: 6'2", 225lbs | Lakeland, FL | 5-star | University of Florida
#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
#14 Jesse Morrow [WR #5]: 6'2", 209lbs | Columbus, GA | 5-star | Ohio State University
#15 Seth Doyle [ATH #7]: 6'2", 223lbs | The Village, OK | 5-star | University of Oregon
#16 Brian Townes [QB #1]: 6'4", 246lbs | Burbank, CA | 5-star | Iowa State University
#17 Jamaal Young [ATH #8]: 6'0", 178lbs | Opp, AL | 5-star | University of Alabama
#18 Dave Parker [ATH #9]: 6'1", 214lbs | Tampa, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#19 Jayson Sanders [ATH #10]: 6'4", 297lbs | Columbia, SC [IMG] | 5-star | Louisiana State University
#20 Matt Faulk [WR #6]: 5'11", 180lbs | Kingsbury, NV [IMG] | 5-star | University of Alabama

Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#9 Corey Wheeler [HB #2]: 6'2", 182lbs | Immokalee, FL | 5-star | University of Texas
#10 Mike Jackson [WR #2]: 6'2", 225lbs | Lakeland, FL | 5-star | University of Florida
#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
#22 Jake Edwards [WR #7]: 6'2", 175lbs | Port St. Lucie, FL | 4-star | Texas A&M
#42 Adam Davis [ATH #14]: 6'0", 201lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#48 Brandon Bryant [CB #1]: 6'1", 179lbs | Lakeland, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#49 Dallas Temple [ATH #16]: 6'7", 217lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central 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
#98 Isaac Reddick [OLB #4]: 6'3", 229lbs | Tarpon Springs, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#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
#131 Ryan Whitworth [WR #25]: 5'11", 204lbs | New Smyrna Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Georgia
#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
#165 Zeph Williams [HB #22]: 5'10", 203lbs | Holiday, FL | 4-star | University of Washington
#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
#230 Eugene Cooper [WR #46]: 6'0", 196lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Florida State 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

247 Sports Recruiting Class Rankings
1. USF
2. Michigan State
3. Penn State
4. Oklahoma
5. Notre Dame
6. Ohio State
7. Miami
8. Auburn
9. Wisconsin
10. Stanford
11. Alabama
12. Oregon
13. Texas
14. Georgia
15. Kentucky
16. USC
17. Rutgers
18. Houston
19. Miami University
20. Navy
21. Utah
22. Georgia Tech
23. Washington
24. Florida
25. UCF
----------
28. Michigan
32. Florida State
34. Purdue

[Google[Bot]]

big haul... that wr/cb camp is gonna be a fun comp with murray and bb going at it

[Soapy]

Spring Confidential: Assessing USF's defense heading into spring practices
Anthony Washington -- The Tampa Bay Chronicles

With National Signing Day in the rearview mirror, USF already has the bulk of next year's roster on campus with the majority of the recruiting class enrolling early and the Bulls not expecting to take any additional transfers this season.

With spring football now just a week away, it's as good of a time as any to get an inside look at how USF's roster is shaping up to be.

Defensive End
Returning: Marcellus Smith (Sr), Kyle Wood (Jr), John Potts (So), James Foster (Rs-So)
Additions: 4-star Dante Avery (early enrollee), DE Brian Neal (summer arrival)
Losses: Kareem Cunningham (graduation)

USF brings back essentially the same unit at defensive end and swap out Kareem Cunningham for Dante Avery which might already be an upgrade based on how much USF's coaching staff is raving about how Avery looks in winter workouts.

They'll add some depth for fall camp when freshman Brian Neal is on campus but the starting unit is set in stone with it likely being Marcellus Smith as the leader of the group and a three-man rotation of Kyle Wood on pass rushing downs with John Potts and Dante Avery getting in the mix on early downs as they are better suited against the run.

Defensive Tackle
Returning: NT Brandon Smith (Sr), DT Shawn Thomas (Jr), DT Brent Craft (Rs-Fr), DT Chris Scott (Rs-So)
Additions: None
Losses: DT Brent Lawrence (graduation), DT Derek Simpson (graduation)

USF got lucky that Brandon Smith returned for a senior season as not only is he their only proven defensive tackle, he's their only nose tackle type unless Shawn Thomas grows -- literally -- into that role as well.

They lose a big piece in All-American Brent Lawrence but Thomas is a former five-star that is finally going to get his opportunity to shine. He's the perfect, quick twitch defensive tackle to line up next to Smith and let him get up field as a pass rusher, something he hasn't done much at USF.

The depth behind Smith and Thomas is a bit concerning as Scott is a converted defensive end and Brent Craft struggled a lot in fall camp last year after coming in as a four-star recruit. USF not dedicating at least two or three spots in their recruiting class to this position could bite them if not this season, in the next couple.

Linebacker
Returning: OLB James Scott (Sr), OLB Cory Manson (Jr), OLB Erik Wheeler (Sr), OLB Joel Espinosa (Sr), OLB Richard Smith (Jr), OLB Joey Franklin (Jr), ILB Damon Hill (Jr), ILB Ryan Robinson (Jr), ILB Julian Harrell (Jr), ILB Garin Hart (Rs-So), ILB Eric Robinson (Rs-Fr)
Additions: 4-star ILB Nate Jacobs (early enrollee), 4-star OLB Oliver Colvin (early enrollee), 3-star OLB Marcus Wiley (early enrollee),
Losses: None

Perhaps the worse unit of an elite defense last season, USF returns plenty of talent at linebacker with Damon Hill and Julian Harrell earning some all-conference honors last season and Ryan Robinson starting three games at MIKE linebacker as well.

The intriguing talent, however, is what they are adding in Nate Jacobs and Oliver Colvin who the coaching staff are extremely high on. Colvin could be a potential day-one starter if he performs well in the spring as USF could use an upgrade at outside linebacker where Joel Espinosa and James Scott got the start last season but didn't make much noise.

Cornerback
Returning: Travis Jones (Sr), Ernest Jones (Jr), Ronald Berry (Rs-So), Lamar McNair (So), Thomas Felder (So)
Additions: 4-star Brandon Bryant (early enrollee), 4-star Anthony Sharp (early enrollee)
Losses: Akeem Smith (draft), Charlie Robinson (draft)

Even with losing two All-Americans in Akeem Smith and Charlie Robinson, USF still fields an impressive group of corners with All-American Travis Jones returning for his senior season. While Ernest Jones and Ronald Berry haven't played a ton, they've shown flashes, especially Jones who had two interceptions last season.

Add into the mixt the two four-stars in Brandon Bryant and Anthony Sharp, they should continue to push Lamar McNair and Thomas Felder this spring who were highly ranked recruits a season ago and essentially had an informal redshirt year, playing primarily on special teams.

Safety
Returning: Clarence Sullivan (Jr), Anthony Gunn (Sr), Mike Mason (So), Jake Johnson (Sr)
Additions: 4-star Shawn Franklin (early enrollee)
Losses: None

A question mark a year ago, a strength of the team now, Anthony Gunn and Clarence Sullivan return as arguably the best safety duo in the country. Gunn started the season slow as a first time starter but really got it going, intercepting four passes and improved his physicality as a former corner.

Mike Mason's role will likely continue to grow as he served as the team's box safety last season, recording eighteen tackles. They add another box safety type in four-star Shawn Franklin who could play a similar role this season if the team wants to limit the wear and tear on Clarence Sullivan.

[Soapy]

camp previews are always my favorite

glad you enjoy them as I enjoy writing them. helps me shape the narrative aspect to roster building/depth chart down the line instead of just going by OVRs

big haul... that wr/cb camp is gonna be a fun comp with murray and bb going at it

yessir, both of their ratings are looking nice. actually inspired me to type something up about the freshmen