USF HC Francois Sr. slams HCSD, USF administration in first public comments regarding Clarence Sullivan's arrest
Andrew Lake -- 247 Sports Staff Writer
University of South Florida head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. did not pull any punches in his first public comments regarding the arrest and the eventual dropped drug possession charges of USF junior safety Clarence Sullivan.
"He's back with the program," Francois Sr. told WUSF Radio during his weekly Friday pre-game appearance, "He's a good kid that comes from great stock so I'll go to bat for him ten out of ten times and this was no different. We were in constant communication with him, his family and his representation and from the get go, it was clear to us that this was just a case of an extremely overzealous Sherriff's Department that was simply going to overcharge everyone at the scene and figure it out later. They almost ruined this kid's life."
Sullivan was charged with possession of ecstasy and a variety of prescription drugs as part of an undercover sting that saw 23 students arrested as a result of an eight-month investigation into illegal drug dealing at an off-campus student apartment located less than a mile from USF's campus. While some of the students would eventually plead guilty, Sullivan is among the few that entered a not guilty plea earlier this year and the charges were later dropped.
Francois Sr. also confirmed earlier reports that Sullivan, who was previously indefinitely suspended from the team and not permitted on campus, is back with the team with the expectation that he'll begin practicing next week with the goal of returning to the field this season. Francois Sr. also added that Sullivan's suspension did not come from the football team but from the university and athletic department.
"I found out he was suspended when he found out and when y'all found out," Francois Sr. added, "I don't think this was necessarily handled the right way, from the Sherriff's office to the university to the athletic department. I think people fell for the headlines instead of actual doing the searching, reading the arrest warrant. It was a nothing case from the start so I'm not surprised that nothing came of it, he never should have been suspended if you're asking me."
USF athletic director Joanne Morris and school president Rhea Law declined to comment on the matter.
Bulls survive a thrilling 34-28 game against Miami
An early fourteen point deficit, a backbreaking redzone turnover before the end of the first half, two costly turnovers in the third quarter, a freshman failing to run the clock out and a missed two-point conversion in the final moments of the game.
USF tried their best to lose their game against the Miami Hurricanes but Julian Harrell's game clinching interception ended any chance of that as the Bulls survived against the Hurricanes on Saturday to win 34-28.
The Bulls used a strong second quarter powered by their running game to dig themselves out of the early 14-0 hole and had a chance to take the lead in the final minute of the second quarter but Rashad Woodard would be intercepted by Joe Crum.
USF would eventually take the lead on their first drive of the third quarter and had a chance to extend it after the Hurricanes went three and out but a muffed punt by freshman Cameron Stokes gave Miami another chance to tie it and they did with Trey Arnold scoring his second touchdown of the game.
The Bulls would turn the ball over again, this time on a fourth down play where Woodard picked up the yard to gain but then fumbled the ball as he was hit which was recovered by Miami. The Hurricanes would drive down the field once more, scoring on Arnold's 9-yard sweep to take the lead with 7:55 remaining in the game.
Despite the deficit, USF remained dedicated to the running game with another freshman running back in Dave Parker popping for a 34-yard run. USF's defense, which surrendered just eight first downs all game, made another big play on third down, stopping quarterback Kyle Cummings short of the first down mark on a 3rd and 1 scramble.
The Bulls running game went back to work, picking up some first downs along the way and running the clock. With Miami down to their last timeout and the ball on the 8-yard line, USF could have ran out the clock and just kicked a field goal but the freshman Parker made a freshmen mistake, scoring with 1:24 remaining.
Woodard took blame for it after the game, citing that he failed to remind Parker when he subbed into the game.
"I mentioned it to everyone at the beginning of the drive," Woodard said after the game, "But Dave [Parker] wasn't in that package so he wasn't in the huddle, have to do a better job of making sure whoever is on the field is on the same page as all of us."
USF would go for two to extend their lead to eight but the pass would fall short of the touchdown, giving Miami a chance to win the game on their next drive with a score and an extra point. It'd be a short lived hope as Cummings misread the defense on the ensuing possession and threw the ball right at Harrell who intercepted the pass.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[MIA] B. Woodard, 12 Yd run (6:41)
[MIA] T. Arnold, 18 Yd pass from K. Cummings (3:28)
Quarter 2
[USF] E. Shaw, 12 Yd run (6:47)
[USF] J. Thomas, 6 Yd run (3:44)
Quarter 3
[USF] R. Woodard, 3 Yd run (5:41)
[MIA] T. Arnold, 28 Yd pass from K. Cummings (4:21)
Quarter 4
[MIA] T. Arnold, 9 Yd run (7:55)
[USF] D. Parker, 34 Yd run (7:12)
[USF] D. Parker, 7 Yd run -- 2pt failed (1:24)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #10 South Florida Bulls
QB Rashad Woodard: 19 of 26, 134 yards, interception, 18 carries, 130 yards, touchdown, fumble (lost)
HB Cameron Stokes: 8 carries, 52 yards, muffed punt (lost)
HB Dave Parker: 10 carries, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns
HB Justin Thomas: 6 carries, 27 yards, touchdown, 5 receptions, 53 yards
WR Scott Price: 3 receptions, 35 yards
LB Julian Harrell: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, interception
S Mike Mason: 5 tackles, tackle for loss
#9 Miami Hurricanes
QB Kyle Cummings: 10 of 19, 125 yards, 2 touchdowns, interception
HB Brandon Woodard: 21 carries, 136 yards, touchdown
WR Trey Arnold: 7 receptions, 95 yards, 2 touchdown, 1 carry, 7 yards, touchdown (former USF recruiting target)
LB Brandon Mitchell: 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss
S Ryan McCray: 9 tackles, tackle for loss
S Joe Crum: 2 tackles, interception
USF HC Francois Sr. slams HCSD, USF administration in first public comments regarding Clarence Sullivan's arrest
Andrew Lake -- 247 Sports Staff Writer
University of South Florida head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. did not pull any punches in his first public comments regarding the arrest and the eventual dropped drug possession charges of USF junior safety Clarence Sullivan.
"He's back with the program," Francois Sr. told WUSF Radio during his weekly Friday pre-game appearance, "He's a good kid that comes from great stock so I'll go to bat for him ten out of ten times and this was no different. We were in constant communication with him, his family and his representation and from the get go, it was clear to us that this was just a case of an extremely overzealous Sherriff's Department that was simply going to overcharge everyone at the scene and figure it out later. They almost ruined this kid's life."
Sullivan was charged with possession of ecstasy and a variety of prescription drugs as part of an undercover sting that saw 23 students arrested as a result of an eight-month investigation into illegal drug dealing at an off-campus student apartment located less than a mile from USF's campus. While some of the students would eventually plead guilty, Sullivan is among the few that entered a not guilty plea earlier this year and the charges were later dropped.
Francois Sr. also confirmed earlier reports that Sullivan, who was previously indefinitely suspended from the team and not permitted on campus, is back with the team with the expectation that he'll begin practicing next week with the goal of returning to the field this season. Francois Sr. also added that Sullivan's suspension did not come from the football team but from the university and athletic department.
"I found out he was suspended when he found out and when y'all found out," Francois Sr. added, "I don't think this was necessarily handled the right way, from the Sherriff's office to the university to the athletic department. I think people fell for the headlines instead of actual doing the searching, reading the arrest warrant. It was a nothing case from the start so I'm not surprised that nothing came of it, he never should have been suspended if you're asking me."
USF athletic director Joanne Morris and school president Rhea Law declined to comment on the matter.
This is a true indicator of a top college football program. LET'S GO!
USF HC Francois Sr. slams HCSD, USF administration in first public comments regarding Clarence Sullivan's arrest
Andrew Lake -- 247 Sports Staff Writer
University of South Florida head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. did not pull any punches in his first public comments regarding the arrest and the eventual dropped drug possession charges of USF junior safety Clarence Sullivan.
"He's back with the program," Francois Sr. told WUSF Radio during his weekly Friday pre-game appearance, "He's a good kid that comes from great stock so I'll go to bat for him ten out of ten times and this was no different. We were in constant communication with him, his family and his representation and from the get go, it was clear to us that this was just a case of an extremely overzealous Sherriff's Department that was simply going to overcharge everyone at the scene and figure it out later. They almost ruined this kid's life."
Sullivan was charged with possession of ecstasy and a variety of prescription drugs as part of an undercover sting that saw 23 students arrested as a result of an eight-month investigation into illegal drug dealing at an off-campus student apartment located less than a mile from USF's campus. While some of the students would eventually plead guilty, Sullivan is among the few that entered a not guilty plea earlier this year and the charges were later dropped.
Francois Sr. also confirmed earlier reports that Sullivan, who was previously indefinitely suspended from the team and not permitted on campus, is back with the team with the expectation that he'll begin practicing next week with the goal of returning to the field this season. Francois Sr. also added that Sullivan's suspension did not come from the football team but from the university and athletic department.
"I found out he was suspended when he found out and when y'all found out," Francois Sr. added, "I don't think this was necessarily handled the right way, from the Sherriff's office to the university to the athletic department. I think people fell for the headlines instead of actual doing the searching, reading the arrest warrant. It was a nothing case from the start so I'm not surprised that nothing came of it, he never should have been suspended if you're asking me."
USF athletic director Joanne Morris and school president Rhea Law declined to comment on the matter.
This is a true indicator of a top college football program. LET'S GO!
USF adds commitment from four-star Oklahoma receiver Will Madison
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
The University of South Florida doesn't recruit the state of Oklahoma a whole lot, signing just five players from the state in the past thirty years, including starting quarterback Rashad Woodard. USF and the staff went back to the Sooner State and got a commitment on Sunday from Stillwater four-star receiver Will Madison who picked the Bulls over USC, Navy, Michigan State and Florida.
An energetic player that has the potential to be a leader on and off the field in the locker room, Madison has put up some prolific numbers at Stillwater High School, recording at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of his last two seasons and is on pace to finish the year with 1,023 yards as a senior. Blessed with good size for the position at six-foot-three and 185 pounds, Madison is an impressive leaper with more than enough top end speed to be an X or a Z at the next level although he currently plays in the slot for Stillwater.
If he does move to the outside, he'll need to work on his releases and route running and develop into a more complete receiver. While an argument could be made that Madison might be slightly over ranked as a top 115 player (#113 in 247 Sports Composite), it's easy to see why both the recruiting services and coaching staffs around the country love his upside and are taking the gamble that with his athleticism and production at the high school level, he'll continue to improve his game to be a Champions Division caliber receiver in a few years.
More good news could be on the horizon for USF as several recruits are wrapping up their official visits today in four-star running back Brian Clay, defensive tackle Dan James and receiver Mark Collier.
2044 USF Recruiting Class
WR Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 300 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max
QB Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
OLB Paul Mason [OLB #3]: 6'5", 211lbs | Laurel, MS | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
G Mike Miller [G #2]: 6'4", 290lbs | Olney, MD [IMG] | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
WR Will Madison [WR #22]: 6'3", 185lbs | Stillwater, OK | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
TE Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
OLB Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
T Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DB Sean Hart [ATH #39]: 6'0", 185lbs | Northbrook, IL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
S Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | USF, Stanford
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Minnesota, Army
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Troy, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | USF, Mississippi State
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF, LSU
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | USF, Army
OLB Ryan Jones [OLB #19]: 6'5", 239lbs | Fairfax, VA | 4-star | USF, Rutgers
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Akron, Navy, Kansas, Rutgers
Week 7 Top Stories
1. Stanford is celebrating after the Cardinal home win vs. #1 Alabama.
2. USF gets a solid win against #9 Miami 34-28.
3. Kansas notches a conference win against Nebraska behind the arm of Austin.
4. Will Penn State be able to jump back suffering a major conference setback with loss to Mississippi State?
5. #5 Oklahoma couldn't keep the opportunistic Gators from the upset.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 7 Champions Division Results
VT 34 - PUR 21 | STAN 34 - ALA 13
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 8 Champions Division Schedule
Purdue (2-2, 0-1) at #5 USF (3-2, 1-2)
#6 Georgia Tech (4-1, 1-1) at #16 Michigan (2-2, 1-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 8 Notable Games
North Carolina (4-1, 1-1 AAC) at #20 Louisville (4-1, 1-1 AAC)
UCLA (4-1, 2-1 Contenders) at #22 Missouri (4-2, 2-1 Contenders)
#10 Oklahoma (5-1, 4-1 Contenders) at #23 Kansas (4-1, 2-1 Rising)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week
QB Garrett Doyle (Coastal Carolina): W 47-42 vs. UCF - 19 of 34, 283 yards, 15 carries, 103 yards, 7 total touchdowns
S Chad Johnson (Appalachian State): W 45-28 at Arkansas State - 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, forced fumble, interception
-------
QB Vincent Pleasant (Virginia Tech): W 34-21 vs. Purdue - 18 of 30, 274 yards, 24 carries, 123 yards, 4 total touchdowns
DE Dan Smith (Virginia Tech): W 34-21 vs. Purdue - 11 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#2 Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#4 Jeffrey Coleman [WR #1]: 6'0", 187lbs | Escondido, CA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#8 Jeff Jefferson [ATH #5]: 6'3", 189lbs | Lakeville, MN | 5-star | University of Wisconsin
#17 Frank Goode [ATH #9]: 6'1", 200lbs | Jollyville, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#20 James Christian [HB #6]: 6'0", 198lbs | Dale City, VA [IMG] | 5-star | University of Tennessee
#22 Jason Barnes [DE #2]: 6'2", 252lbs | Balch Springs, TX [IMG] | 5-star | Ohio State University
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#2 Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#42 Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#81 Blake Wright [ATH #24]: 5'10", 205lbs | Oakland Park, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#98 Chris Wesley [WR #16]: 6'2", 175lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 4-star | Virginia Tech University
#131 Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#142 Steven Engel [G #10]: 6'3", 296lbs | Mulberry, FL [IMG] | 4-star | Virginia Tech University
#148 Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#193 Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#212 Robert Myrick [OLB #13]: 6'0", 229lbs | Cape Coral, FL | 4-star | University of Texas
#248 Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#255 Jared Ryan [HB #37]: 6'2", 210lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama - Birmingham
The Bullpen: The latest on the Clarence Sullivan situation as Bulls begin prep for Purdue
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. confirmed on Wednesday that junior safety Clarence Sullivan is practicing in pads after completing his acclimation period last week and that the All-American is trending towards playing against Purdue this week.
"We'll see how it goes," Francois Sr. told the media when it comes to Sullivan's playing status, "It's now a football matter and making sure he's in game shape and ready to play. If he doesn't play, it won't have anything to do with anything other than football and doing what's best for the team. This is now a football matter being handled by football coaches, the way it should be."
Sullivan was reinstated on the team last week after his charges stemming from a drug sting were dropped. Francois Sr. added that Sullivan participated in the team's scrimmage on Sunday which typically features reserves and freshmen that did not play much the previous game.
"He looked good," Francois Sr. said of Sullivan's play, "Showed us a lot of what we were looking for in terms of playing fast, trusting his eyes and recalibrating that physical level of play."
Replacing Sullivan this season has been a three man rotation in Lamar McNair, a converted corner, sophomore Mike Mason who played some last season and freshman Shawn Franklin.
‣ USF seems to have found their starting five upfront
For the second straight game, there were no rotations along the offensive line with Steve Bailey, Nick Ryan, Kyle Jones, Sam Jefferson and Kevin Brown getting the start and never leaving the game, paving the way for one of USF's most impressive rushing performances in recent years.
USF offensive line coach Kyle Williams hinted that we might not see much more rotation along the offensive line after the game, citing that he was very pleased with the unit and feels that they are the best that USF can throw out there right now.
There is plenty of room for improvement in the pass blocking department as Rashad Woodard's legs bailed them out of some sticky situations.
‣ Freshman Dave Parker starting to live up to the hype
After dealing with a few nagging injuries in the first few weeks, five-star running back Dave Parker got his first full workload last Saturday and proved to be worthy of his five-star billing coming out of high school, rushing for 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns, the first of his career.
The Bulls seemed to have struck gold in recruiting with landing both Parker and Cameron Stokes in the same class. Even with the muffed punt, the four-star is having a very good season, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and is third on the team with 229 rushing yards.
The emergence of Stokes -- and now Parker -- have allowed the Bulls to keep sophomore Justin Thomas fresh as there were some concerns heading into the season that his smaller frame wouldn't be able to handle being a workhorse.
Four-star DT Dan James and four-star LB Ryan Jones announce commitment to the University of South Florida
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
The University of South Florida had a pretty good Wednesday night, landing commitments from two top defensive prospects in defensive tackle Dan James and linebacker Ryan Jones.
James is the perfect nose tackle prospect at six-foot-five and 280 pounds with a frame that could get well into the 320+ pound range. The Bulls are in dire need of another nose tackle past this season with Brandon Smith graduating and likely headed to the NFL. Smith has been the team's starter at nose for the past four seasons and while James is a different kind of a nose tackle than Smith, he brings plenty of juice to the position and is probably a better pass rusher than Smith at this point in their development.
USF beat out Minnesota, Florida, Purdue and Wisconsin for the Colorado native.
In Jones, USF got exactly what they're looking for in a SAM linebacker as Jones has the size at six-foot-five and 239 pounds and already plays the position at a high level in high school. He'll need to improve his pass rushing as he currently relies heavily on his athleticism but the traits are there for Jones to be a potential All-American at outside linebacker with his speed, bend and being able to generate power in his hands to get off blockers.
Rutgers finished second in his recruitment which was a relatively quiet one for someone of his caliber.
2044 USF Recruiting Class
WR Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 300 Bench Press Max, 320 Squat Max
QB Kevin Meadows [QB #1]: 6'4", 244lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
OLB Paul Mason [OLB #3]: 6'5", 211lbs | Laurel, MS | 4-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 580 Squat Max
G Mike Miller [G #2]: 6'4", 290lbs | Olney, MD [IMG] | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
WR Will Madison [WR #22]: 6'3", 185lbs | Stillwater, OK | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
TE Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
OLB Kevin Harris [OLB #10]: 5'11", 180lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.50 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press Max, 595 Squat Max
DT Dan James [DT #8]: 6'5", 280lbs | Monte Vista, CO | 4-star | 5.18 40-yd dash, 430 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
T Tim Hill [T #7]: 6'5", 291lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 630 Squat Max
DB Sean Hart [ATH #39]: 6'0", 185lbs | Northbrook, IL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 235 Bench Press Max, 250 Squat Max
S Courtney Jones [S #7]: 6'3", 183lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 345 Bench Press Max, 345 Squat Max
OLB Ryan Jones [OLB #19]: 6'5", 239lbs | Fairfax, VA | 4-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 670 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | USF, Stanford
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Minnesota, Army
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Minnesota
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Troy, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | USF, Mississippi State
WR Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF, LSU
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | USF, Army
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Akron, Navy, Kansas, Rutgers
Top 30 USF Players of Francois Era: No. 10 - No. 6
Charlie Flowers -- gousfbulls.com
And then there were ten. Well, five for this portion of the list but we're now into the top ten where each player has a solid case to declare themselves the best player in school history.
No. 10: LB Mark Johnson (2029-2032)
Recruiting Profile: 3rd ranked OLB in 2029 | 6'2", 226lbs | Fairland, MD | 4-star
Career Stats: 336 tackles, 92 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 9 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries.
Record vs. UCF: 4-0
-- W 56-33
-- W 52-28
-- W 50-33: 8 tackles, 5 tackles for loss
-- W 42-32: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
Conference Championships: 1 (SEC)
Bowl Record: 4-0 (Sugar, Citrus, BCS NCG, Cotton)
BCS Bowl Record: 2-0 (Sugar, BCS NCG)
National Championships: 1
Accolades: 2029 1st team All-American, 2029 1st team All-SEC, 2029 Freshman All-American, 2029 Butkus Award recipient (best LB), 2030 2nd team All-SEC, 2031 1st team All-American, 2031 1st team All-SEC, 2032 1st team All-American, 2032 1st team All-SEC, 2032 Butkus Award recipient (best LB), 2032 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2032 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player)
A late addition to the 2029 recruiting class as he committed during National Signing Day, Johnson didn't wait long to make his mark, winning the Butkus Award as a true freshman on his way to being an All-American, finishing second on the team with 88 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions on a defense that also included Greg Booth and B.J. Patton who were also on this list.
Johnson had a slight sophomore season, recording 61 tackles and 14 tackles for loss with two interceptions but was still an All-SEC selection. With Booth graduating, Johnson emerged as the leader of that defense heading into his junior season. Johnson would lead USF's defense to a national championship, beating Ohio State 34-14 to win their fourth national championship.
As a junior, Johnson was once again an All-American and an All-SEC selection, finishing second on the team with 94 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and three interceptions as he was one of USF's most versatile linebackers in history.
Johnson would surprise many and return for a senior season, which is what puts him above others like Dallas Gross who is ranked thirteenth on this list but prime for prime, was just as good as Johnson.
With running mate Gary Adkins from the previous season headed to the NFL, Johnson would be tasked with more responsibility against the run, finishing that season with a whopping 31 tackles for loss on his way another All-American season and sweeping the defensive awards, winning the Bednarik, Nagurski and Butkus.
No. 9: S/LB Kyle Locher (2038-2041)
Recruiting Profile: 1st ranked S in 2038 | 6'3", 204lbs | Goodland, KS [IMG] | 4-star
Career Stats: 293 tackles, 66 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 14 interceptions, 5 touchdowns, 16 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, fumble recovery
Record vs. UCF: 4-0
-- W 55-38
-- W 56-46
-- W 34-13: 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack
-- W 52-3: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, forced fumble
Conference Championships: 1 (Champions Division)
Bowl Record: 9-1 (Orange Bowl 2x, Rose Bowl, CFP Final 3x, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl)
Playoff Record: 9-0
National Championships: 3
Accolades: 2038 Freshman All-American, 2040 1st team All-American, 2040 1st team All-Champions Division, 2040 Butkus Award recipient (best LB), 2040 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2040 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player), 2041 1st team All-American, 2041 1st team All-Champions Division, 2041 Butkus Award recipient (best LB), 2041 Bednarik Award recipient (best defensive player), 2041 Nagurski Award recipient (best defensive player)
A solid and convincing argument could be made that no one has had a more fascinating career arc at USF than Locher. He came in as a highly ranked recruit at safety who seemed like they might have been overhyped by the recruiting services. He had a good freshman season, recording 28 tackles and made the Freshman All-American team but lost the starting job as a sophomore to Joey Bailey, resulting in just an okay sophomore year with 20 tackles and two pass breakups while Bailey led the team in tackles.
With Bailey headed to the NFL, many thought Locher would finally get the start at safety but with the team losing all of their starting linebackers, Locher approached the coaching staff about a move to linebacker and the rest is history. Locher led the team with 11 tackles in his debut at the position against LSU and a few weeks later returned an interception for a touchdown against Alabama. He then had a two interception performance against Kansas State in their 98-17 drubbing of the Wildcats and then just took off after that.
Similar to Mark Johnson, Locher would lead USF to a national championship, beating Ohio State in the CFP Final to put a bow on a magical junior season where he had 95 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, sweeping the college football awards.
Locher would also return for a senior season, donning the No. 1 jersey and would somehow have an even better season. He led the country in tackles (158), tackles for loss (38) and interceptions (9), setting a school record in tackles and interceptions in a single season. The Bulls would go on to win another national championship, their third in Locher's four years there.
No. 8: WR Corey Montgomery (2027-2029)
Recruiting Profile: 4th ranked ATH in 2027 | 6'1", 205lbs | Coconut Creek, FL | 5-star
Career Stats: 242 receptions, 3619 yards, 35 touchdowns, 35 carries, 546 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
-- W 66-30: 4 receptions, 38 yards
-- L 28-7: 7 receptions, 134 yards
-- W 56-33: 7 receptions, 93 yards, 2 touchdowns
Conference Championships: 1 (SEC)
Bowl Record: 3-0 (Citrus, Sugar 2x)
BCS Bowl Record: 2-0 (Sugar 2x)
National Championships: 0
Accolades: 2027 Freshman All-American, 2027 2nd team All-SEC, 2028 2nd team All-American, 2028 1st team All-SEC
Arguably the fastest player in school history, there might be seven players ranked higher than Montgomery but few were as entertaining and fun to watch as Montgomery was. The five-star recruit initially came in a defensive back but it didn't take long in spring for the team to realize that not putting the ball in his hands would be a waste, converting him to receiver by the second week of spring. By fall camp, Montgomery would be awarded the No. 4 jersey, which is reserved for the team's fastest player in honor of William Sapp and is rarely ever given to a freshman.
In his first ever college game against Boise State, Montgomery caught three passes for 112 yards with two of them being touchdowns from Jed White. He'd finish that season with 71 receptions for 951 yards and eight touchdowns along with four rushing touchdowns and a touchdown on a kickoff return, earning both Freshman All-American and All-SEC honors.
Heading into his sophomore season, some expected to see a dip in performance with some uncertainty at the quarterback position with White's departure but that didn't slow Montgomery down one bit, catching 84 passes for 1,323 yards and ten touchdowns on his way to being an All-American.
With the quarterback position stabilized with Antonio Whitehead, Montgomery improved on his touchdown numbers by recording seventeen of them as a junior, a school record at the time. Montgomery caught 87 passes as a junior for 1345 yards, dropping just two passes as he won the Biletnikoff. He also finished his career as the school's record holder in career receptions, yards and touchdowns at the time.
No. 7: QB Joey Spence (2035-2037)
Recruiting Profile: 1st ranked QB in 2035 | 6'4", 220lbs | St. Johns, AZ | 5-star
Career Stats: 800 of 1121, 11196 yards, 123 touchdowns, 34 interceptions, sacked 31 times, 119 carries, 53 yards, touchdown, 4 fumbles
Record vs. UCF: 3-0
-- W 70-27: 7 of 8, 122 yards, 2 touchdowns, interception
-- W 59-14: 28 of 32, 443 yards, 7 touchdowns
-- W 70-24: 31 of 49, 456 yards, 5 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, sacked once, fumble (lost)
Conference Championships: 2 (SEC, Champions Division)
Bowl Record: 1-0 (Fiesta Bowl)
National Championships:
Accolades: 2036 1st team All-American, 2036 1st team All-SEC, 2036 O'Brien Trophy recipient (best QB), 2037 1st team All-American, 2037 1st team All-SEC
The most talented thrower of the football in school history and it's not even close when you ask around. Spence was destined to be a star since the moment he committed to the Bulls early in his high school senior season as part of an historic recruiting class that also featured Derek Young, Jared Green, Jason McDowell, Mark Robinson, Wesley Adams and others.
Backing up another prolific passer in Jeff Jones as a freshman, USF fans got a taste of fans throughout the season in blowouts, including against UCF where he threw for 122 yards and two touchdowns in just a quarter of play. When Jeff Jones went down with an injury in the season finale, Spence would start in the SEC Championship Game, throwing for 440 yards and seven touchdowns in USF's win over Tennessee.
It would be a sign of things to come as in his first season as a starter with Jones headed to the NFL, Spence would throw for 5,015 yards and 52 touchdowns on his way to winning the Davey O'Brien Trophy.
Under a new offensive coordinator in Doug Nussmeier, Spence wouldn't miss a beat, finishing his junior season with 5,291 yards and 58 touchdowns, splitting Heisman votes with teammate Derek Young as they lost out to South Alabama's Tyler Clifford.
Spence technically never won a national championship as the playoffs were temporarily disbanded in his junior season in the Champions Division first season which is the only thing missing on his resume, along with a Heisman. He also gets some added points for not only being as good as advertised but being even better and doing it while following up the team's all-time leading passer in Jeff Jones.
No. 6: HB Troy Henry (2020-2022)
Recruiting Profile: 3rd ranked RB in 2023 | 5'10", 195lbs | Alexander City, AL | 5-star
Career Stats: 608 carries, 4310 yards, 48 touchdowns, 158 receptions, 1345 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Games Started: 42
Record as Starter: 39-3
Record vs. UCF: 2-1
Conference Championships: 3 (Big XII)
Bowl Record: 3-0
BCS Bowl Record: 3-0 (Sugar, National Championship)
National Championships: 1-0
Accolades: 2020 1st team All-Big 12, 2021 2nd team All-Big 12, 2022 1st team All-Big 12, 2020 Freshman All-American, 2020 2nd team All-American, 2023 1st team All-American, 2023 Heisman Award winner (best player), 2023 Maxwell Award Winner (best offensive player), 2023 Walter Camp Award Winner (best offensive player), 2023 Doak Walker Award Winner (best RB).
Henry can go as high as number one on this list and not any lower than where he is currently ranked. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his seasons and led the team in receiving yards as a sophomore all while splitting carries in a loaded backfield his first two seasons.
After winning the national championship in 2022, it was all Henry in 2023 as the offense lost most of its firepower. Henry carried the load, rushing for a then school record 2125 yards with 28 touchdowns along with 59 receptions for519 yards and 4 touchdowns. Henry won the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp and Doak Walker Award that season, sweeping the college football awards.
A versatile running back, Henry might be the team's biggest home run threat ever. His career YPC is over seven and his 59 total touchdowns are ridiculous when you consider that he split time for 2/3rd of his career at USF.
Week 8 Preview: vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Record: 2-2, 0-1 Champions Division
Head Coach: David Wilson (2-2 at Purdue, 1st year, 17-13)
Offensive Coordinator: Scott Frost (Multiple)
Defensive Coordinator: Brent Venables (3-4 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Leon Butler (515 yards, 5 TD, 2 INT, 134.0 rating)
Rushing: Lonnie Williams (308 yards, 6.6 ypc, 2 TD)
Receiving: Danny James (14 receptions, 258 yards, 3 TD)
Defense: Jeremy Butler (24 tackles, 7 TFL, 2.0 sacks)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 91st
Total Offense: 85th
Rushing Offense: 61st
Passing Offense: 85th
Total Defense: 71st
Rushing Defense: 42nd
Passing Defense: 94th
Turnover Differential: 44th
Team Schedule
vs. Kent State: W 35-16
at Bowling Green: W 28-26
at Ball State: L 38-16
at #9 Virginia Tech: L 34-21
