Bulls land commitment from intriguing prospect in three-star Lake Gibson Brian Daniel
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Keyshon Wiggs has coached plenty of talented players during his time Lake Gibson High School (Lakeland, Fl.) and he describes Brian Daniel, USF's latest commit, as the best kept secret in the state of Florida.
USF closed out Daniel's recruitment by getting a verbal commitment over fellow Champions Division members Stanford, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech for the six-foot-five, 288 pound prospect whose position at the next level is a bit of a question mark at this point.
Daniel's tape at center during his freshman season at George Jenkins High School (Lakeland) was 'offerable' according to a source within the Bulls scouting department which is when he first got onto USF offensive line coach Ryan Williams' radar at a summer camp. Daniel would transfer to powerhouse Lake Gibson later that summer and be used as a sixth offensive lineman where he caught two goal line touchdown passes.
Daniel would make the full-time transition to tight end where he's excelled at for his junior and senior season, although offensive line might still be his more natural position.
"He's athletic enough to play out in space," Wiggs told 247 Sports this past summer when Daniel was ranked as the nation's 25th best center prospect, "But he's naturally a big guy so he might outgrow [tight end] by the time he's spent a year in a college program."
Daniel's primary recruiter has been USF tight end coach Robert Holland, a sign that the Bulls at least plan to try him out at tight end. Daniel has stated in previous interviews that he prefers playing tight end but isn't opposed to going back to center which is one of the reasons he's signing with USF.
"I trust all the coaches to make the right decisions and put me in the right position to succeed," Daniel told CBS Sports HQ after his commitment, "They have a great track record of putting guys in the league and whether it's at tight end or offensive line, I'm just excited to be part of that offense."
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
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 305 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
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press Max, 260 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
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 260 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
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 450 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
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
TE/OL Brian Daniel [C #25]: 6'5", 288lbs | Lakeland, FL | 3-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 500 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | USF, Army, Minnesota
WR/CB Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF
FB Gemara McDonald [TE #69]: 6'5", 277lbs | Conyers, GA | 3-star | USF, Vanderbilt
The Bullpen: Even with playoff spot clinched, don't expect the Bulls to pull up lame in final two games
Jonathan Bright -- BullsNation.com Football Reporter
With their win over the LSU Tigers, the South Florida Bulls have officially clinched a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
In the latest rankings, USF came in as the third seed behind Stanford and Southern Miss, two teams they have already beaten this year which gives them the opportunity to potentially leapfrog them in the final rankings should either one of them stub their toe in the final two weeks of the season and/or with an impressive showing from the Bulls against UCF and Ohio State.
The opportunity to be a top seed gives the Bulls plenty to play for as well as the chance to beat two teams they don't particularly like in rival UCF this week and Ohio State next week with the chance to potentially kick the Buckeyes out of the playoffs.
‣ Malcolm Francois Sr. confirms that star freshman Oliver Colvin's season is over
Oliver Colvin had four tackles for loss against the LSU last Saturday before suffering an injury in the fourth quarter that USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. confirmed on Wednesday will end his freshman season as he broke his collarbone.
Colvin missed time earlier this season with a strained quadricep and has been a menace when healthy with sixteen tackles, ten tackles for loss and two sacks in limited playing time due to injuries.
Freshman receiver Ryan Murray re-aggravated his chest injury that caused him to play in just five games this season and will likely be out for the rest of the regular season according to Francois Sr.
Both tight end Jake Thompson and outside linebacker Richard Smith, who left the LSU game with injuries, are expected to be back.
‣ No Bulls players among finalists for major awards
Despite having a top five scoring offense and a top-50 scoring defense (top 40 in total defense and rushing defense), not a single USF player was named among the finalists for the College Football Awards.
Linebacker Julian Harrell was one of the twelve semi-finalists for the Bednarik Award but did not make the cut as a finalist and neither did receiver Scott Price for the Biletnikoff and center Kyle Jones for the Rimington.
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 112th
Total Offense: 83rd
Rushing Offense: 114th
Passing Offense: 24th
Total Defense: 98th
Rushing Defense: 66th
Passing Defense: 104th
Turnover Differential: 28th
Team Schedule
vs. Florida A&M: W 31-17
at Kansas: L 38-24
vs. #10 Nebraska: L 43-16
vs. Ole Miss: L 28-14
at New Mexico State: L 47-42
at Mississippi State: W 25-24
vs. Florida State: L 27-21
at West Virginia: W 37-21
vs. #21 Penn State: L 44-0
at Miami: L 34-3
at Notre Dame: L 38-30
Injuries OLB Oliver Colvin, Freshman (out - season) WR Ryan Murray, Freshman (doubtful) TE Jake Thompson, Senior (probable) S Jared Ingraham, Freshman (out)
Bulls run it up against in-state rivals in 60-13 drubbing of Knights
UCF head coach Alex Pitts is having a tough year in his first season as UCF's head coach, replacing former USF offensive coordinator DeMarcus Bennett who was fired after just two seasons with the Knights.
The Bulls didn't take it lightly on the second-year coach, going for a two-point conversion late in the game to make it 60-13 in USF's win over UCF.
When asked about it after the game, USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. bristled at the allegations of unsportsmanship conduct.
"There were plenty of things during, before and after the game that I took issue with so I'm not going to talk about a two-point conversion decision," Francois Sr. said after the game, perhaps referring to Bennett's firing, the late hit on quarterback Rashad Woodard during the game and Pitts not shaking hands with Francois Sr. after the game.
The Knights had a chance to make it a game after a botched option play was returned 63 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-13 with 4:52 remaining in the third quarter but it would be all USF after that, scoring 32 unanswered points.
It was a showcase performance for Woodard who threw for 214 yards and rushed for 142 yards with four total touchdowns.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] R. Woodard, 1 Yd run (5:17)
[USF] C. Stokes, 11 Yd run (0:14)
Quarter 2
[USF] D. Parker, 5 Yd run (7:15)
[USF] R. Woodard, 3 Yd run (0:38)
Quarter 3
[UCF] B. Frye, 1 Yd pass from B. Riley (5:39)
[UCF] A. Lane, returned fumble 63 Yds -- 2pt failed (4:51)
[USF] R. Woodard, 2 Yd run (3:08)
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Love, 30 Yd FG (7:28)
[USF] R. Woodard, 8 Yd run (5:12)
[USF] J. Thomas, 48 Yd pass from R. Woodard (3:25)
[USF] J. Thomas, 40 Yd run -- 2pt (2:05)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #2 South Florida Bulls
QB Rashad Woodard: 16 of 20, 214 yards, touchdown, sacked once, 20 carries, 142 yards, 3 touchdowns, fumble (lost)
HB Dave Parker: 8 carries, 72 yards, touchdown, 1 reception, 48 yards, touchdown
HB Justin Thomas: 8 carries, 105 yards, touchdown
HB Cameron Stokes: 3 carries, 20 yards, touchdown
WR Scott Price: 5 receptions, 64 yards
S Clarence Sullivan: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
OLB Richard Smith: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
DE Marcellus Smith: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
S Mike Mason: 2 tackles, interception
CB Ernest Jones: 1 tackle, interception
Central Florida Knights
QB Brandon Riley: 18 of 27, 141 yards, touchdown, 3 interceptions, sacked once
HB Dustin Johnson: 26 carries, 166 yards
WR Anthony Hall: 10 receptions, 95 yards
S Tom Campbell: 9 tackles
CB Joey Bonds: 7 tackles, tackle for loss
Army lands a big time offensive line commitment over the Bulls
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
USF offensive line coach Ryan Williams has done a great job of recruiting along the offensive line but he took a loss on Saturday on the recruiting trail with Tim Williams committing to play football for the Army Knights of West Point over USF and Minnesota.
Williams, listed at six-foot-three and 269 pounds, is the son of two West Point graduates so the decision isn't a shocking one but it does likely wrap up USF's 2044 recruiting class along the offensive line with just two players in Mike Miller and Tim Hill and a potential third in Brian Daniel, who has the potential to play tight end.
The 'lack' of numbers along the offensive line in this class shouldn't be too alarming as USF signed five offensive linemen last cycle with Kevin Brown, Ed Foster, Brian Jackson and Luis Person all having played this season as freshman, putting the unit in good hands for the foreseeable future.
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
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 305 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
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press Max, 260 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
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 260 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
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 450 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
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
TE/OL Brian Daniel [C #25]: 6'5", 288lbs | Lakeland, FL | 3-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 500 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
WR/CB Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF
FB Gemara McDonald [TE #69]: 6'5", 277lbs | Conyers, GA | 3-star | USF, Vanderbilt
----------------------------
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | Committed to Army
Week 14 Top Stories
1. In a battle of AAC opposites, Syracuse defeats #9 Rutgers 42-38 to kick them out of playoff contention.
2. #3 Southern Miss fail to put Middle Tennessee State away, losing 36-34.
3. Spirits are high in Provo as their Cougars beat #19 Texas 42-32.
4. San Diego State returns to San Diego after losing 31-21 to California.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 Champions Division Results 41 - 14 ----24 - 20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Champions Division Schedule
#2 USF (9-2, 6-2) at #3 Ohio State (9-2, 6-2)
#1 Stanford (10-1, 7-1) at Purdue (5-6, 3-5)
Michigan (5-6, 2-6) at #4 Alabama (9-2, 6-2)
LSU (1-10, 1-7) at Georgia Tech (5-6, 2-6)
Minnesota (5-6, 3-5) at #9 Virginia Tech (7-4, 4-4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 15 Notable Games
#6 Army (10-1) at #14 Navy (7-4, 6-3 AAC)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division and College Football Playoffs Guidelines
- The top four teams from the Champions Division will be awarded an automatic bid into the College Football Playoffs. The remaining four spots are voted upon by the committee and can contain non ANAC members
- Once the teams are selected, the committee votes on the seeding as well
- ANAC members that are selected for the playoffs are automatically promoted or retain their place within the Champions Division for next season
- The bottom team in the Champions Division is automatically relegated and the top team in the Contenders Division is automatically promoted
- The remaining non-playoff teams in the Champions Division will compete in a play-in bowl with top seeded, non-playoff Contenders Division members for the right to play in the Champions Division the next season
- Bottom eight finishers in the Contenders Division are relegated and replaced with the top eight finishers in the Rising Division
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Champions Division Standings
1. Stanford, 10-1, 7-1 (clinched playoff spot)
2. Alabama, 9-2, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
3. USF, 9-2, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
4. Ohio State, 9-2, 6-2 (clinched playoff spot)
--------
5. Virginia Tech, 7-4, 4-4
6. Minnesota, 5-6, 3-5
7. Purdue, 5-6, 3-5
--------
8. Michigan, 5-6, 2-6
9. Georgia Tech, 5-6, 2-6
10. LSU, 1-10, 1-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contenders Division Standings
1. Georgia, 9-3, 7-2
2. BYU, 9-2, 6-2
3. Oklahoma, 7-4, 6-3
4. Oregon, 9-3, 6-3
5. Michigan State, 7-5, 6-3
6. UCLA, 7-5, 5-4
7. Wisconsin, 6-6, 5-4
8. Texas, 7-5, 5-4
9. Auburn, 6-6, 5-4
10. Arkansas, 5-6, 4-4
11. Florida, 6-6, 4-5 (relegated)
12. Missouri, 6-6, 4-5 (relegated)
13. Tennessee, 5-7, 4-5 (relegated)
14. Pittsburgh, 4-8, 3-6 (relegated)
15. Iowa, 2-10, 1-8 (relegated)
16. Colorado, 2-10, 0-9 (relegated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rising Division Standings
1. Nebraska, 10-2, 7-2 (promoted)
2. Miami, 8-3, 7-2 (promoted)
3. Florida State, 7-5, 6-3 (promoted)
4. Kansas State, 6-6, 5-4 (promoted)
5. Ole Miss, 7-5, 5-4 (promoted)
6. Indiana, 7-5, 5-4 (promoted)
7. Penn State, 8-4, 5-4 (promoted)
8. USC, 7-5, 5-4 (promoted)
9. Oklahoma State, 5-6, 4-5
10. Washington, 6-6, 4-5
11. Texas A&M, 6-6, 4-5
12. Kansas, 7-5, 4-5
13. Notre Dame, 5-7, 4-5
14. Mississippi State, 6-6, 3-6
15. UCF, 1-9, 2-7
16. West Virginia, 4-8, 2-7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- College Football Playoff Rankings
1. Stanford, 10-1
2. USF, 9-2
3. Alabama, 9-2
4. Ohio State, 9-2
5. Fresno State, 11-1
6. Army, 10-1
7. Nebraska, 10-2
8. BYU, 9-2
---------------
9. Virginia Tech, 7-4
10. NC State, 10-2
11. Oklahoma, 7-4
12. Arizona State, 9-3
13. Oregon, 9-3
14. Navy, 7-4
15. Georgia, 9-3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch QB Andrew Jones: W 27-10 vs. Notre Dame - 21 of 33, 213 yards, 2 touchdowns, 17 carries, 88 yards QB Jeremy Joseph: W 20-7 vs. Oregon State - 15 of 31, 135 yards, 23 carries, 124 yards, 2 total touchdowns QB Michael Butler: Bye Week QB Paul Davis: W 48-10 at East Carolina - 15 of 29, 217 yards, 15 carries, 110 yards, 4 total touchdowns
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Players of the Week QB J Mason: W 45-28 vs. Washington State - 11 of 16, 230 yards, 15 carries, 155 yards, 6 total touchdowns CB Dan Martin: W 34-13 vs. Arizona - 1 tackle, 3 interceptions
------- QB Rashad Woodard: W 60-13 at UCF - 16 of 20, 214 yards, 20 carries, 142 yards, 4 total touchdowns DE Matt McCutcheon: W 54-7 at Virginia - 2 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#2 Donald Jones [ATH #1]: 6'0", 206lbs | Jacksonville, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#3 Anthony Johnson [HB #1]: 6'1", 196lbs | Fountain Hills, AZ | 5-star | University of Arizona
#4 Jeffrey Coleman [WR #1]: 6'0", 187lbs | Escondido, CA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#7 Glenn Washington [ATH #4]: 6'2", 206lbs | Atlanta, GA | 5-star | Georgia Technical Institute
#8 Jeff Jefferson [ATH #5]: 6'3", 189lbs | Lakeville, MN | 5-star | University of Wisconsin
#10 Darius Jenkins [ATH #7]: 6'2", 226lbs | Clinton, TN | 5-star | University of Michigan
#11 Kevin Hopkins [WR #2]: 6'1", 180lbs | Palm Springs, CA [IMG] | 5-star | Florida State University
#12 Kyle Thomas [HB #2]: 6'2", 201lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Michigan
#13 Josh Johnson [HB #3]: 5'9", 211lbs | Alhambra, CA | 5-star | University of Arizona
#14 Jordan Hines [HB #4]: 5'8", 168lbs | Carlsbad, CA | 5-star | University of Southern California
#17 Frank Goode [ATH #9]: 6'1", 200lbs | Jollyville, TX | 5-star | University of Oklahoma
#19 Terrance Smith [DE #1]: 6'5", 257lbs | Los Angeles, CA [IMG] | 5-star | University of Texas
#20 James Christian [HB #6]: 6'0", 198lbs | Dale City, VA [IMG] | 5-star | University of Tennessee
#21 Orlando Brown [HB #7]: 5'11", 195lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
#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
#12 Kyle Thomas [HB #2]: 6'2", 201lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of Michigan
#21 Orlando Brown [HB #7]: 5'11", 195lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State University
#38 Wesley Rush [OLB #2]: 6'6", 246lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | University of Oklahoma
#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
#90 Nik Richardson [WR #15]: 5'11", 180lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | Northwestern University
#98 Chris Wesley [WR #16]: 6'2", 175lbs | Fort Myers, FL | 4-star | Virginia Tech University
#104 Alex Newton [WR #19]: 6'1", 192lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Clemson University
#110 Travis Elliott [OLB #8]: 6'2", 219lbs | Melbourne, FL | 4-star | Michigan State University
#121 Shaun Wright [WR #23]: 6'0", 200lbs | Hollywood, FL | 4-star | Notre Dame University
#131 Matt Jordan [TE #8]: 6'6", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#140 John Carpenter [DE #13]: 6'7", 260lbs | St. Cloud, FL | 4-star | Auburn University
#141 Jared Phillips [G #9]: 6'5", 289lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | University of Central 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
#150 Patrick White [ATH #34]: 6'1", 271lbs | Bradenton, FL [IMG] | 4-star | University of Alabama
#169 Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#175 Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | 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
#259 Michael Williams [C #6]: 6'4", 302lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#273 Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of South Florida
#279 Ryan Bell [QB #7]: 6'0", 210lbs | Palm Bay, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
Week 15 Preview: at #3 Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 9-2, 6-2 Champions Division
Head Coach: A.J. Rucker (50-29 at Ohio State, 6th year, 121-97)
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Scott (Triple Option)
Defensive Coordinator: Phil Mosley (4-3 D)
Team Leaders
Passing: Thomas Sears (1266 yards, 14 TD, 3 INT, 146.3 rating)
Rushing: Marlon Witherspoon (1188 yards, 6.9 ypc, 9 TD)
Receiving: Bo Carter (25 receptions, 331 yards, 5 TD)
Defense: David White (39 tackles, 19 TFL, 8.5 sacks)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 17th
Total Offense: 18th
Rushing Offense: 4th
Passing Offense: 119th
Total Defense: 2nd
Rushing Defense: 35th
Passing Defense: 3rd
Turnover Differential: 39th
Team Schedule
vs. Youngstown State: W 31-21
at LSU: W 31-16
at #4 Alabama: L 38-24
vs. Wisconsin: W 41-24
at #1 Stanford: L 38-21
vs. UAB: W 34-10
vs. Purdue: W 36-20
vs. Minnesota: W 24-10
vs. #9 Virginia Tech: W 31-21
at Georgia Tech: W 47-13
at Michigan: W 41-14
Injuries OLB Oliver Colvin, Freshman (out - season) WR Ryan Murray, Freshman (doubtful) WR William Ashley, Senior (questionable)
Bulls sneak in commitment from Georgia tight end Gemara McDonald ahead of dead period
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
USF's 2044 recruiting class got a little bit more crowded right before the beginning of the final dead period with three-star tight end Gemara McDonald joining the class to bring USF's number of commitments to 20 players with both recent commits Brian Daniel and McDonald being the only non-blue chip prospects.
Similar to other three stars in USF's recent history, McDonald does have the physical makeup and some intriguing athletic qualities at six-foot-five and 277 pounds with a verified 40-time of 4.66 seconds, which puts him ahead of fellow tight end commit Matt Jordan whose fastest recorded time on the lasers is 4.68 seconds. Jordan is a similar prospect at six-foot-six and 265 pounds which continues USF's recent run of impressive looking tight ends after signing Jake Bryant (6-6, 260) and Russell Arrington (6-6, 270) last cycle.
For a position that has lacked depth in the past, USF tight end Robert Holland has reshaped the room since taking over with Bryant being a potential Freshman All-American this season with 24 receptions for 288 yards and a touchdown.
McDonald is more of a project than Jordan, Bryant or Arrington as he's still learning how to play the position being a converted defensive end but the motor and nastiness is there for McDonald to be an efficient run blocker at the next level and he does showcase a natural ability to catch the ball, specifically this past summer in the 7-on-7 circuit.
USF's recruiting class is currently the top class in the country with a record 18 blue chip prospects, which is more than USC (10) and Penn State (7) combined who trail the Bulls. USF is looking to add a 19th blue chip prospect in Texas' Mark Collier who is deciding between Toledo and the Bulls on National Signing Day in February. Collier is one of the fastest prospects this cycle with the versatility to play either defensive back or receiver at the next level with USF primarily recruiting him as a receiver.
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
HB Brian Clay [ATH #12]: 5'11", 178lbs | Alvin, TX | 4-star | 4.40 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 305 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
DB Michael Williams [ATH #20]: 6'0", 194lbs | Jonesboro, LA | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 285 Bench Press Max, 260 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
ILB Justin Smith [ILB #7]: 6'2", 225lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
CB Ernest Bright [CB #5]: 6'2", 185lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 325 Bench Press Max, 260 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
DE Alex Kelley [DE #20]: 6'3", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press Max, 450 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
WR Theo Smith [WR #43]: 6'0", 171lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
TE/OL Brian Daniel [C #25]: 6'5", 288lbs | Lakeland, FL | 3-star | 4.84 40-yd dash, 375 Bench Press Max, 500 Squat Max
FB Gemara McDonald [TE #69]: 6'5", 277lbs | Conyers, GA | 3-star | 4.66 40-yd dash, 310 Bench Press Max, 255 Squat Max
2044 USF Recruiting Board
WR/CB Mark Collier [ATH #31]: 6'0", 216lbs | Clute, TX | 4-star | Toledo, USF
----------------------------
G Tim Williams [G #7]: 6'3", 290lbs | Robinson, PA [IMG] | 4-star | Committed to Army
USF loses a 21-14 heartbreaker to Ohio State thanks to four turnovers
Detractors of the current College Football Playoffs format and landscape lamented throughout the week that with the current setup which guaranteed both USF and Ohio State a spot into the playoffs no matter the outcome of their No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup would take away from the competitive nature of the game.
Buckeye Stadium showed no signs of that, erupting into pandemonium as Thomas Sears' completion to Dominique Newton sealed the Buckeyes' 21-14 win over South Florida on Saturday to make a solid case for the top seed in the final CFP rankings.
USF's disaster class in turnovers and throwing a game away began in the third quarter when they were up 14-7 with the ball deep in Ohio State territory after converting a fourth down earlier in the drive only for Justin Thomas to fumble the ball at the 11-yard line.
Dave Parker would fumble the ball on USF's next drive which led to a 45-yard run by Sears to setup Cameron Byrd's game tying touchdown from one-yard out with seven minutes left in the game.
"We played well enough on defense," USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. said after the game, complimenting USF's defensive staff in limiting the Buckeyes triple option offense for most of the game outside of a few runs that popped, "You're not going to win too many games with four turnovers, especially two in the red zone and another that was brought back for a touchdown, that's 21 points right there."
USF would continue their string of turnovers with a third straight fumble, this time from quarterback Rashad Woodard on a strip sack which would be recovered for a touchdown to give Ohio State their first lead of the game.
Woodard would throw an interception on USF's final drive, capping it off with four straight turnovers to end the game.
The two teams could potentially meet in just a few weeks depending on how the seeding plays out, something that both Francois Sr. and Ohio State head coach A.J. Rucker said did not impact their approach to the game.
"If we play them, we play them. We're not going to get ahead of ourselves," Rucker said after the game, "They're a good football team so you're going to be playing a good football in the playoffs, that's how it works."
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] A. Morgan, 16 Yd pass from R. Woodard (6:22)
[tOSU] B. Carter, 21 Yd pass from T. Sears (2:47)
Quarter 2
[USF] J. Thomas, 3 Yd run (2:32)
Quarter 3
No scores
Quarter 4
[tOSU] C. Byrd, 1 Yd run (7:01)
[tOSU] J. Copeland, returned fumble 1 Yds (6:32)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #2 South Florida Bulls
QB Rashad Woodard: 15 of 23, 132 yards, touchdown, interception, sacked twice, fumble (lost)
HB Justin Thomas: 8 carries, 54 yards, fumble (lost)
HB Dave Parker: 7 carries, 50 yards, fumble (lost)
HB Cameron Stokes: 7 carries, 16 yards
TE Jake Bryant: 4 receptions, 21 yards
WR Nick Weiss: 3 receptions, 47 yards
WR Scott Price: 3 receptions, 21 yards
WR Andre Morgan: 2 receptions, 29 yards, touchdown
CB Ernest Jones: 9 tackles, tackle for loss
LB Nate Jacobs: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
LB Damon Hill: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
S Clarence Sullivan: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
DT Brandon Smith: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, sack
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes
QB Thomas Sears: 10 of 16, 101 yards, touchdown, sacked once, 14 carries, 97 yards, fumble (recovered)
FB Cameron Byrd: 14 carries, 58 yards, touchdown
HB Marlon Witherspoon: 7 carries, 57 yards
HB Alex Horner: 5 carries, 30 yards
WR Bo Carter: 5 receptions, 73 yards, touchdown
S Michael Fowler: 8 tackles
LB James Robinson: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack
CB Maurice Darby: 2 tackles, interception
OLB Oliver Colvin, Freshman (out - season)
S Jared Ingraham, Freshman (out)
QB Andrew Jones: W 27-10 vs. Notre Dame - 21 of 33, 213 yards, 2 touchdowns, 17 carries, 88 yards
QB Jeremy Joseph: W 20-7 vs. Oregon State - 15 of 31, 135 yards, 23 carries, 124 yards, 2 total touchdowns
QB Michael Butler: Bye Week
QB J Mason: W 45-28 vs. Washington State - 11 of 16, 230 yards, 15 carries, 155 yards, 6 total touchdowns
CB Dan Martin: W 34-13 vs. Arizona - 1 tackle, 3 interceptions
DE Matt McCutcheon: W 54-7 at Virginia - 2 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery
WR William Ashley, Senior (questionable)
