USF DE B.J. Patton chose family over millions back in March; he's earned both this season
Sean Caesar -- The Athletic Writer
"Why would I do that?"
USF redshirt senior defensive end B.J. Patton was genuinely befuddled by a reporter-that-shall-remain-nameless' question at SEC media day regarding his decision to not go pro following his second season at USF.
To be fair to the reporter, Patton was coming off eighteen sacks in two seasons, was one of the key players in a top-five scoring defense that was seeing a lot of the talent and the mastermind in defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox leave the program for the NFL and a head coaching job.
"That's exactly why I stayed," says Patton now, months removed from that media scrum.
"I'm all about loyalty and staying true to yourself," says Patton who committed to the University of Minnesota coming out of high school, a decision he regrets to this day, "I chose external things over family and I was just in love with the idea of starting fresh and leaving my responsibilities behind me. I'll be honest, I was running away from my problems. Tayshia had just had our daughter and my senior season was just hectic with the baby and her and trying to take care of all of that, I wasn't ready for that responsibility. Obviously, I love my daughter but at the time, the idea of just being away and being able to focus on football, in my mind, was the right call. Let me dip for a few years, go to the league and then I'll take care of everything but you can't buy time and I was losing that."
It didn't take long for Patton to decide to leave the University of Minnesota and even less time to land on the University of South Florida. His cousin, former Bulls offensive tackle Tanner Patton, had been recruiting him the entire time and Tampa was just a four and a half hour drive from Patton's hometown of Kendall, Florida where Tayshia and their daughter, Breanna, live. Patton mulled on the decision a little bit longer once he got back home from Minnesota following that fall semester and ultimately decided it was the right call after speaking to USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr.
"He's always kept it real with me," Patton says, "He's never tried to sell me on anything or blow smoke up my ass. Like, honestly, that's what happened at Minnesota. I was told this would happen and this and that and I got there and it's like 'well, we're going to redshirt you'. It just left a sour taste in my mouth so when I went in the transfer portal, it was a lot of that from the other programs that we're talking about trying to get me a hardship waiver, get me immediately eligible and they were going to start me and they had this special position they were going to play me at. Coach Francois didn't do anything of that, he just told me come here, take a year to get your body right, your mind right, fix your home life and then we can get going and I respected that. Like no other coach ever mentioned my daughter or asked me about her other than him."
Francois Sr. kept the same energy with Patton when his redshirt junior season came to an end. He called Patton into his office to discuss his draft options instead of trying to convince him to stay but Patton shut him down right away.
"I wasn't ready for the NFL," says Patton of his decision to return to USF, "I was repairing a lot of the damage that I had done before I left [with Tayshia] and I was spending a lot quality time with my daughter whenever I could, I'd visit there almost every weekend. I knew with the draft process and being likely a low-round pick, I wouldn't have that. I'd be somewhere potentially far like Buffalo and trying to make the roster, week by week and you don't have time to maybe take a quick hour flight or four hour drive to see my daughter that night and drive back in the morning. The coaching staff here understand me and respect me and my family and that wasn't going to be the case in the NFL, especially when you're not a top draft pick. I also wasn't ready physically and I felt like I could really develop myself into a skilled pass rusher in this defense and I took that gamble but to be honest, it was the only move I was ever going to make."
Patton is one sack away from tying Chuck Sanders' school record for most sacks in a single season and four from Sanders' career record of 43 sacks. If he gets both, he'll also tie the NCAA record for most sacks in a single-season by a player.
"If the Heisman wasn't just a running back and quarterback award," says Francois Sr, "[Patton] would win it, he's the best player in college football this season and one of the best I've ever seen."
Recruiting Class in Review: Plenty of recruiting star power but not a ton of production in Bulls 2026 recruiting class
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
When three of the top five recruits of a recruiting class end up finishing their college career somewhere else, it's not a good sign that a recruiting class will be successful. USF's 2026 recruiting class was ranked seventh in the country and had two out of state five stars but a lot of the talent unfortunately fizzled out and never lived up to their potential while a few players punched above their weight class.
When it was all said and done, how does this class grade out? The grading criteria is as follows: 1 star for non-contributor, 2 star for depth player, 3 star for contributor, 4 star for impact starter, 5 star for a star player.
2026 USF Bulls Recruiting Class
WR Andrew Rivas [ATH #8]: 6'6", 218lbs | Hurst, TX | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press, 275 Squat
Career Stats » 45 receptions, 470 yards, 7 touchdowns at USF | 3 receptions, 80 yards, touchdown at FSU
Analysis » A incredibly physically gifted receiver, Rivas flashed as a freshman in goal-line packages with his size but never could flip the switch into being a dominant outside receiver. He transferred out of USF following his junior season and then suffered a season ending injury in his first game at Florida State.
Grade » 3-star
ILB Marcus Rhoden [ILB #2]: 5'11", 234lbs | Berea, SC | 5-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 585 Squat
Career Stats » 133 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries, safety.
Analysis » While Rhoden wasn't the dominant Mike linebacker that many projected him to be coming out of high school, he ended up being a productive two-year starter at USF and anchored one of the nation's top defenses his last season.
Grade » 4-star
OLB/DE Greg White [DE #3]: 6'5", 247lbs | Pecos, TX | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press, 580 Squat
Career Stats » 107 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, forced fumble.
Analysis » White splashed onto the scene as a true freshman with 5.5 sacks but then split reps with B.J. Patton at outside linebacker his sophomore season as the team moved from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 scheme. Once White adjusted to the new scheme and being a stand up linebacker, he had more success in 2028, recording 20 tackles for loss and four sacks. He's having even more success this season back at end in the team's 4-3 scheme and earned that fourth star.
Grade » 4-star
WR Jimmy Ingram [WR #12]: 5'10" 187lbs | Jacksonville, AR | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press, 260 Squat
Career Stats » 26 receptions, 359 yards at USF | 3 receptions, 21 yards, touchdown at Arkansas.
Analysis » Similar to Rivas, Ingram transferred out of USF this past season only to get hurt in his first game at Arkansas where he also scored a touchdown. At USF, Ingram was stuck behind Corey Montgomery who was one cycle after Ingram, earned the starting job and never let it go.
Grade » 3-star
WR Bobby Arnold [WR #22]: 6'2", 180lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press, 305 Squat
Career Stats » 16 receptions, 110 yards, touchdown at USF
Analysis » Arnold transferred out as well this past spring to Bethune Cookman but has since retired from the game of football. An intriguing prospect with his length and speed, he just never was able to get on the field consistently.
Grade » 2-star
DT/NT Rodney Williams [DT #13]: 6'1", 261lbs | Palm Beach, FL | 4-star | 4.72 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press, 535 Squat
Career Stats » 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.
Analysis » The receivers at the top get a lot of flack for being busts but Rodney Williams was quietly one as well as unlike Rivas and to some extent Ingram and Arnold, he wasn't even able to get on the field at all until this season as part of the rotation at defensive tackle.
Grade » 1-star
S Paul Williams [S #3]: 5'11", 205lbs | Bradenton, FL | 4-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press, 365 Squat
Career Stats » 290 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 9 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles.
Analysis » It took a while but this is where it starts getting good for USF and this class. Williams was a three-year starter and was exceptional his last two seasons once he ironed out his coverage skills. Was he ever an elite cover safety? No but he made timely interceptions and was as reliable as one can be as a safety when it came to stopping the run or limiting passes to just short yardage gains.
Grade » 5-star
CB Marcus Hodge [CB #14]: 5'11", 182lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press, 220 Squat
Career Stats » 84 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 5 interceptions.
Analysis » Hodge was a bit more than just a contributor and earned that fourth star with his play this season as the team's top corner. He was their fourth and third cornerback in 2027 and 2028 as well and was productive those seasons.
Grade » 4-star
CB/S Jason Lawson [CB #19]: 5'11", 180lbs | Denison, TX | 3-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 335 Bench Press, 260 Squat
Career Stats » 18 tackles, 2 pass breakups.
Analysis » Lawson made the move to safety and this season, he's been part of the rotation there on obvious passing downs. He's not a playmaker but he's fundamentally sound and a key piece to a defense that had to replace a lot of talent in the secondary.
Grade » 3-star
ILB/OLB/DE Reggie Harper [ILB #27]: 5'11", 244lbs | Cocoa, FL | 3-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press, 555 Squat
Career Stats » 36 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Analysis » Harper's played everywhere on this defense as he redshirted as an inside linebacker his first season, got moved to outside linebacker in Justin Wilcox's 3-4 defense and then stayed on the edge to play defensive end this past season. His impact has been mostly felt on special teams where he was one of the team's top tacklers in 2027 and 2028.
Grade » 2-star
TE Jean-Jacques Francois [TE #23]: 6'3", 235lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 310 Squat
Career Stats » 199 receptions, 2304 yards, 24 touchdowns, 36 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed, 43 carries, 166 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Analysis » Francois has been a productive player since he stepped on campus as a converted quarterback that the team was going to try to mold into a tight end. Similar to Vincent Everett, he became a reliable blocker throughout his development while still being a downfield threat. If not for the drops and maybe better quarterback play his junior season, Francois could have had a shot at being a potential five-star player.
Grade » 4-star
HB Dion Rogers [HB #65]: 5'11", 211lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 265 Bench Press, 260 Squat
Career Stats » 335 carries, 2488 yards, 11 touchdowns, 51 receptions, 339 yards, touchdown.
Analysis » Rogers was here for a good time, not a long time. He redshirted his first season and then splashed onto the scene with back to back 1,200+ yard seasons. Since he left, the running game hasn't been the same, a testatement to just how good he was despite his low ranking coming out of high school.
Grade » 5-star
CB/S Jermaine Robertson [CB #66]: 5'10", 177lbs | Port Charlotte, FL | 3-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 295 Bench Press, 220 Squat
Career Stats » 31 tackles, interception, 2 pass deflections.
Analysis » Similar to Lawson, Robertson made the move to safety and has rotated there this season at strong safety with second year player Brandon Benjamin this season. He doesn't get a ton of recognition but he's been a solid player for them this year.
Grade » 3-star
G Stephen Brown [G #40]: 6'4", 321lbs | 6'4", 321lbs | Sweetwater, FL | 3-star | 5.10 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press, 510 Squat
Career Stats » No stats.
Analysis » Brown has zero career snaps, enough said.
Grade » 1-star
CB Sam Harris [CB #85]: 5'11", 197lbs | Bradenton, FL | 3-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press, 230 Squat
Career Stats » 43 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, interception, 2 pass deflections.
Analysis » A career backup, Harris has cracked the field this season as the Bulls' nickel corner and he's held his own, specifically against the run. He'll be the favorite to win the CB2 spot next season opposite of Jay Burke if Burke returns to school for his senior season. If he doesn't, Harris is the clear cut CB1.
Grade » 3-star
OLB Jason Lindsey [OLB #75]: 6'1", 227lbs | 6'1", 227lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.60 40-yd dash, 400 Bench Press, 610 Squat
Career Stats » 7 tackles, tackle for loss.
Analysis » Lindsey got stuck behind Greg Booth who was simply a more athletic, better version of Lindsey.
Grade » 1-star
T James King: 6'6", 325lbs | Pinson Clay, AL | Transfer from University of Georgia
Career Stats » 32 pancakes, 16 sacks allowed.
Analysis » Once King got in from Georgia, he sat out one season due to transfer rules and then started the next three at left tackle for the Bulls. While his play this season has dipped a little bit, he still was a home run hit out of the transfer portal.
Grade » 4-star
OLB/DE B.J. Patton: 6'6", 247lbs | Kendall, FL | Transfer from University of Minnesota
Career Stats » 158 tackles, 84 tackles for loss, 39 sacks, 2 interceptions, touchdown, 6 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries.
Analysis » If King was a home run, Patton was a grand-slam. Similar to King, he started since his first season eligible at USF, putting up eleven sacks while splitting snaps with Greg White. He continued that production in 2028 but this season, he's taken it to a whole other level with 21 sacks thus far.
Grade » 5-star
G/T Andrew Smart: 6'3", 298lbs | Boca Grande, FL | Transfer from University of Alabama - Birmingham
Career Stats » 41 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed.
Analysis » It took Smart two seasons at USF to find his footing at guard after converting from tackle. He was great last season and has been good this season as well as one of the team's better players and probably their best offensive lineman.
Grade » 4-star
Superlative Awards Most Important Signing: The Bulls got a five-star recruit out of South Carolina in Rhoden that Clemson really wanted and at one point, looked like they were going to get.
Most Productive Signing: It was a toss up between Patton and Williams but Patton returning for his senior season and putting the performance that he's been putting on created the gap for him to win this.
Biggest Bust of the Class: While some might say Rivas, he at least was productive and had moment, Rodney Williams was not and did not.
Most Untapped Potential: If Rivas got the reps that Pat Newsome and Derrick Byrd are getting this season instead of always being part of a constant rotation, could he have found his groove?
Biggest Steal of the Class: Anytime you get two 1,200+ yard seasons from a three star like the Bulls did in Dion Rogers, you're happy.
Biggest Lost of the Class: Casey Coe (85 ovr) at Florida is a honorable mention but it's clearly Tyler Moore (91 ovr) whose been a three-year starter at Alabama with 97 knockdown blocks and has allowed just seven sacks in his last two seasons.
Week 14 Preview: vs. #12 Central Florida Golden Knights
Record: 8-3, 7-3 ACC
Head Coach: Tim Beck (15-9 at UCF, 2nd year)
Team Leaders
Passing: Mike Simon (2546 yards, 27 TD, 5 INT, 172.7 QB rating)
Rushing: Scott Brewer (1242 yards, 5.9 ypc, 8 TD)
Receiving: Chris Boyd (64 receptions, 926 yards, 13 TD)
Defense: Ryan Romero (82 tackles, 16 TFL, 5.0 sacks)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 12th
Total Offense: 11th
Rushing Offense: 29th
Passing Offense: 33rd
Total Defense: 102th
Rushing Defense: 13rd
Passing Defense: 122nd
Turnover Differential: 43rd
Team Schedule
vs. #25 Louisville: W 49-28
vs. Houston: W 45-28
at #5 Navy: L 42-21
vs. #24 North Carolina: L 42-14
vs. Boston College: W 31-27
at Clemson: W 45-28
vs. #13 Georgia Tech: L 56-31
at Duke: W 41-24
at Pittsburgh: W 45-28
vs. Virginia Tech: W 45-28
at Virginia: W 35-18
Offense Explodes In the Fourth Quarter as Bulls Beat Rival UCF 56-33
Both defenses of Central Florida and South Florida were flexing their muscles through three quarters but in the fourth, offense reigned supreme and there aren't a lot of offenses that can keep up with the Antonio Whitehead led Bulls offensive brigade.
Whitehead broke a school record with seven touchdown passes, including four in the fourth quarter, as USF sprinted past rival UCF on their way to a 56-33 win on Friday night.
Already nursing a 28-14 lead with 5:39 left in the game, Whitehead threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Corey Montgomery in the corner of the endzone to extend the lead and once USF was able to force the first turnover of the game on the first play of the ensuing possession, Montgomery and Whitehead connected once more on a 11-yard touchdown pass across the middle of the endzone.
UCF responded with a 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage but USF was once again, not to be outdone. After recovering the onside kick, Whitehead threw a pass to tight end Jean-Jacques Francois who made three defenders miss before cutting across the field for a 44-yard touchdown, his school record fifth touchdown of the day as well as Whitehead's seventh.
Francois finished the game with career high numbers in his final home game, catching fifteen passes for 235 yards and five touchdowns.
In the midst of the offensive explosion, USF defensive end B.J. Patton made his impact felt with four sacks, which broke both the school record and later on the NCAA record for most sacks in a season.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] J. Francois, 47 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (2:37)
Quarter 2
[UCF] S. Young, 31 Yd FG (7:7)
[USF] J. Francois, 17 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (1:07)
Quarter 3
[UCF] K. Carter, 1 Yd pass from M. Simon (4:32)
[USF] J. Francois, 21 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (1:23)
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Francois, 3 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (6:19)
[UCF] M. Williams, 21 Yd pass from M. Simon -- 2pt (5:39)
[USF] C. Montgomery, 32 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (3:15)
[USF] C. Montgomery, 11 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (2:33)
[UCF] C. Boyd, 80 Yd pass from M. Simon -- 2pt (2:21)
[USF] J. Francois, 44 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (2:11)
[USF] A. Montgomery, 45 Yd run (1:06)
[UCF] A. Veney, 2 Yd run (0:00)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #17 South Florida Bulls
QB Antonio Whitehead: 38 of 45, 430 yards, 7 touchdowns, sacked 3 times, 10 carries, 21 yards.
HB Anthony Montgomery: 4 carries, 67 yards, touchdown.
HB Ronnie Smith: 4 carries, 22 yards.
HB Pookie Harrell: DNP (coaches decision).
TE Jean-Jacques Francois: 15 receptions, 235 yards, 5 touchdowns.
WR Derrick Byrd: 9 receptions, 45 yards.
WR Corey Montgomery: 7 receptions, 93 yards, 2 touchdowns.
DE B.J. Patton: 6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks.
#12 Central Florida Knights
QB Mike Simon: 16 of 20, 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, sacked 6 times.
HB Scott Brewer: 14 carries, 138 yards.
WR Chris Boyd: 2 receptions, 130 yards, touchdown.
WR John Dukes: 2 receptions, 45 yards.
LB Brandon Oliver: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
DE Colin Turner: 3 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Week 14 Top Stories
1. Keenan's play leads Michigan State to a 23-20 win over Maryland.
2. Minnesota notches a conference win against Rutgers behind the arm of Carroll.
3. Wolverines triumph over #4 Ohio State 36-27 in their The Game.
4. The home field hex is alive and well as Midshipmen win close one.
5. Alabama lifts its SEC record to 8-1 with a close win over Auburn.
6. Offenses go wild as Ole Miss outscores SEC foe Mississippi State.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Week 14 SEC Results
USF 56 - UCF 33 | UGA 29 - GT 28 | UK 23 - TEN 20 | MIA 31 - VANDY 21
ALA 24 - AUB 21 | ARK 52 - LSU 42 | FSU 24 - UF 3 | MISS 42 - MSST 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conference Championship Schedule
ACC :: #22 Louisville (8-4, 7-3) vs. #5 Navy (10-2, 9-1)
Big Ten :: #4 Michigan State (11-1, 8-1) vs. #2 Minnesota (11-1, 8-1)
Big XII :: Texas (8-4, 6-2) vs. #17 West Virginia (9-3, 7-1)
C-USA :: Louisiana Tech (8-4, 6-2) vs. Middle Tennessee State (9-3, 8-0)
MAC :: Eastern Michigan (9-3, 7-2) vs. #7 Miami University (11-1, 8-1)
MWC :: Utah State (7-5, 6-2) vs. #24 Fresno State (9-3, 7-1)
Pac-12 :: #16 USC (8-4, 6-3) vs. #10 Stanford (10-2, 8-1)
SEC :: #12 USF (9-3, 7-2) vs. #1 Alabama (11-1, 8-1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCS Rankings
1. Alabama, 11-1
2. Minnesota, 11-1
3. Wisconsin, 10-2
4. Michigan State, 11-1
5. Michigan, 9-3
6. Navy, 10-2
7. Ole Miss, 10-2
8. Miami University, 11-1
9. Ohio State, 9-3
10. Notre Dame, 9-3
11. Stanford, 10-2
12. USF, 9-3
13. Maryland, 9-3
14. Arkansas, 9-3
15. USC, 8-4
16. BYU, 9-3
17. West Virginia, 9-3
18. Washington State, 9-3
19. Georgia, 7-5
20. Georgia Tech, 9-3
21. North Carolina, 7-5
22. Louisville, 8-4
23. UCF, 8-4
24. Tennessee, 8-4
25. Fresno State, 9-3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heisman Watch
HB Seth Shaw (Ole Miss): 207 carries, 1464 yards, 15 touchdowns.
HB John Anderson (Louisiana Tech): 235 carries, 1579 yards, 20 touchdowns.
QB Maurice Kendrick (Fresno State): 212 of 302, 2735 yards, 31 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 183 carries, 967 yards, 10 touchdowns.
HB Kenny Gonzalez (Georgia Tech): 234 carries, 1405 yards, 19 touchdowns.
QB Jeff Hurst (West Virginia): 193 of 322, 2688 yards, 37 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 147 carries, 617 yards, 7 touchdowns.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 247 Five-Star Commitments
#2 Lorenzo Williams [ATH #2]: 5'10", 208lbs | Franklin, IN | 5-star | University of Mississippi
#3 Brent Alexander [ATH #3]: 6'3", 220lbs | Richmond Highlands, WA | 5-star | University of Alabama
#4 Rob Henderson [WR #1]: 5'11", 192lbs | Aurora, OH | 5-star | University of Alabama
#5 Max Lewis [ATH #4]: 6'5", 246lbs | Marion, IA | 5-star | University of Iowa
#6 Maurice Johnson [ATH #5]: 6'0", 189lbs | Economy, PA | 5-star | Rutgers University
#7 Bo Gross [WR #2]: 6'4", 202lbs | East Los Angeles, CA | 5-star | Stanford University
#8 Greg Wheeler [HB #1]: 6'0", 194lbs | Carnot-Moon, PA | 5-star | Florida State University
#10 Jeff Robinson [ATH #6]: 6'0", 194lbs | Washington D.C. | 5-star | Rutgers University
#11 Adam Hughes [OLB #1]: 6'4", 230lbs | Redstone Arsenal, AL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#12 Roderick Williams [OLB #2]: 6'2", 206lbs | Plainview, TX | 5-star | Michigan State University
#13 Gabe Banks [HB #2]: 5'10", 205lbs | Plainview, TX | 5-star | University of Minnesota
#14 Robert Alexander [WR #4]: 6'0", 196lbs | Brunswick, OH | 5-star | University of Texas
#15 Andy Holland [ATH #7]: 5'10", 183lbs | San Antonio, TX | 5-star | Michigan State University
#16 Charles Lynch [C #1]: 6'1", 270lbs | Fruitvale, CO | 5-star | Air Force Academy
#17 Terrell Dawson [ILB #1]: 6'0", 236lbs | Rosenberg, TX | 5-star | Kansas State University
#18 Larry Owens [ATH #8]: 5'9", 189lbs | Aiea, HI | 5-star | University of Southern California
#19 Joe Ford [HB #3]: 6'0", 196lbs | Shiloh, OH | 5-star | Michigan State University
#20 Zac Rogers [WR #5]: 5'11", 183lbs | Rosemead, CA | 5-star | Naval Academy
#22 Jason Morris [ILB #2]: 6'0", 243lbs | Camp Lejeune, NC | 5-star | University of Southern California
#25 Jason Robinson [DE #1]: 6'8", 251lbs | Kent, OH | 5-star | Notre Dame University
#26 Alex Atkins [TE #1]: 6'2", 240lbs | Alvin, TX | 5-star | Air Force Academy
#30 Blake Nelson [ATH #10]: 6'4", 276lbs | Marianna, AR | 5-star | Naval Academy
#31 Tyler Golden [WR #10]: 6'3", 213lbs | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 5-star | University of Mississippi
#32 Donald Gilbert [HB #5]: 6'0", 194lbs | Lancaster, PA | 5-star | University of Kansas
#34 James Jones [WR #11]: 6'2", 198lbs | Middletown, OH | 5-star | University of Minnesota
#35 Courtney Lane [ATH #11]: 5'11", 213lbs | Chickasha, OK | 5-star | University of South Florida
#36 Renaldo Blankenship [S #1]: 6'4", 207lbs | Stafford, TX | 5-star | University of Michigan
#37 Aaron Spurlock [DE #3]: 6'5", 259lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#38 Kyle Lewis [HB #6]: 5'10", 190lbs | Andrews, TX | 5-star | University of Southern California
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notable Florida Recruiting Commitments
#31 Tyler Golden [WR #10]: 6'3", 213lbs | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 5-star | University of Mississippi
#37 Aaron Spurlock [DE #3]: 6'5", 259lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | University of South Florida
#53 Michael Alexander [WR #13]: 6'1", 215lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#57 Martin Brown [ATH #16]: 6'3", 201lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | Florida International University
#70 Gary Roberts [G #1]: 6'5", 344lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Miami
#71 Vernon Utley [HB #8]: 6'0", 183lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#74 Justin Reid [CB #2]: 5'10", 160lbs | Cooper City, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#117 Walter Cobbs [WR #23]: 6'2", 204lbs | Longwood, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#119 E.J. Malloy [G #6]: 6'3", 310lbs | Safety Harbor, FL | 4-star | University of Alabama
#121 Jay Allen [WR #24]: 5'11", 171lbs | Coral Springs, FL | 4-star | Florida International University
#134 Jamaal Brooks [WR #27]: 5'10", 183lbs | North Fort Myers, FL | 4-star | University of Florida
#148 Richard Felder [WR #33]: 6'1", 200lbs | Fort Pierce, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#160 Jon Givens [DE #15]: 6'7", 242lbs | Plant City, FL | 4-star | University of Nebraska
#162 Alex Snyder [T #10]: 6'6", 312lbs | Sarasota, FL | 4-star | University of Southern California
#167 Travis Brooks [TE #5]: 6'4", 225lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
#170 Todd McMillan [WR #39]: 6'1", 193lbs | Lake Magdalene, FL | 4-star | University of Minnesota
#174 Josh Cole [QB #5]: 6'3", 194lbs | Carol City, FL | 4-star | University of Central Florida
#214 Dan Jacobs [TE #7]: 6'1", 255lbs | Warrington, FL | 4-star | Penn State University
#220 Marquis Odom [WR #50[: 6'3", 218lbs | Miami Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Mississippi
#224 Dustin Lowe [QB #10]: 6'5", 215lbs | Merritt Island, FL | 4-star | University of Louisiana - Lafayette
#250 Michael Walker [DT #7]: 6'5", 333lbs | New Smyrna Beach, FL | 4-star | University of Virginia
#280 Doug Fitzpatrick [HB #26]: 5'11", 215lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | University of Mississippi
#284 Lee Jones [OLB #12]: 6'2", 220lbs | Pembroke Pines, FL | 4-star | Florida State University
Miami, Texas A&M expected to make run at USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr.
Cooper Byrd -- Dynasty Sports Staff Writer
In the past week, both athletic directors for the University of Miami and Texas A&M have met with their respective head coaches regarding the state of their program. Ron English of Miami has four years left on his deal but with a 53-48 record, the fan base has grown impatient while the Aggies are coming off a 4-8 season in Jason Candle's fifth season and some high profile boosters are looking for a change prior to their re-entrance into the SEC.
A name that has been linked to both jobs, should they become available, is USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. Francois Sr. signed an extension last season but many close to the situation believe that with the graduation of his youngest son this winter at USF, Francois Sr. will "seriously entertain" other offers, something he hasn't done much in his seventeen seasons at USF.
Francois Sr. is from Miami while Texas A&M has the deep pockets needed to not only keep Francois as college football's highest paid coach but increase his lead.
"I think the Miami thing is real if they make a move [with Ron English]," said The Athletic Miami beat reporter Manny Navarro, "He's from the area, he has a home in Miami, it makes all the sense in the world for his second act be to bring this program back to relevance."
Bulls add local talent in American Heritage's Small, Venice's Hunter before start of recruiting dead period
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
USF has gone far and wide to load up their 2030 recruiting class but with the recruiting dead period on its away, they were able to stay in-state and land some quality developmental talent.
Three-star running back Terrance Small, who was current USF running back Pookie Harrell's backup in high school, and three-star defensive end Rick Hunter have both pledged commitments to the Bulls.
Small is the 60th ranked running back in the country and picked USF over Nebraska. Small's physical profile is similar to that of another former Bulls running back in Dion Rogers as both possess good size for the position and have posted impressive testing numbers. Small doesn't have the same wiggle to his game as Rogers though and could use some improvement in his vision and creativity as a ball carrier.
The lowest ranked recruit of the class thus far, Hunter likely has ways to go before he steps on the field as USF Bull. The first step will be deciding if he's a true defensive end or will he move on the inside as he's a very limited athlete. He's able to overpower high school tackles at Venice High School but that won't be the case in the SEC where he'll also be asked to set the edge as a defensive end and be able to make plays on the outside.
2030 USF Recruiting Class
OLB Adam Hughes [OLB #1]: 6'4", 230lbs | Redstone Arsenal, AL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 435 Bench Press Max, 555 Squat Max
HB/WR Courtney Lane [ATH #11]: 5'11", 213lbs | Chickasha, OK | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press Mx, 295 Squat Max
DE Aaron Spurlock [DE #3]: 6'5", 259lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | 4.56 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press Max, 620 Squat Max
HB Roger Shaw [ATH #20]: 6'2", 218lbs | Alhambra, CA | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 250 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
T Justin West [T #6]: 6'5", 288lbs | Pottsville, PA | 4-star | 4.96 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press Max, 645 Squat Max
CB Kareem Hunter [CB #5]: 5'9", 175lbs | Front Royal, VA | 4-star | 4.30 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 240 Squat Max
ILB Brent Pearson [ILB #9]: 6'0", 230lbs | Newport Beach, CA | 4-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 390 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
WR Brent Cunningham [WR #34]: 5'10", 176lbs | Waco, TX | 4-star | 4.34 40-yd dash, 240 Bench Press Max, 330 Squat Max
HB Terrance Small [HB #60]: 5'11", 197lbs | Plantation, FL | 3-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 410 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
P Adam Cain [P #5]: 6'4", 215lbs | Tamiami, FL | 3-star | 4.68 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press Max, 290 Squat Max
DE Rick Hunter [DE #92]: 6'1", 252lbs | Venice, FL | 3-star | 5.04 40-yd dash, 340 Bench Press Max, 585 Squat Max
2030 USF Recruiting Board
WR Chris Williams [WR #3]: 6'3", 214lbs | Juneau, AK | 5-star | USF, Rutgers
OLB Kelvin Davis [OLB #3]: 5'11", 211lbs | Dundalk, MD | 4-star | USF, Virginia Tech, Michigan State
DE Shawn Bell [DE #21]: 6'4", 240lbs | Merrillville, IN | 4-star | USF, Ohio State
DE Jerome Powell [DE #24]: 6'3", 252lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | USF, Auburn
T Lance Williams [T #11]: 6'8", 324lbs | San Jose, CA | 4-star | USF, Oregon, Minnesota, Navy, Michigan State
T Luis Butler [T #14]: 6'5", 312lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Wisconsin
G Zach Woods [G #18]: 6'3", 288lbs | Belvedere Park, GA | 4-star | USF, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Navy
QB Brandon Wilson [QB #17]: 6'2", 196lbs | Dallas, TX | 3-star | USF, Houston
HB Ron Jackson [HB #46]: 5'11", 218lbs | Lauderdale Lakes, FL | 3-star | UNC, Baylor, Pittsburgh, Utah, USF
SEC Championship Game Preview: vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Record: 11-1, 8-1 SEC
Head Coach: Kevin Sherrer (78-15 at Alabama, 7th year, 133-41)
Team Leaders
Passing: Steven Russell (1837 yards, 21 TD, 5 INT, 127.2 QB rating)
Rushing: Ashley Moore (1136 yards, 7.2 ypc, 7 TD)
Receiving: William Smith (49 receptions, 613 yards, 3 TD)
Defense: Logan Pitts (73 tackles, 23 TFL, 9.0 sacks)
Team Rankings
Points Per Game: 34th
Total Offense: 46th
Rushing Offense: 57th
Passing Offense: 47th
Total Defense: 4th
Rushing Defense: 3rd
Passing Defense: 16th
Turnover Differential: 3rd
Team Schedule
at #20 Georgia: W 37-21
vs. FCS: W 31-24
vs. Florida: W 24-21
vs. Akron: 27-7
at #8 Ole Miss: L 45-35
vs. Vanderbilt: W 35-10
vs. Tulane: W 31-7
at #13 Arkansas: W 48-17
vs. Tennessee: W 31-14
at LSU: W 20-0
vs. Mississippi State: W 42-18
vs. Auburn: W 24-21
Crimson Tide Bow Out at the End to USF 38-35
In a matchup between the nation's top defense, it's only right that the two teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense, 70 points including a 35-point fourth quarter.
And if we're talking offenses, it doesn't get much better than Antonio Whitehead's connection with Jean-Jacques Francois and Corey Montgomery and the Bulls cashed in on that connection with Montgomery's game winning, 33-yard touchdown with 41 seconds left that gave USF the SEC championship and will likely keep Alabama out of the final BCS national championship game.
USF was able to overcome two first half interceptions from Whitehead to go into the half up 17-14. Both defenses hunkered down and settled in the third quarter, allowing USF to go up 24-14 thanks to a Francois touchdown before the end of the quarter.
After the quiet third quarter, both offenses were well rested and ready for the fireworks of the fourth. They traded touchdown to open the fourth and after Alabama was able to score on their second Ashley Moore touchdown of the quarter, the defense forced a punt and set up true freshman Steven Russell's legacy drive, leading the Tide down the field with easy for the would-be game winning touchdown.
Whitehead and the Bulls had other plans however and after converting a 3rd-and-20 and the subsequent 4th-and-4 -- both on passes to Francois -- Whitehead got reacquainted with his favorite target on the 33-yard touchdown pass. Whitehead finished the game with 435 yards and four touchdowns on 51 pass attempts as the Tide were able to stuff their rushing attack early on.
Russell would be intercepted on the final drive to put a nail in the coffin in both the game and Alabama's hopes for a national championship.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[ALA] G. Phillips, 3 Yd pass from S. Russell (4:36)
[USF] J. Smith, 3 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (2:08)
Quarter 2
[USF] S. Davis, 40 Yd FG (6:47)
[ALA] W. Smith, 30 Yd pass from S. Russell (1:29)
[USF] J. Francois, 17 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (0:11)
Quarter 3
[USF] J. Francois, 24 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (1:40)
Quarter 4
[ALA] A. Moore, 6 Yd run (7:09)
[USF] A. Whitehead, 25 Yd run (5:07)
[ALA] A. Moore, 6 Yd run (2:40)
[ALA] E. Jones, 20 Yd pass from S. Russell (1:28)
[USF] C. Montgomery, 33 Yd pass from A. Whitehead (0:41)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #12 South Florida Bulls
QB Antonio Whitehead: 38 of 51, 435 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, sacked 5 times, 10 caries, -11 yards, touchdown.
HB E.J. Thomas: 8 carries, 46 yards.
HB Pookie Harrell: 7 carries, 37 yards.
TE Jean-Jacques Francois: 11 receptions, 114 yards, 2 touchdowns.
WR Corey Montgomery: 9 receptions, 109 yards, touchdown.
WR Jeremiah McCullough: 5 receptions, 105 yards.
WR Derrick Byrd: 5 receptions, 50 yards.
LB Greg Booth: 12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss.
DE B.J. Patton: 5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
CB Jay Burke: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, interception.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide
QB Steven Russell: 25 of 29, 335 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, sacked 4 times.
HB Ashley Moore: 25 carries, 191 yards,2 touchdowns, 6 receptions, 28 yards.
WR William Smith: 6 receptions, 143 yards, touchdown.
WR Steven Nelson: 6 receptions, 56 yards.
S Brandon Kramer: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
DB Brian Smart: 6 tackles, interception.
CB Bryan Beck: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, interception.
