Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 21 Nov 2025, 05:34

The JZA wrote:
21 Nov 2025, 01:02
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:shrug:

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by Soapy » 21 Nov 2025, 07:18

gotta love those low scoring games :blessed:

it was a non-conference game so we're good, go bulls
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 15:30

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UGLY WINS STILL COUNT
USF struggles with Florida A&M, puts them away in the second half
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Saturday September 18, 2027 | Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, Florida | 12:00PM

Tampa, Florida - It was supposed to be a tune-up. A chance to get ahead early, rest starters, and get younger Bulls some snaps. Instead, USF found itself locked in a far more uncomfortable first-half battle than anyone in green and gold expected.

Despite a 41–20 final score that looks comfortable on paper, the Bulls were pushed, tested, and repeatedly gashed on the ground by Florida A&M before pulling away late behind Locklan Hewlett’s sharp passing and a special teams spark.

Head coach DJ Porter didn’t hide from that reality afterward.

“We’ll take the win, but I’d hoped for a bit more lopsided of a game,” Porter said. “This was one where we expected to rotate more guys in, let some younger players get real reps. But we didn’t take control soon enough.”

USF’s early issues showed up immediately: missed run fits, poor tackling angles, and a defensive front that struggled to disengage from blocks. FAMU ran the ball 40 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns, consistently churning out manageable down-and-distance situations and extending drives. The Rattlers also won the time-of-possession battle in the first half and converted a strong 66% on third down for the game.

The Bulls’ offense hit its own early lull, leaning on short passing to move the chains but failing to create separation from the Rattlers until the late second quarter.

USF opened the scoring with a short Steven Snead touchdown run, but FAMU responded behind Blue Redmond’s 20-yard burst to tie the game. Hewlett pushed USF back in front with a 7-yard strike to Jordyn Bridgewater, but a FAMU field goal and a grinding late drive capped by Davon Wingate-Wilson’s goal-line score gave the Rattlers real momentum.

Then came the turning point.

Just 11 seconds after FAMU tied the game 17–17, David Igbinoghene took a kickoff 94 yards to the house, flipping the stadium’s energy and giving USF a jolt they desperately needed.

“That return changed everything,” Porter said. “We were flat. Dave woke us up.”

From there, the Bulls finally played like the heavy favorite. The defense tightened its run fits, allowing just three second-half points. Bridgewater added his second touchdown grab, George Shembo powered in another score, and Dawann Troup delivered the late knockout punch with a 56-yard bomb from Hewlett as time expired.

Hewlett was stellar in the role of stabilizer, completing 28 of 35 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Troup (116 yards), Tyler Williams (73 yards), and Daidren Zipperer (73 yards) each gave the Rattlers’ secondary problems throughout the afternoon. Williams missed most of the second half with an injury but is expected to be a full go next week.

On defense, Cedrick Hawkins (13 tackles), Eric Rance (12), and Nick Jones (7) were forced to do far more work in the box than expected. The trio combined for nine tackles for loss, helping USF finally slow down a FAMU rushing attack that dictated the game early.

“We had to bow up,” Hawkins said. “They came here ready. We weren’t matching their physicality at first, but we adjusted.”

Igbinoghene’s kickoff return touchdown wasn’t the only boost, he finished with 141 yards on three returns, averaging an electric 47.0 yards per attempt. Elton York also added solid field-position help with 13 punt-return yards and two strong kick returns.

Even in an uneven afternoon, the Bulls’ hidden-yardage advantage, 196 to 56 in the return game, proved decisive.

After the game, Porter didn’t sugarcoat the performance.

“We want to compete for championships,” he said. “Games like this? We can’t have slow starts. We can’t get out-toughed for a half. I’m glad we responded, but we’ve got to start faster.”

USF improves to 3–1 with the win, but the message was clear: there’s plenty to clean up before the schedule stiffens.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
(USF) Steven Snead, 2-yard run (Nico Gramatica kick), 4:52
Second Quarter
(FAMU) Blue Redmond, 20-yard run (Tommy Gaines kick), 8:24
(USF) Jordyn Bridgewater, 7-yard pass from Locklan Hewlett (Nico Gramatica kick), 6:07
(FAMU) Tommy Gaines, 49-yard FG, 2:35
(USF) David Igbinoghene, 94-yard kickoff return (Nico Gramatica kick), 2:24
(FAMU) Davon Wingate-Wilson, 2-yard run (Tommy Gaines kick), 0:24
Third Quarter
(USF) Jordyn Bridgewater, 5-yard pass from Locklan Hewlett (Nico Gramatica kick), 3:27
Fourth Quarter
(FAMU) Tommy Gaines, 47-yard FG, 5:15
(USF) George Shembo, 7-yard run (Nico Gramatica kick), 2:36
(USF) DaWann Troup, 56-yard pass from Locklan Hewlett, 0:00
USF Stat Leaders
Passing
L. Hewlett – 28/35, 355 Yds, 3 TD, 0 INT
J. Brantley – 1/1, –2 Yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing
G. Shembo – 6 Car, 26 Yds, 4.3 Avg, 1 TD
J. Brantley – 2 Car, 10 Yds, 5.0 Avg
L. Hewlett – 3 Car, 4 Yds, 1.3 Avg
S. Snead – 6 Car, 0 Yds, 0.0 Avg, 1 TD
Receiving
D. Troup – 5 Rec, 116 Yds, 23.2 Avg, 1 TD, Long 56
T. Williams – 5 Rec, 73 Yds, 14.6 Avg, Long 27
D. Zipperer – 8 Rec, 73 Yds, 9.1 Avg, Long 20
J. Bridgewater – 4 Rec, 36 Yds, 9.0 Avg, 2 TD
K. Michaels – 3 Rec, 31 Yds, 10.3 Avg
J. Stoneburner – 2 Rec, 14 Yds, 7.0 Avg
S. Snead – 2 Rec, 10 Yds, 5.0 Avg
Defense
C. Hawkins – 13 Tkl, 3 TFL
E. Rance – 12 Tkl, 3 TFL
N. Jones – 7 Tkl, 3 TFL
D. Exume – 6 Tkl, 3 TFL
J. Dalias – 4 Tkl
D. Felton – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL
M. Doyle – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL
D. McCormick – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL
D. Igbinoghene – 3 Tkl
J. Grant – 3 Tkl
I. Guy – 2 Tkl
I. Singleton – 2 Tkl
D. Zipperer – 2 Tkl
Special Teams
N. Gramatica – 5/5 XP, 0/0 FG
Kick Returns
D. Igbinoghene – 3 KR, 141 Yds, 47.0 Avg, Long 94, 1 TD
E. York – 2 KR, 42 Yds, 21.0 Avg, Long 22
Punt Returns
E. York – 1 PR, 13 Yds, 13.0 Avg
Boise State Stat Leaders
Passing
D. Wingate-Wilson – 9/14, 177 Yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing
B. Redmond – 19 Car, 52 Yds, 2.7 Avg, 1 TD
X. Craig – 9 Car, 38 Yds, 4.2 Avg
D. Wingate-Wilson – 10 Car, 23 Yds, 2.3 Avg, 1 TD
D. Chandler – 1 Car, 7 Yds, 7.0 Avg
Receiving
M. Norman – 2 Rec, 63 Yds, 31.5 Avg, Long 59
K. Sheffield – 3 Rec, 47 Yds, 15.6 Avg
B. Redmond – 2 Rec, 40 Yds, 20.0 Avg
J. Parrish Jr. – 1 Rec, 14 Yds
X. Craig – 1 Rec, 13 Yds
Defense
A. Spencer – 11 Tkl, 1 TFL
D. Berry – 9 Tkl
Q. Boozer – 8 Tkl, 2 TFL
J. Perriman – 6 Tkl
G. Oakley – 6 Tkl, 1 TFL
K. Longway – 5 Tkl
S. Guyton – 5 Tkl, 0.5 Sck
Z. Bowles – 5 Tkl
R. Willis – 5 Tkl, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sck
D. Galloway – 1 Tkl, 0.5 Sck
Special Teams
T. Gaines – 2/2 FG (Long 49), 2/2 XP
J. Gibbs – 2 Punts, 86 Yds, 43.0 Avg, 73 Net Yds, 1 Inside 20
J. Jeffery – 2 KR, 39 Yds, 19.5 Avg
K. Tolliver – 1 KR, 17 Yds
Team Stats Comparison
CategoryUSFFAMU
Score4120
First Downs2416
Total Offense393297
Total Plays5354
Yards Per Play7.45.5
Rush|Yards|TD17|40|240|120|2
Yards Per Rush2.43.0
Comp|Att|TD29|36|39|14|0
Yards Per Pass9.812.6
Passing Yards353177
3rd Down Conv.4|7 (57%)10|15 (66%)
4th Down Conv.2|2 (100%)0|1 (0%)
2 Pt Conv.0|0 (0%)0|0 (0%)
Red Zone TD|FG|%4|0|80%2|0|100%
Turnovers10 (+1)
Fumbles Lost10
Interceptions00
PR Yards130
KR Yards18356
Total Yards589353
Punts (Avg)0|0.02|43.0
Penalties1|10|0

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 15:38

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USF POSTGAME REPORT
USF 41 – FLORIDA A&M 20
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Offense
USF’s offense was explosive on paper, 393 total yards, 41 points, and a clean day from quarterback Locklan Hewlett, but the first half told a much different story. The Bulls struggled to create separation from FAMU, repeatedly stalling in key moments and failing to put the game out of reach early.
Hewlett was sharp throughout, finishing 28-of-35 for 355 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He found Jordyn Bridgewater twice in the endzone and connected with DaWann Troup for the exclamation point, a 56-yard strike as time expired.
Still, the run game never found traction. George Shembo led the team with 26 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown, but USF as a whole managed just 40 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Steven Snead scored the opening touchdown from two yards out, but was otherwise bottled for zero yards on six carries.
Eight different receivers recorded a catch, with Troup (116 yards), Tyler Williams (73 yards), and Daidren Zipperer (73 yards) leading the way. Despite the passing success, Porter made note that the offense didn’t truly seize control until the late third quarter.
Defense
USF’s defense bent early against an FAMU rush attack that gashed them for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 40 attempts. Missed fits, late pursuit angles, and inconsistent tackling plagued the Bulls throughout the first half, allowing the Rattlers to hang around far longer than expected. They tightened up in the second half, likely after a stern halftime discussion from Tony White and the defensive assistants.
Cedrick Hawkins (13 tackles, 3 TFL), Eric Rance (12 tackles, 3 TFL), Nick Jones (7 tackles, 3 TFL), and Dinellson Exume (6 tackles, 3 TFL) repeatedly knifed into the backfield in the second half, tightening the run defense enough for the offense to finally break the game open.
FAMU quarterback Davon Wingate-Wilson completed just nine passes, though two went for explosive gains.
The Bulls did not force a turnover but were disciplined and physical down the stretch, holding FAMU to just three second-half points.
Special Teams
USF’s special teams delivered the play of the afternoon when David Igbinoghene returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, a pivotal momentum swing immediately after an FAMU field goal.
Nico Gramatica was flawless on the day, going 5-for-5 on extra points. Punt returner Elton York added a 13-yard return, and though USF never punted, the coverage units were sharp throughout.
Quotables
Ugly wins still count. I’d hoped this one wouldn’t be so ugly. We wanted a chance to rotate more guys in, and we didn’t take care of business early enough to do that. That starts with me.” – DJ Porter, USF Head Coach.
We didn’t fit the run well in the first half, period. Credit to FAMU, they came at us. Once we settled down, we played to our standard.” – Eric Rance, Linebacker.
We know we can be sharper. The second half was who we want to be offensively.” – Locklan Hewlett, Quarterback.
Injury Notes
Starting center Teriyan Morman came away from the game with a foot injury. Team doctors have determined it to be a compound foot fracture and expect Morman to miss the remainder of the season. The junior may seek a medical redshirt.
WR Tyler Williams missed most of the second half of the game but is expected to be cleared for practice.
News
Hewlett’s 355 passing yards mark a new career high.
Next Up
USF will have the week off before opening American Conference play at Charlotte.
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 15:47

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
AMERICAN CONFERENCE REPORT

American Conference Standings
TeamW-LPCTCONFPFPADIFFMOVHOMEAWAYSTK
Florida Atlantic3-01.0001-0117506722.31-02-0W3
UTSA1-2.3331-010790175.70-11-1W1
North Texas2-1.6670-093524113.72-10-0W2
Memphis2-1.6670-09682144.70-12-0L1
Tulane2-1.6670-08284-2-0.70-12-0W1
Navy0-2.0000-12360-37-18.50-20-0L2
East Carolina1-1.5000-05862-4-2.01-10-0L1
UAB2-1.6670-0114753913.02-00-1L1
Temple1-2.3330-07381-8-2.71-00-2W1
USF3-1.7500-0114694511.32-01-1W1
Tulsa2-2.5000-011511500.02-00-2L2
Charlotte1-2.3330-0908910.31-10-1L1
Rice2-1.6670-07254186.01-11-0W1
Army0-2.0000-13369-36-18.00-20-0L2

American Conference Week 3 Scores
TCU 31, Army 17
Appalachian State 31, Charlotte 27
Georgia State 38, UAB 35
Florida Atlantic 27, FIU 24
USF 41, FCS Southeast 20
UTSA 38, Navy 8
Tulane 35, Wake Forest 31
North Texas 45, Wyoming 21
Rice 33, FCS Midwest 14
Memphis 31, Southern Miss 24
Hawai‘i 31, Tulsa 20
American Conference Players of the Week
Defensive: Joey Moehrig, SS #14 Rice | W 33–14 vs FCS Midwest | 6 TKL, 2 PBU, 1 FF
Offensive: Khalifa Keith, HB #31 Florida Atlantic | W 27–24 at FIU | 18 CAR, 97 YDS, 3 TD (5.4 AVG) | 4 REC, 37 YDS (9.3 AVG)
American Conference Week 4 Schedule
Tulsa at Temple
Charlotte at California
Memphis at #4 Oklahoma
East Carolina at #20 Pittsburgh
UTSA at UNLV
Florida Atlantic at Navy
Rice at North Texas
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 15:53

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Top 25 Media Poll
RankLWTeamW–LLast WeekThis Week
11Duke (45)2–0W 31–10 vs Western KentuckyLouisville
22Auburn (20)3–0W 55–10 vs Fresno State
34Notre Dame3–0W 31–17 at Michigan StateUL Monroe
45Oklahoma3–0W 41–21 vs San Diego StateMemphis
56Boston College3–0W 28–22 vs CincinnatiVirginia
67USC4–0W 45–3 vs IllinoisWisconsin
78Texas2–1W 38–28 at Ole Missat Alabama
89Penn State4–0W 48–14 at Wisconsin
910Utah2–0at Texas Tech
1011Oregon3–0W 34–6 vs Oregon StateIowa
1113Tennessee3–0W 45–14 vs Western Michigan
1214Michigan2–1W 56–20 vs Eastern Michigan
1315Miami2–1W 62–17 vs South Carolinaat Washington State
1416UCLA3–0W 24–18 at Iowaat Purdue
1517SMU2–1W 44–0 vs FCS SoutheastVirginia Tech
1618Georgia2–1W 33–14 vs Louisville
1719Kentucky2–0W 44–0 vs FCS SoutheastBall State
1820LSU3–0W 62–6 vs FCS Midwest
193Florida1–1L 31–28 vs Vanderbiltat Missouri
2021Pittsburgh2–0W 49–14 vs FCS SoutheastEast Carolina
2122BYU4–0W 38–24 at Arizona StateOregon State
2212Ohio State2–1L 52–20 vs Alabamaat Minnesota
2324Boise State3–0W 31–13 at MarshallFCS Southeast
24NRColorado3–0W 34–3 vs Northern Illinoisat 25 Iowa State
25NRIowa State4–0W 31–25 vs Houston24 Colorado
Others receiving votes:
Alabama 233, Nebraska 218, Florida Atlantic 123, NC State 100, North Texas 64, North Carolina 23, UConn 15, TCU 10
Dropped from rankings: Texas Tech 23, North Carolina 25
National Players of the Week
Defensive: Makari Vickers – CB – Colorado | W 34–3 vs Northern Illinois | 8 TKL, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 TD
Offensive: Akeem Fitzgerald – HB – Texas A&M | W 48–7 vs New Mexico | 25 CAR, 92 RUSH YDS, 3.7 AVG, 6 RUSH TD
Heisman Watch
Cody Hagen – WR – BYU | Last Game at Arizona State (W 38–24): 11 REC, 155 REC YDS, 14.1 AVG, 3 REC TD
Landon Roldan – WR – Georgia | Last Game vs Louisville (W 33–14): 8 REC, 131 REC YDS, 16.4 AVG, 1 REC TD
Trey Owens – QB – USC | Last Game vs Illinois (W 45–3): 27–37, 329 PASS YDS, 8.9 YPA, 4 PASS TD; 4 CAR, 8 RUSH YDS
Arch Manning – QB – Texas | Last Game at Ole Miss (W 38–28): 18–27, 249 PASS YDS, 9.2 YPA, 3 PASS TD; 14 CAR, 52 RUSH YDS, 1 FUM
Deuce Knight – QB – Auburn | Last Game vs Fresno State (W 55–10): 19–27, 318 PASS YDS, 11.8 YPA, 2 PASS TD; 20 CAR, 56 RUSH YDS
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 16:00

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
AMERICAN CONFERENCE REPORT

American Conference Standings
TeamW-LPCTCONFPFPADIFFMOVHOMEAWAYSTK
25 Florida Atlantic4-01.0002-0151817017.51-03-0W4
UTSA2-2.5001-0148111379.30-12-1W2
Tulsa3-2.6001-013813261.22-01-2W1
Rice3-1.7501-0110704010.01-12-0W2
North Texas2-2.5000-110990194.82-20-0L1
Tulane2-1.6670-08284-2-0.70-12-0W2
Memphis2-2.5000-0102103-1-0.30-12-1L2
East Carolina1-2.3330-08193-12-4.01-10-1L2
USF3-1.7500-0114694511.32-01-1W1
Temple1-3.2500-190104-14-3.51-10-2L1
UAB2-1.6670-0114753913.02-00-1L1
Navy0-3.0000-25494-40-13.30-30-0L3
Charlotte1-3.2500-0118120-2-0.51-10-2L2
Army0-2.0000-13369-36-18.00-20-0L2

American Conference Week 4 Scores
Tulsa 23, Temple 17
California 31, Charlotte 28
#3 Oklahoma 21, Memphis 6
#18 Pittsburgh 31, East Carolina 23
UTSA 41, UNLV 21
25 Florida Atlantic 34, Navy 31
Rice 38, North Texas 16
American Conference Players of the Week
Defensive: Trey Droughns, CB #19 Rice | W 38–16 at North Texas | 3 TKL, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 TD
Offensive: Emanuel Rome, QB #2 UTSA | W 41–21 at UNLV | 28–45, 383 PASS YDS, 8.5 YPA, 5 PASS TD; 9 CAR, 19 RUSH YDS
American Conference Week 5 Schedule
Air Force at Navy
Georgia State at East Carolina
Rice at Army
Memphis at Tulane
UAB at Temple
25 Florida Atlantic at Missouri
Texas State at UTSA
North Texas at San Jose State
USF at Charlotte
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 16:03

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Top 25 Media Poll
RankLWTeamW–LLast WeekThis Week
12Auburn (36)3–0W 52–10 vs UL Monroe6 Texas
23Notre Dame (4)4–0W 52–10 vs UL MonroeGeorgia Tech
34Oklahoma (43)4–0W 21–6 vs Memphisat Vanderbilt
45Boston College4–0W 37–29 vs VirginiaStanford
56USC5–0W 24–19 vs Wisconsinat Maryland
67Texas3–1W 33–21 at Alabamaat 1 Auburn
78Penn State4–0
89Utah3–0W 35–30 at Texas Techat Arizona State
910Oregon4–0W 35–21 vs Iowa
1011Tennessee3–0at 16 LSU
1112Michigan2–1W 49–21 at Washington Stateat Indiana
1213Miami3–1W 49–21 at Washington Stateat Florida State
1314UCLA4–0W 50–28 at PurdueNorthwestern
1416Georgia2–1Texas A&M
1517Kentucky3–0W 44–9 vs Ball Stateat South Carolina
1618LSU3–010 Tennessee
171Duke2–1L 37–20 vs LouisvilleFCS Midwest
1820Pittsburgh3–0W 31–23 vs East Carolinaat Syracuse
1921BYU5–0W 20–17 vs Oregon State
2022Ohio State3–1W 35–17 at Minnesota
2123Boise State4–0W 41–17 vs FCS Southeastat Arkansas
2224Colorado4–0W 52–28 at Iowa Stateat Houston
23NRNebraska3–0W 44–10 vs Northern Illinoisat Wisconsin
24NRNC State4–0Louisiana Tech
25NRFlorida Atlantic4–0W 34–31 at Navyat Missouri
Others receiving votes:
North Carolina 120, UConn 104, SMU 103, TCU 78, Florida 66, Missouri 52, Iowa State 41, Alabama 37, UCF 33
Dropped from rankings: SMU 15, Florida 19, Iowa State 25
National Players of the Week
Defensive: Trey Droughns – CB – Rice | W 38–16 at North Texas | 3 TKL, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 TD
Offensive: Jaylen Mbakwe – WR – Clemson | W 38–24 vs Stanford | 11 REC, 175 REC YDS, 15.9 AVG, 4 REC TD
Heisman Watch
Cody Hagen – WR – BYU | Last Game vs Oregon State (W 20–17): 8 REC, 116 REC YDS, 14.5 AVG, 2 REC TD
Trey Owens – QB – USC | Last Game vs Wisconsin (W 24–19): 29–45, 348 PASS YDS, 7.7 YPA, 1 PASS TD; 8 CAR, 0 RUSH YDS, 1 RUSH TD
Manny Bomar – QB – Miami | Last Game at Washington State (W 49–21): 22–33, 232 PASS YDS, 7.0 YPA, 5 PASS TD; 6 CAR, 86 RUSH YDS
Arch Manning – QB – Texas | Last Game at Alabama (W 33–21): 20–31, 263 PASS YDS, 8.5 YPA, 3 PASS TD; 7 CAR, 34 RUSH YDS
Micah Hudson – WR – Texas Tech | Last Game vs 8 Utah (L 35–30): 5 REC, 86 REC YDS, 17.2 AVG, 2 REC TD
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 22 Nov 2025, 19:07

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USF RECRUITING REPORT
BULLS LAND FIRST RECRUIT OF THE PORTER ERA IN LOCAL WR DAKOTA SMITH
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Head coach DJ Porter and the USF Bulls secured a major early recruiting victory this week with the verbal commitment of Dakota Smith, a versatile 3-star wide receiver out of Tampa, Florida. Rated No. 468 nationally and No. 80 at his position, Smith brings an intriguing blend of speed, acceleration, and playmaking upside that fits perfectly within Porter’s growing offensive identity.

Smith, a 6'1", 177-pound versatile playmaker, chose USF over interest from several regional programs, a win made even sweeter given the Bulls’ renewed focus on locking down elite local talent. His decision hinged heavily on playing style and a chance to make an impact early, two categories that swung the recruitment firmly in the Bulls’ favor.

Smith boasts elite acceleration and impressive route versatility, with high marks in short and medium routes, along with solid hands and traffic ability. His adaptability makes him a natural fit for the Bulls’ offense, where mismatches and movement are at a premium.

At the high school level, Smith has been a spark plug for the Marauders, thriving as a hybrid receiver, motion threat, and open-field weapon. His high-motor style and knack for creating yards after the catch mirror the exact traits Coach Porter has emphasized in building USF’s offensive foundation.

“Dakota is the kind of player who changes the geometry of a defense,” a staff source said. “You can line him up anywhere, and the defense has to account for him.”

With Smith now locked in as the Bulls’ first commitment of the cycle, USF continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail and Tampa keeps one of its most exciting young athletes right at home.

Expect Smith to compete early once he arrives on campus, with a clear path to earning touches in a growing, explosive Bulls offense.
-In other recruiting news it appears that USF and UCF are locked in a fierce battle for Tampa safety Immanuel Kush, who currently has UCF listed ahead of USF. Kush is scheduled to visit Tampa for the Bulls' matchup against East Carolina.
-Davenport, FL offensive tackle Jabari Kiwanuka has reportedly taken USF off his list, citing playing style for his decision. He lists Florida and Old Dominion as his top schools currently. Kissimmee's Mychal Neilon, also an offensive tackle, cited the same reason when he told USF "thanks, but no thanks" this week as well.
Class of 2028
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Smith
Dakota
WR
HS
:threestar:
468
60
80
6'1”
177
Tampa, FL

Current Targets
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Stage
Top Schools
Kush
Immauel
SS
HS
:threestar:
494
65
10
6'0”
201
Tampa, FL
Top 2
UCF, USF
Hurns
Grant
DT
HS
:threestar:
500
11
27
6'1”
294
Flossmoor, IL
Top 3
USF, Temple, Fresno St
Doubs
Jacques
DT
HS
:threestar:
547
34
32
6'5”
301
Cartersville, GA
Top 5
USF, NIU, UAB
Peppers
Tyrone
DT
HS
:threestar:
584
8
34
6'3”
304
Saint Louis, MO
Top 3
USF, NIU, Louisiana
Tuten
Tyler
RG
HS
:threestar:
643
81
48
6'1”
307
Vero Beach, FL
Top 5
USF, Troy, CCar
Traore
Peter
SAM
HS
:threestar:
719
87
56
6'3”
230
Dunnellon, FL
Top 3
USF, UCF, Wake
Sowells
Jahzir
DT
HS
:threestar:
816
61
44
6'4”
290
Carrolton, GA
Top 8
USF, Hawaii, Fresno St
Bragg
Dom
K
HS
:threestar:
922
105
7
5'11”
166
Ocala, FL
Top 8
USF, FSU, App State
Terrell
Lonnie
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
938
108
54
6'3”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Top 8
USF, ODU, Illinois
Lanovoi
Stanley
ATH
HS
:threestar:
966
110
21
6'1”
307
Jacksonville, FL
Top 8
USF, Buffalo, UCF
Michelle
Kyle
WR
HS
:threestar:
975
111
168
6'4”
188
Bradenton, FL
Top 8
USF, SDSU, ODU
Isaac
Sergio
TE
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1120
131
59
6'6”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Top 10
USF, Minnesota, FAU
Sauer
Enrique
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1163
135
73
6'2”
230
Bradenton, FL
Top 8
USF, UGA, Illinois
Lorenz
Enrique
RT
HS
:threestar:
1249
31
87
6'4”
315
Southfield, MI
Top 8
USF, UTEP, Buffalo
Cantwell
Rodney
WILL
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1270
148
97
6'0”
206
Winter Park, FL
Top 8
UCF, Wake, USF
Ellington
Quincey
DT
HS
:threestar:
1327
21
73
6'3”
292
Chandler, AZ
Top 8
Fresno St, UCF, USF
Swayne
Barry
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1338
157
81
5'11”
218
Winter Garden, FL
Top 5
Army, Ccar, USF
Barr
Josh
WR
HS
:threestar:
1474
171
274
6'1”
186
Bradenton, FL
Top 8
USF, SDSU, ODU
Brents
Keon
ATH
HS
:threestar:
1533
183
99
6'3”
228
Orlando, FL
Top 8
USF, TAMU, Illinois
Johnson
Ray
WR
HS
:threestar:
1556
186
284
6'3”
193
Bradenton, FL
Top 10
USF, UF, FAU
Nkwenti
Akeem
DT
HS
:threestar:
1627
194
83
6'0”
303
Pensacola, FL
Top 8
Wake, USF, App State
Cherry
Kenya
WR
HS
:threestar:
1705
205
308
6'1”
165
Sarasota, FL
Top 8
USF, SDSU, ODU

Targets Missed
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Reason
Signed With
Kiwanuka
Jabari
RT
HS
:threestar:
1217
143
83
6'6”
293
Davenport, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
Neilon
Mychal
RT
HS
:threestar:
1464
169
99
6'7”
313
Kissimmee, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
User avatar

redsox907
Posts: 5624
Joined: 01 Jun 2025, 12:40

Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by redsox907 » 22 Nov 2025, 21:16

top 500 recruit :blessed:
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