Bulls are Still Undefeated as They Edge Out Alabama 35-28
On a field littered with four and five star talents, it was an undersized, three-star cornerback out of Winter Haven that shined the brightest.
USF's Corey Johnson, after getting beat early in the game for an touchdown, intercepted the ball twice in the fourth quarter, once to end Alabama's drive and set up USF's go ahead touchdown and the other to put the nail in the coffin as the Bulls downed Alabama 35-28.
Michael Moses had gotten behind Johnson with 3:15 left in the first quarter to go up 14-0. Riley Hall would go deep once more, this time to Vincent Little to extend their lead to twenty-one points.
After a quality return on the ensuing kickoff, USF used the short field to score their first points. On the next possession, it was the wind that helped USF shrink the lead as a missed field goal by Alabama would be returned 105 yards by Malcolm Francois Jr for a touchdown. Alabama had no problem getting right back in the red zone, only for Hall to throw his first of three interceptions. Jed White went to work, scoring on a six-yard touchdown before the end of the half to make it a tie game.
Both defenses had better showings in the second half with Alabama being the only one to score in the third quarter on a 26-yard touchdown pass. The fourth quarter was all USF however.
After an early touchdown by Jason Finley to tie the game, Alabama's offense just couldn't find the next gear. USF had a chance to take the lead but after being stopped on third down, the team opted to kick a field goal, only for it go wide left. Hall and the Alabama returned to their first half form, matriculating down the field with ease and were well within field goal range when head coach Kevin Sherrer decided to keep being aggressive, throwing the ball and not huddling. It would cost them dearly as Johnson would jump in front of pass, intercepting Hall and giving USF the ball back with a chance to win the game.
White and the Bulls methodically went down the field before White's nine-yard score and game winning touchdown.
Hall's Hail Mary attempt would be intercepted by Johnson.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[ALA] R. Hall, 2 Yd run (6:23)
[ALA] M. Moses, 69 Yd pass from R. Hall (3:15)
Quarter 2
[ALA] V. Little, 40 Yd pass from R. Hall (6:36)
[USF] J. Barbour, 38 Yd pass from J. White (6:22)
[USF] M. Francois Jr, returned fumble 105 Yds (4:25)
[USF] J. White, 6 Yd run (0:47)
Quarter 3
[ALA] M. Anderson, 26 Yd pass from R. Hall (2:23)
Quarter 4
[USF] J. Finley, 1 Yd run (7:48)
[USF] J. White, 9 Yd run (0:17)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Jed White: 22 of 34, 286 yards, touchdown, interception, 20 carries, 128 yards, 2 touchdowns.
HB Jason Finley: 16 carries, 29 yards, touchdown.
WR Jason Barbour: 4 receptions, 67 yards, touchdown.
TE J.J. Francois: 4 receptions, 65 yards.
WR Malcolm Francois Jr: 3 receptions, 48 yards.
TE Vincent Everett: 3 receptions, 36 yards.
S Paul Williams: 12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss.
CB Corey Johnson: 4 tackles, 2 interceptions.
#9 Alabama Crimson Tide
QB Riley Hall: 35 of 47, 478 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 11 carries, 49 yards, touchdown.
HB Christian Morgan: 7 carries, 15 yards, 9 receptions, 61 yards.
WR Vincent Little: 9 receptions, 163 yards, touchdown.
TE Joseph Hall: 8 receptions, 78 yards.
WR Michael Moses: 5 receptions, 135 yards, touchdown.
S Jordan Jones: 10 tackles, tackle for loss.
CB Jerry Lawson: 6 tackles, interception.
DE George Banks: 3 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
USF strike out on WR Alexis Myers, OT Travis Smith as big recruiting weekend nears
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Five-star Naples wide receiver Alexis Myers had committed to the University of Nebraska over offers from USF, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan.
The sixth ranked receiver according to 247 Sports, Myers' commitment comes to no surprise to Bulls fan nor their coaching staff and neither did four-star offensive tackle Travis Smith's commitment to the University of Minnesota.
While expected, the news is no less of a tough pill to swallow as the Bulls are nearing the second half of the recruiting cycle with just one commitment in cornerback Jay Burke.
This could and should change soon however as the Bulls are now just a few weeks away from their big recruiting weekend when they will host several top recruits such as five-stars Jeremiah McCullough and Corey Montgomery as well as the Armwood duo of quarterback Antonio Whitehead and wide receiver Paul Wilson.
The Bulls have extended offers to specialists Sheldon Davis and Spencer Quinn, two kickers out of Alabama and Florida respectively. Davis is the fifth ranked kicker in the class while Quinn is the 23rd. The offers could be a sign that punter Fred Ward, who the team was recruiting as both a kicker and punter, could be committing elsewhere. Western Kentucky is considered the favorite.
2027 USF Recruiting Class
CB Jay Burke [CB #3]: 5'11", 191lbs | Bloomingdale, TN | 4-star | 4.30 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
2027 USF Recruiting Board
DB Jeremiah McCullough [ATH #3]: 5'11", 180lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State, USF, Miami, UCF
ATH Corey Montgomery [ATH #4]: 6'1", 205lbs | Coconut Creek, FL | 5-star | USF, Georgia, Ole Miss
WR Sean Olsen [WR #5]: 5'11", 186lbs | Redstone Arsenal, AL | 5-star | USF, Vanderbilt
T Tim Prater [T #1]: 6'5", 273lbs | Douglasville, GA | 4-star | Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, USF
G Nick Matthews [G #2]: 6'2", 279lbs | Mission Bend, TX | 4-star | Michigan, Wisconsin, USF
DE Nate Stewart [DE #3]: 6'4", 264lbs | Powder Springs, GA | 4-star | Auburn, USF, Ole Miss
DE Justin Young [DE #6]: 6'4", 246lbs | Monessen, PA | 4-star | USF, Ole Miss
QB Antonio Whitehead [QB #5]: 5'11", 212lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Clemson, Louisville
ATH Derrick Byrd [ATH #12]: 6'4", 211lbs | Lanett, AL | 4-star | Ohio State, USF
OLB Greg Booth [OLB #18]: 6'1", 225lbs | Wylie, TX | 4-star | Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Georgia, USF
WR Paul Wilson [WR #13]: 6'0", 193lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Clemson, Georgia Tech, USF, Miami
T Jim Weisbecker [T #79]: 6'4", 310lbs | Jacinto City, TX | 3-star | USF, Virginia Tech
T Carlos Smith [T #92]: 6'6", 298lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | FIU, USF, Miami
K Sheldon Davis [K #5]: 6'1", 205lbs | Russellville, AL | 3-star | Auburn, Florida State, Florida, Miami
P Fred Ward [P #10]: 6'0", 234lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 3-star | FAU, LA Tech, Miami of Ohio, Army, UCF, USF
---------------------------------
WR Ricky Bradford [ATH #6]: 6'7", 218lbs | Houma, LA | 5-star | Committed to Texas
WR Alexis Myers [WR #6]: 6'1", 199lbs | Naples, FL | 5-star | Committed to Nebraska
G Bubba Wynn [G #4]: 6'0", 291lbs | Hallandale, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oklahoma
T Travis Smith [T #6]: 6'7", 317lbs | Harrisburg, PA | 4-star | Committed to Minnesota
HB Derrick Wood [HB #3]: 6'1", 196lbs | Seguin, TX | 5-star | Navy, Colorado, BYU
Team Schedule
vs. Missouri: W 31-19
vs. Marshall: W 34-3
at Penn State: W 38-10
vs. #12 Michigan: W 28-17
at #18 Iowa: W 49-26
at Northwestern: W 63-17
USF QB White's comments on IG Live goes viral ahead of game vs. Minnesota
Johnny Murray -- The Tampa Bay Times Sports Columnist
If the stakes of two undefeated, top three teams facing off weren't high enough, USF quarterback Jed White's comments on social media have certainly escalated matter.
During an Instagram live video where White was interacting with fans on Thursday, he reacted to a comment one of the viewers posted, advising him to stop the IG Live and instead focus on their upcoming against number three ranked Minnesota.
"We ain't losing to no [expletive] from [expletive] Minnesota," White is seen laughing before speaking to someone that is off screen, presumably a teammate, "You hear this [expletive]? I mean yeah they got some dudes but come on, man. I don't want to hear that.....nah.....you bugging."
It didn't take long for someone to take a recording of White's comments and post it on Twitter, which was quickly aggregated by Minnesota's SB Nation affiliate. As expected, several Minnesota players replied, some cryptic while others replied directly to the SB Nation post. Senior defensive end Jamal Taylor replied "keep that same energy" while quarterback James Lewis posted a pair of laughing emojis.
White nor USF have commented on the matter since. The two teams play this Saturday in Minnesota.
Defense Optional as Bulls Undefeated Tour Moves Through Minneapolis 59-41
When you want something done right, you do it yourself. In the case of USF head coach Malcolm Francois Sr, you get your sons to do it.
Malcolm Francois Jr.'s 88-yard touchdown and 103 yard field goal return helped turn the tide as Pierre Francois' pick six completely shifted the tone of the game as the Bulls rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Minnesota Gophers 59-41 and keep their undefeated season alive.
The Gophers had jumped out to an early 14-3 lead and kept stride for stride with the Bulls offense once they got going with both teams scoring on eight straight possessions to end the first half with Minnesota leading 35-31.
Minnesota had a chance to extend their lead on the first drive of the second half but as the long field goal fell short, Francois Jr. was able to field it and bring it back for six, going the length of the field and some more. The Gophers, led by quarterback James Lewis who threw for 459 yards, made their second big mistake of the night on the ensuing possession as Pierre Francois was able to diagnose the smoke screen and jumped the route before finding the endzone.
Francois Jr. would score once more in the fourth quarter, his third touchdown of the day, to helps seal the win.
It was a banner performance from USF QB Jed White, who overcame two first half interceptions to throw for 422 yards and four touchdowns. He accounted for all but 84 yards of the Bulls 588 yards of total offense.
---------------------------------------------------------------- Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[USF] K. Justice, 40 Yd FG (6:20)
[MINN] L. Brown, 72 Yd pass from J. Lewis (3:13)
[MINN] L. Stanley, 9 Yd run (1:41)
Quarter 2
[USF] J. Dickson, 1 Yd run (7:58)
[MINN] J. Stanley, 3 Yd run (6:59)
[USF] J. White, 8 Yd run (5:09)
[MINN] J. Stanley, 14 Yd run (1:42)
[USF] M. Francois Jr, 88 Yd pass from J. White (1:24)
[MINN] J. Curry, 3 Yd pass from J. Lewis (0:38)
[USF] J. Dickson, 1 Yd run (0:13)
Quarter 3
[USF] M. Francois Jr, returned field goal 103 Yds (5:57)
[USF] P. Francois, returned interception 27 Yds (2:34)
[USF] V. Everett, 15 Yd pass from J. White (0:14)
Quarter 4
[USF] M. Francois Jr, 7 Yd pass from J. White (4:41)
[MINN] M. Madsen, 50 Yd pass from J. Lewis -- 2pt failed (3:38)
---------------------------------------------------------------- #1 South Florida Bulls
QB Jed White: 27 of 41, 422 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 20 carries, 82 yards, touchdown.
HB Jason Finley: 9 carries, 48 yards.
HB Ronnie Smith: 9 carries, 35 yards.
WR Malcolm Francois Jr: 9 receptions, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns.
TE Vincent Everett: 5 receptions, 93 yards, 3 touchdowns.
WR Darius Downs: 4 receptions, 46 yards.
WR Jason Barbour: 2 receptions, 29 yards.
S Paul Williams: 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
CB Pierre Francois: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, interception.
DE Kyle Swain: 3 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks.
#3 Minnesota Gophers
QB James Lewis: 32 of 44, 459 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, 12 carries, 29 yards.
HB Jack Stanley: 18 carries, 80 yards, 3 touchdowns.
WR George Ostrander: 9 receptions, 83 yards.
WR Matt Madsen: 7 receptions, 128 yards, touchdown.
WR Leon Brown: 5 receptions, 127 yards, touchdown.
WR Josh Curry: 3 receptions, 54 yards, touchdown.
S Anthony Jones: 12 tackles, tackle for loss.
CB Darin Stevenson: 5 tackles, interception.
LB Justin Woods: 4 tackles, interception.
DE Jamal Taylor: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 3 sacks.
Negative trend continues as top-ranked tackle Tim Prater releases top four without Bulls
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
Four-star offensive tackle Tim Prater out of Douglasville, Georgia has released an updated top four which included Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Alabama.
Not included were the Bulls who at one point were considered a favorite to land the six-foot-five prospect but as the cycle went on, it became clearer and clearer that this was no longer the case.
The news came the same week that three-star punter Fred Ward, another USF target, committed to Western Kentucky. A talented specialist, it was known for a while now that the Bulls had focused their efforts elsewhere as Ward was not keen on having double duty as both a kicker and a punter.
While the Ward commitment is far from a back breaker, it does continue a trend as the Bulls haven't been able to put the finishing touch and are currently ranked 111th in the 247 team composite rankings,
2027 USF Recruiting Class
CB Jay Burke [CB #3]: 5'11", 191lbs | Bloomingdale, TN | 4-star | 4.30 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press Max, 265 Squat Max
2027 USF Recruiting Board
DB Jeremiah McCullough [ATH #3]: 5'11", 180lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | Florida State, USF, Miami, UCF
ATH Corey Montgomery [ATH #4]: 6'1", 205lbs | Coconut Creek, FL | 5-star | USF, Georgia, Ole Miss
WR Sean Olsen [WR #5]: 5'11", 186lbs | Redstone Arsenal, AL | 5-star | USF, Vanderbilt
G Nick Matthews [G #2]: 6'2", 279lbs | Mission Bend, TX | 4-star | Michigan, Wisconsin, USF
DE Nate Stewart [DE #3]: 6'4", 264lbs | Powder Springs, GA | 4-star | Auburn, USF, Ole Miss
DE Justin Young [DE #6]: 6'4", 246lbs | Monessen, PA | 4-star | USF, Ole Miss
QB Antonio Whitehead [QB #5]: 5'11", 212lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | USF, Clemson, Louisville
ATH Derrick Byrd [ATH #12]: 6'4", 211lbs | Lanett, AL | 4-star | Ohio State, USF
OLB Greg Booth [OLB #18]: 6'1", 225lbs | Wylie, TX | 4-star | Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Georgia, USF
WR Paul Wilson [WR #13]: 6'0", 193lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | Clemson, Georgia Tech, USF, Miami
T Jim Weisbecker [T #79]: 6'4", 310lbs | Jacinto City, TX | 3-star | USF, Virginia Tech
T Carlos Smith [T #92]: 6'6", 298lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | FIU, USF, Miami
K Sheldon Davis [K #5]: 6'1", 205lbs | Russellville, AL | 3-star | Auburn, Florida State, Florida, Miami
---------------------------------
WR Ricky Bradford [ATH #6]: 6'7", 218lbs | Houma, LA | 5-star | Committed to Texas
WR Alexis Myers [WR #6]: 6'1", 199lbs | Naples, FL | 5-star | Committed to Nebraska
G Bubba Wynn [G #4]: 6'0", 291lbs | Hallandale, FL | 4-star | Committed to Oklahoma
T Travis Smith [T #6]: 6'7", 317lbs | Harrisburg, PA | 4-star | Committed to Minnesota
P Fred Ward [P #10]: 6'0", 234lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 3-star | Committed to Western Kentucky
HB Derrick Wood [HB #3]: 6'1", 196lbs | Seguin, TX | 5-star | Navy, Colorado, BYU
T Tim Prater [T #1]: 6'5", 273lbs | Douglasville, GA | 4-star | Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame
Recruiting Class in Review: Class of 2023 could have been an all-time great class, why wasn't it?
Eddie Fernandez -- 247 Sports USF Insider
With three five-stars, a star quarterback, a highly ranked offensive lineman and two of the best defensive backs in the country that cycle, the ingredients were there for an absolute loaded class.
While it ended up being a very strong class, when compared to the 2016, 2019, 2020 and even 2021, it just doesn't quite past that sniff test when on paper, it was just as good coming in.
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.
2023 USF Bulls Recruiting Class
HB David Fuller [HB #3]: 6'0", 205lbs | Mableton, GA | 5-star | 4.44 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 330 Squat
Career Stats » 405 carries, 2417 yards, 13 touchdowns.
Analysis » When healthy, Fuller was one of the best backs in the Big 12 if not the nation. The only issue? This was only the case in 2024 when he rushed for over 1,300 yards. Outside of that season, he's missed multiple games every other season including his freshman and senior season where he missed the majority of the season. It's a complicated legacy for Fuller whose injury history stopped him from being a legit star player.
Grade » 4-star
HB Derrick Green [HB #4]: 5'11", 205lbs | Schriever, LA | 5-star | 4.48 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 330 Squat
Career Stats » 329 carries, 1948 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Analysis » Similar to Fuller, Green has dealt with injury issues as well, missing games his last three seasons before his senior season was cut short just eighteen carries in. Unlike Fuller, Green never had his moment in the sun as the team's feature back and instead was always part of a rotation. He was a solid player when healthy but ultimately, injuries got in the way.
Grade » 3-star
OLB Travis Hughes [OLB #1]: 6'5", 211lbs | Miami, FL | 5-star | 4.54 40-yd dash, 380 Bench Press, 580 Squat
Career Stats » 355 tackles, 88 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 11 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 17 pass breakups, forced fumble, fumble recovery, safety.
Analysis » A strong case could be made that Hughes is not only the best linebacker in school history but the best defensive player ever and possibly, on the Mount Rushmore of school greats with the likes of Zac White, Franklin Sapp, William Stone, Troy Henry and Michael Harrell. To average over 100 tackles a season and finish with 10+ sacks and interceptions, each, is absurd.
Grade » 5-star
DB Jake Lott [ATH #21]: 6'1", 205lbs | Dyersburg, TN | 4-star | 4.42 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press, 325 Squat
Career Stats » 186 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, 13 pass breakups.
Analysis » Unlike Hughes who splashed onto the scene as a great player, Lott's development is the one you want to see from star recruits that get on the field maybe a year too early. He was good as a freshman, very good as a sophomore and elite as a senior, leading the team in interceptions and making big time plays to earn that fifth star.
Grade » 5-star
QB Nick Williams [QB #4]: 6'5", 205lbs | Orlando, FL | 4-star | 4.74 40-yd dash, 295 Bench Press, 265 Squat
Career Stats » 358 of 540, 4829 yards, 43 touchdowns, 12 interceptions.
Analysis » William was here for a good time, not a long time. After redshirting his first year and being a third stringer his second, Williams catapulted into not just a starter as a redshirt sophomore and broke single season school records in his lone season. He's somewhere between a four and a five-star but given that his name is in the record books, go and take a bow young man as you receive your fifth star.
Grade » 5-star
CB Sid Robinson [CB #4]: 6'1", 181lbs | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 255 Bench Press, 265 Squat
Career Stats » 157 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 10 interceptions, 13 pass breakups.
Analysis » Robinson has had a roller coaster of a career at USF. He impressed as a freshman and a sophomore as the fifth defensive back in the Bulls 3-3-5 defense but last season, he was asked to play boundary corner and got benched due to being beat a few times. He managed to make plays on the ball and still recorded five interceptions and this season, he's improved drastically in coverage and doesn't allow as many big plays.
Grade » 4-star
WR Shane Peterson [WR #26]: 6'0", 183lbs | Pensacola, FL | 4-star | 4.46 40-yd dash, 305 Bench Press, 270 Squat
Career Stats » 50 receptions, 575 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Analysis » After showing flashes his sophomore season, averaging 14 yards per reception, Peterson was able to get on the field as a junior due to Malcolm Francois Jr's knee injury and had over 300 yards receiving. Since Francois Jr's return, Peterson had just one catch on the year and the wide receiver rotation in general has been a bit more stagnant.
Grade » 2-star
G Bobby Davis [G #8]: 6'2", 309lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 440 Bench Press, 595 Squat
Career Stats » 6 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed.
Analysis » It took until his redshirt junior season for Davis to get on the field which is disappointing considering his high recruiting ranking and the Bulls struggles along the offensive line. He's been solid, not great, but has helped them stabilized the left side of their offensive line, especially in the running game. We'll see in his redshirt senior season if he's able to take that next step.
Grade » 2-star
WR David Ryan [WR #31]: 6'1", 208lbs | Miami, FL | 4-star | 4.38 40-yd dash, 259 Bench Press, 220 Squat
Career Stats » 8 receptions, 106 yards, touchdown.
Analysis » Ryan had all the physical tools to be a good receiver, especially in the offense that head coach Malcolm Francois Sr. was running which emphasized the ability to take a short pass and take it 70 yards. Unfortunately, he was stuck behind some pretty talented receivers and never got on the field.
Grade » 1-star
ILB Dallas Gross [LB #22]: 6'0", 234lbs | Tampa, FL | 4-star | 4.76 40-yd dash, 420 Bench Press, 655 Squat
Career Stats » 332 tackles, 71 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 6 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 14 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, fumble recovery.
Analysis » The one year that Hughes did not sweep the CFB awards, it was his buddy Dallas Gross that did the favors. Gross was a day-one starter and if not for Hughes, could stake claim as being the best linebacker in school history and is certainly the best inside linebacker in school history.
Grade » 5-star
CB Corey Johnson [CB #11]: 5'11", 179lbs | Winter Haven, FL | 4-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 245 Bench Press, 240 Squat
Career Stats » 89 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 9 interceptions, 5 pass breakups.
Analysis » Another testatement to the Bulls ability to develop defensive backs, Johnson went from a special teams player as a freshman, spent his sophomore season just learning to play safety, did well there as a junior and as a senior, he's now back to corner and is having a pretty good season albeit a few coverage blunders here and there.
Grade » 4-star
T Darryl Williams [T #14]: 6'8", 287lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 455 Bench Press, 595 Squat
Career Stats » 7 pancakes, 8 sacks allowed.
Analysis » A starter his redshirt sophomore season, Williams has flipped from left tackle to right tackle and he's had a few down moments and is far from an elite offensive tackle. He has another year of eligibility left but for now, Williams is nothing more or less from just a solid option at tackle.
Grade » 3-star
ATH Ryne Fox [ATH #51]: 6'5", 265lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | 4.90 40-yd dash, 360 Bench Press, 335 Squat
Career Stats » 21 carries, 73 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Analysis » Fox transferred to Jackson State for his senior season and prior to that, he was a non-factor. The coaching staff is partly to blame as they never found the right position for him, switching from tight end to fullback and when Walt Wells took over as OC, he just had no use for Fox in his offense.
Grade » 1-star
DT Gary Griffin [DT #35]: 6'6", 265lbs | Marathon, FL | 3-star | 5.14 40-yd dash, 370 Bench Press, 610 Squat
Career Stats » None at USF, 80 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks at UAB
Analysis » Since transferring to UAB after one season at USF, Griffin has been a stud for the Dragons and might have been the right decision for the Marathon native. He was definitely a good evaluation for the Bulls but they didn't reap any of the rewards.
Grade » 1-star
ILB Dan Miller [ILB #41]: 6'2", 235lbs | Naples, FL | 3-star | 4.82 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 640 Squat
Career Stats » 5 tackles, tackle for loss.
Analysis » Miller has been stuck behind Hughes since they both got on campus at the same time and even with another year of eligibility left, his path to the field isn't clear.
Grade » 1-star
WR Steve Townsend [WR #91]: 6'1", 181lbs | Wells Branch, TX | 3-star | 4.36 40-yd dash, 280 Bench Press, 240 Squat
Career Stats » 19 receptions, 228 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Analysis » After showing flashes as a true freshman, Townsend has struggled to get on the field due to the depth at receiver. Traditionally, the Bulls don't often redshirt receivers but Townsend is a case of a player that might have benefited from this as next season, he could have had some openings to get on the field due to his speed.
Grade » 2-star
OLB Brandon Walker [OLB #34]: 6'1", 224lbs | Orlando, FL | 3-star | 4.70 40-yd dash, 425 Bench Press, 610 Squat
Career Stats » 4 tackles.
Analysis » Similar to Miller, Walker was stuck behind Hughes and there was simply no getting around that. He's not the fastest and he's not the biggest and therefore, he doesn't have a niche role that he could create for himself similar to what Alex Miller and Calvin Franz have done with their speed.
Grade » 1-star
DT Marcus McCauley [DT #99]: 6'2", 270lbs | Sebring, FL | 3-star | 5.12 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press, 535 Squat
Career Stats » 2 tackles, tackle for loss.
Analysis » A questionable take at the time, McCauley hasn't panned out and not too many people are surprised.
Grade » 1-star
C Craig Williams [C #32]: 6'4", 289lbs | Tampa, FL | 3-star | 5.18 40-yd dash, 405 Bench Press, 555 Squat
Career Stats » 3 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed.
Analysis » Time will tell just how good Williams ends up being but they did turn a low three-star player into a starter by his redshirt junior season and he hasn't been terrible this season.
Grade » 2-star
P Marcus McClelland [P #11]: 6'0", 208lbs | Redlands, CA | 3-star | 5.28 40-yd dash, 190 Bench Press, 300 Squat
Career Stats » 153 punts, 6027 yards, 34.2 Net Average, 45 inside the 20
Analysis » McClelland has gotten better each season, his net average increasing from 32.8 his freshman season to 33.7, 35.2 and this year it's at 40 yards.
Grade » 3-star
K Kevin Justice [K #23]: 6'0", 160lbs | Cahaba Heights, AL | 2-star | 4.62 40-yd dash, 270 Bench Press, 300 Squat
Career Stats » 59 of 70 FG, 84% XP
Analysis » He struggled a bit early on but Justice has been quite a reliable kicker even without the biggest leg in the world.
Grade » 3-star
Superlative Awards Most Important Signing: With Gerald Mitchell already signed, the two five-star running backs were not as big as a get as Hughes was given that he was a Miami prospect that the Bulls had to fight off top programs for.
Most Productive Signing: Hughes with Gross in second and not as far back as some might think.
Biggest Bust of the Class: Shane Peterson and Bobby Davis share the podium for this one.
Most Untapped Potential: Even when Fuller was coming off his sophomore season, the coaching staff was adamant that Green was a co-starter and they kept him in the rotation for a reason. They knew the talent he possessed and unfortunately, fans never got to see it fully.
Biggest Steal of the Class: Gross was a top recruit and while other teams wanted him, no one knew he would turn out to be as good as he turned out to be. When USF was recruiting him, they envisioned him adding more weight and being a 3-4 outside linebacker as they did not think he could cover sideline to sideline. Nearly 400 tackles later, survey says that's not true.
Biggest Lost of the Class: USF was in on current Temple cornerback Troy Bell. A six-foot corner with good top end speed, Bell would have been a good fit for the Bulls either on defense or even at receiver but he chose Temple. In his four seasons, he has over 100 tackles and five interceptions along with 21 pass breakups.
