USF recruiting

Well today was the first step in the new era of Skip Holtz at USF and it began with bringing in a new class of players. Many were wondering which players that had been recruited by Leavitt would still come to USF and what players Holtz would be able to bring in during such a short time. Holtz has even said this has been a tough time trying to get a class together that would be taletned and fill missing parts on the team. So, here are the 19 players in this year's recruiting class and a little overview of each one.

The first big name: Todd Chandler, the number 67 recruit on the ESPN Top 150. He has been wavering a bit and many thought he would go up to Louisville after Coach Charlie Strong made a strong push for him, but he is a Bull and will get playing time. He had 10 sacks in just his sophmore year and is a brut up front and should be able to anchor the line, along with Giddins from last year, should make the front 4 strong once more.

The next is Terrence Mitchell, the 4 star corner that decommitted from FSU and decided to stay home. He is a physical player that is not afraid to come up and play the run yet has the speed and ball skills to cover any receiver. Running a 4.4 in the 40, no one will out run him and he should be a starter at once with the lose of Jerome Murphy in the secondary.

These were the only two ESPN 150 players in this class, but players like Grothe, Selive, Allen, etc. were not in that ESPN group, Holtz went for talent, needs and class and the players he is bringing in are sure to wow the USF crowds and take USF to the next level, here are the other players.

The Bulls bring in 3 more running backs, making the back field a little bit crowded but Holtz should be able to find them all playing time. Tiger Powell and Marcus Shaw are small, physical runners with decent speed that should be able to play well in the new system. The other is JUCO transfer, Mike Hayes. Hayes is a bit bigger than the other two and is more of a Ford style of tailback but has more break out speed and as a 3 star recruit, he is a gem in this class that should be a household name soon.

The Bulls have reloaded the offensive line with loads of talent and weight as well. Last year, they only lost one senior and return Big East freshman Popek so these additions give the Bulls more depth and more strength for the stable of running backs. Jake Kaufman at 320 lbs., Tony Kilber at 315, Austin Reiter 210 lb. and Quinterrius Eatmon at 320 are a huge group that should push for playing time and be able to protect Daniels or the new recruit that is coming in, Jamius Gunsby, a 6'3" QB. Gunsby is a pro style QB and Holtz believes he will be the back up and compete for the job. He has a strong arm and should be able to help the Bulls with a change of pace because of his arm strength and field vision.

Gunsby and Daniels also have two new targets to throw to, Jamaal Montague and Deonte Welch, both are fast and physical receivers that should get playing time with Hester and Mitchell leaving, leaving Bogan, Griffin and Love as the only starters.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulls welcome DE Claude Davis, a strong defender that should see some playing time out of Junior college, LB Curtis Weatherspoon who could be a starter with some many seniors leaving, he is a strong and physical hitter who could anchor the box easily. LB Hans Louis joins him, another linebacker that was not recruited heavily but Holtz found him and should be a solid defender. DB Mark Joyce (Deland High School) is a good strong defender and can play either corner or safety and S Reshard Cliett is another under the radar defender that is a punishing hitter that will probably replace Nate Allen.

The first player to sign today was K Chris Vernon who could be the starter depending on the recovery of Bonani. So welcome to USF everyone and look forward to seeing everyone on the field soon. GO BULLS!