After meeting a walk-on DB, now we'll meet a running back who can provide some real speed out of the backfield.
#32 RB Marcus Shaw
Sophomore, 5'9", 187 lbs.
Stats In 2010: Marcus played in eight games last season, and was effective as a change of pace back for Coach Holtz early in the year. Marcus had 12 carries for 105 yards and USF's longest touchdown run of the year (a 63-yarder against Stony Brook). He also caught two passes for 22 yards, and helped out on special teams before Skip shut Shaw down due to academic concerns.
Current Position On Depth Chart: Shaw was not listed on the two-deep on the post-spring depth chart.
How He Came To USF: Saw came to USF via DeSoto County High School in Arcadia, where he was one of the top rushers in the state. Shaw had a monster year for the Bulldogs his senior season, when he rushed for 2555 yards on 239 carries and 29 touchdowns. Marcus was just as good his junior year, rolling up 2380 yards on 240 carries and 36 touchdowns. Marcus chose USF over schools like Syracuse, Indiana, and Iowa State.
Recruiting Rankings: Marcus was rated as a three-star recruit by both Scout and Rivals. Scout ranked him as the 35th best back in the class of 2010, while Rivals ranked him 17th at running back.
Projected Playing Time In 2011: Marcus was sidelined most of the spring due to a thumb injury, but Shaw will compete with Dontae Aycock and Bradley Battles for the third spot on the depth chart (which is realistically as deep as the running back rotation will go, barring injuries). Despite where Shaw will be on the depth chart, his speed will be used as an asset on offense this year. I can see Shaw being used on some modified triple option attacks like what we saw against Cincinnati last season.