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Greg Auman has word from practice today that former Florida tight end Michael McFarland will transfer to USF and travel with the team to Vero Beach to participate in fall camp.
Before heading to Gainesville, McFarland starred in both football and basketball for Blake High School here in Tampa. The 6'6", 230-pound McFarland was an early commitment for the Gators in June 2009, and was one of the widely sought after tight ends in the country. Scout listed Michael as a four-star recruit and the 12th-best TE prospect in the country, while Rivals gave McFarland three stars and ranked him 24th at his position in the class of 2010.
After redshirting in his only season at Florida, McFarland decided to transfer this summer after he was not deemed a good fit in Charlie Weis' new pro-style offense.
According to Auman, McFarland will apply to the NCAA for a hardship waiver due to an illness in the family. We'll have to see if McFarland will get the waiver and be able to suit up this fall, but don't count out our compliance ninjas on this one. If McFarland's waiver does go through, Michael will have four years of eligibility left with the Bulls. If it's denied, Michael will be forced to sit out this season and will have three years of eligibility left starting in 2012.
Welcome to USF Michael!
UPDATE: Auman tweeted that McFarland will wear #86 this season.