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Up next is maybe the best player on USF's defense, coming off a breakout season and ready to make a run at being the Bulls' next NFL draft pick.
#97 DE Ryne Giddins
Redshirt Junior, 6'3" 262 lbs.
Stats in 2011: Giddins started all 12 games and recorded 44 tackles (11 for loss) and 5.5 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and recovered one. His game against Connecticut was spectacular: 11 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Giddins also had nine tackles against Rutgers, and forced and recovered a fumble.
Current Spot On Depth Chart: Starting left defensive end, written in ink.
How Did He Get To USF? From Armwood High School in Seffner. Take I-4 to I-75 north, get off at Fowler and turn left, then keep driving until you see Pizzo Elementary on the right. Takes about 20 minutes. So to answer our question, in a car probably.
Recruiting Rankings: Giddins was, and may still be, the most heralded recruit ever to sign with USF out of high school. He was hotly recruited by Florida and other big names in the class of 2009, but chose the hometown Bulls. Scout rated him four stars and the #12 defensive end prospect nationally. Rivals rated him even higher, with four stars, the #3 defensive end, the 10th best player in Florida and 61st in the country. He was also a Parade All-American, the first USF signee to be so honored.
Projected Playing Time In 2012: Giddins is the best and most talented defensive lineman USF has, and is sure to draw double-teams from opposing offenses. How he battles through the extra attention to make an impact on the game may determine whether Giddins becomes an NFL prospect, or decides to stick around for more seasoning in 2013.