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Today we meet the guy set to lead the offensive line this season.
#74 OT Mark Popek
5th Year Senior, 6'7" 296 lbs
Stats in 2011: After being used as a spot starter in 2009 and 2010, Popek started all 12 games at left tackle in 2011.
Current Spot on Depth Chart: Listed as the starter at left tackle on the post-spring depth chart.
How did he come to USF:Mark comes to USF via nearby Plant City High School. He wasn't recruited until late his senior year, but still picked up a few BCS level from schools like Illinois and Vanderbilt
Recruiting Rankings: Popek was listed as a 3-star recruit (#83 OT) by Scout and a 2-star prospect by Rivals.
Projected Playing Time for 2011: Mark is starting to see some well deserved recognition, landing on some of the preseason magazine All-Big East teams that are coming out this summer. Popek will be one of the steady hands on an offensive line that will be rebuilding a bit this year. Even with a couple of new faces in the trenches, Popek should still be primed to have an All-Big East type of season.