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Stampeding Through The USF Football Roster: #86 TE Mike McFarland

By Gary Stephen
CHARLOTTE NC - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Skip Holtz of the USF Bulls celebrates after a 31-26 victory over the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium on December 31 2010 in Charlotte North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE NC - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Skip Holtz of the USF Bulls celebrates after a 31-26 victory over the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium on December 31 2010 in Charlotte North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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Today's player is a four-year transfer who looks to see the field more in 2012.

#86 TE Mike McFarland
Redshirt Sophomore, 6'5" 247 lbs.

Stats in 2011: Played in all 12 games, and had one catch for 8 yards in the FAMU blowout.

Current Spot on Depth Chart: One of two starting tight ends. More on that in a minute.

How did he come to USF: Transferred from the University of Florida after his redshirt freshman season. Did not have to sit out a year, as his hardship waiver was granted just before last season started. He played football and basketball for Blake High School in Tampa, even playing quarterback at times.

Recruiting Rankings: Scout gave him 4 stars and rated him the #12 tight end prospect in the country. Rivals rated him 3 stars and #24. McFarland doesn't have the usual litany of other schools that pursued him, because he committed very early to the Gators.

Projected Playing Time for 2012: The spring depth chart allows for two-TE formations, historically not used much at USF. This apparent change in philosophy, combined with the large number of tight ends on the roster, make McFarland's playing time difficult to predict. But he was a sought-after recruit, and a great athlete, so expect him to play more of a part in this season's offense.