Stampeding Through The Roster: #26 FS Mark Joyce

Let's try and knock out a few of these and get closer to being caught up. The next player on the list is moving into a starting spot this season, but he's found a way to make an impact even as a backup.

#26 S Mark Joyce
Junior, 5'10", 200 lbs.

Stats In 2011: Mark played in all 12 games as a backup and on special teams. He recorded a total of 21 tackles, broke up three passes, and recovered a fumble against Ball State, returning it for the second touchdown of his USF career.

Current Position On Depth Chart: Joyce is listed as the starting free safety on the fall depth chart.

How He Came To USF: Joyce arrived at USF from DeLand High School. An outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, Joyce led DeLand to the 2009 Class 6A championship game, where they fell to Miramar High School. Joyce chose USF over offers from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss, among others.

Recruiting Rankings: Rivals gave Mark three stars and had him listed 63rd among safeties in the class of 2010. Scout also rated Joyce as a three-star prospect and ranked him as the #57 safety in the 2010 class.

Projected Playing Time In 2012: After two seasons as a backup, Joyce is now the starter and should see plenty of action at free safety. He does have a very experienced Jon Lejiste behind him, so Joyce may not be a completely full-time player, though.