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Our next player on the countdown is a stalwart on the defensive line who should be back healthy by the time the first game rolls around.
#46 DT Cory Grissom
Redshirt Senior, 6'2" 316 lbs.
Stats in 2011: Started all 12 games. Made 38 tackles, 6 for loss, and recorded 1.5 sacks. Recovered a fumble in the UConn game, but it seems like everybody did in that sloppy turnover-fest.
Current Spot on Depth Chart: Because Cory broke his ankle during spring practice, he wasn't listed on the post-spring depth chart. But he would have certainly been a starter at defensive tackle if he was healthy.
How He Got To USF: Grissom started at Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia. He recorded 13 sacks in his 2007 senior year, and also lettered on the wrestling team for two seasons. Cory picked the Bulls over North Carolina, Arkansas, and Southern Miss, as USF began to extend their recruiting base into southern Georgia. Interestingly enough, he committed right after the Bulls' win [$] over West Virginia that season.
Recruiting Rankings: "Corey" Grissom was given three stars by Rivals and ranked as the nation's #64 defensive tackle in the Class of 2008. Scout also gave Grissom three stars and listed him at #66 nationwide among defensive tackles.
Projected Playing Time for 2012: As long as he returns healthy and stays that way, Grissom will get as much playing time as he can handle at defensive tackle. With no one quite sure who will line up at the other tackle postion, it will be important for him to play at a high level because the Big East has pivoted back to a run-heavy league. If there's a weakness on the defensive interior, teams like Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Temple, and UConn will find it and pound away at it.