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Trail Tidbits: Revising USF Football's 2016 Recruiting Rolodex

Ready to learn about several dynamic 2016 recruits recently offered by USF Coach Willie Taggart? And what's the deal with recently announced Florida running back transfer Adam Lane? We've got you covered here!

By Matthew Manuri

Here’s a few recent USF football offers and some background on the potential future faces of USF football. In this ever-changing whirlwind of uncertainty known as college football recruiting, it’s good to have a general idea about what’s happening on the trail as we approach fall camp.

According to Bulls247 USF extended a scholarship offer to electric 5’11" Auburndale running back Artavis Pierce last Tuesday. The dynamic 3-star running back committed to Pac 12 Oregon State back on May 29.

Let’s not forget former USF running back’s coach and Miami Central Rockets dynasty Head Coach Telly Lockette took his talents to Corvallis, Oregon to help bolster the Beavers football program, especially on the South Florida recruiting front. Pierce is planning to take official visits to Bowling Green, Oregon State, and Western Kentucky this fall.

USF also extended a scholarship offer to Cypress Bay 3-star wide receiver standout Andrew Parchment (6'3", 180 lbs.) last Tuesday. Parchment has been committed to Cincinnati since May 20, 2015.

Cypress Bay High School, for those who follow recruiting, is the former home of a Skip Holtz era recruiting miss in N.C. State running back Matt Dayes. Yes, the same Matt Dayes that slashed for 68-yards on 10 carries and hauled in a reception for 34-yards en route to scoring both a rushing, and receiving touchdown against USF last fall. Dayes and the N.C. State Wolfpack cruised through the 49-17 beatdown in 2014; llet’s just hope things with Parchment's recruitment go smoother than the on-field matchup last season.

Next up is a true shot in the dark, stud-tastic hard nosed 2016 Admiral Farragut safety Craig Watts. Watts is ranked by ESPN as the 82nd best prospect in the State of Florida for the class of 2016, and 35th overall Safety for 2016. Be sure to note current 2016 USF commit Josh Dunn (Lakes Wales) who is ranked 67th and 26th respectively. Check out Watts’ offer letter from Colorado and the coach specifically named.......

S Craig Watts Colorado Jim Leavitt Scholarship Letter (Admiral Farragut 2016)

Watts would be an exceptional addition to the 2016 class for Coach Taggart and company, but in my opinion this is the kind of commitment that comes with the winning momentum that has eluded USF in recent years.

For now, Florida running back transfer Adam Lane's current destination remains unknown. The Birmingham Bowl MVP announced his intentions to transfer to be 'closer to family' Sunday and has received his release from first-year Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain. Don't get me wrong-- Lane is a talented back, but do the Bulls need another tailback? They're stacked with Marlon Mack, D'Ernest Johnson and Darius Tice. Not to mention one arriving with what should be the consensus 2014 Awkward Sports Moment of the Year award winner.... Just wow.

My guess is Dunn lands at UCF, but we can always use talent and kindly passing potential stud, high-end transfers to the enemy has never been the game plan. What does everyone think? Are we deep enough at running back? And should Coach Taggart receive some credit for the depth he has amassed to date? #ALLTHETRANSFERS

Watch the tape on Artavis Pierce, Andrew Parchment, and Craig Watts below and you will see why these players show the skills necessary to become game-changers at the next level.

Recruiting Rankings and Highlights:

Artavis Pierce

Pierce is rated as an 80.56 three-star by 247 Sports, three stars by Scout, is currently unranked by ESPN, and 5.50 three-star by Rivals. The vibrant tailback currently possesses multiple offers including South Florida, Cincinnati, Temple, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio, FAMU, Eastern Kentucky, Samford, Georgia State, Utah State, Toledo, South Alabama, Central Michigan, and Alabama State.

You can follow Pierce on Twitter if that’s your bag: @Ap_Juice2

RB Artavis Pierce’s Highlights (Auburndale):

Andrew Parchment

Parchment is rated as an 81.94 three-star by 247 Sports, two stars by Scout, is currently unranked by ESPN, and 5.30 two-star by Rivals. The dynamic receiver currently holds numerous offers: N.C. State (DUH!-see above) South Florida, Cincinnati, Tulane, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Miami (Ohio), Coastal Carolina, Samford, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville State, Toledo, South Alabama, Western Michigan, and Alabama State for now....

You can follow Parchment on Twitter if that’s your bag: @apcinco

WR Andrew Parchment’s Highlights (Cypress Bay):

Craig Watts

Watts is rated as an 89.60 four-star by 247 Sports (43rd in Fla., 16th 2016 Safety), four stars by Scout, ranked as a 79 three-star by ESPN (82nd in Fla., 35th 2016 Safety), and 5.80 four-star by Rivals. The dynamic safety currently holds 40+ offers including the college football elite like Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, etc.

You can follow Watts on Twitter if that’s your bag: @NoFlyZone_2016

S Craig Watts’ Highlights (Admiral Farragut):