If it seems like we've known about today's player for a long time, it's because we have.
2015 Stats: Eric didn't play in 2015. He might have taken a redshirt year (he still has one available) but the official roster says he didn't.
Position On Depth Chart: Mayes isn't listed on the post-spring depth chart, although his three-year saga just to get to this point may explain why the coaching staff is hesitant to list him.
How He Came To USF: Mayes was one of Marlon Mack's teammates at Booker High School. He signed with USF's 2013 recruiting class, but he didn't qualify and went to Milford Academy in New York to try and get his grades up. Mayes came back to USF in 2014 but could only manage as a partial qualifier. Eric practiced with the team that season but was not allowed to play.
Recruiting Rankings: Mayes was highly touted out of high school and was one of Willie Taggart's first real gets when he arrived at USF. ESPN gave him four stars, while 247 and Rivals gave him three.
Projected Playing Time: Now this is going to be interesting. Mayes came to USF with the pedigree to play right away. But he still hasn't taken a single snap, and that makes him a complete wild card. There's plenty of opportunity to play if he still has the ability that made him so highly recruited in the first place... and if he can stay eligible. Mayes could start and be a key pass rusher, or we may never see him at all. Anything's possible.
Follow Him On... Eric's on Twitter at @eizzymayes23, and as we found out last year, Marlon Mack calls him the funniest dude he knows.
