clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2018 Defensive Tackle Tyrone Barber and Safety Jake Collins Verbally Commit to USF Football

The Bulls picked up their fourth and fifth verbal commitments of the week — a big defensive tackle out of Venice and a speedy free safety from Lake Worth.

By Nick Simon
NCAA Football: Connecticut at South Florida Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The snowball effect is on for USF football. On Wednesday, Venice defensive tackle Tyron Barber and Lake Worth Park Vista Community free safety Jake Collins announced their intentions to join head coach Charlie Strong and staff in Tampa. The Bulls have now collected five class of 2018 verbal commitments this week.

DT Tyrone Barber

6'3", 275 pounds

Venice High School, Venice, FL

Recruiting Ratings: 3-Star by 247, Rivals, and Scout. 0.8333 Composite rating by 247.

Other Notable Offers: Rutgers, Iowa State, Temple, Tulane, Toledo, Marshall

After playing at North Port (FL) for his first two years of prep ball, Barber transferred to Venice before his junior year.

The 275-pound defensive tackle quickly made an impact, starting for the Indians in 2016 and collecting 52 tackles (5 TFLs) and six sacks as the team cruised all the way to the Class 7A state semifinals.

With Bruce Hector and Deadrin Senat about to begin their senior seasons, building depth on the defensive front will be an area of importance for Charlie Strong and defensive tackle coach Sean Cronin moving forward. Securing Barber is a definite step in the right direction.

ATH Jake Collins

6'2", 200 pounds

Park Vista Community High School, Lake Worth, FL

Recruiting Ratings: Not yet rated by any of the major services.

Other Notable Offers: Northern Illinois, Southern Miss, Appalachian State

Playing mostly free safety and some corner for Park Vista last year, Collins totaled 71 tackles (4TFLs), 4 INTs, and 2 forced fumbles.

The Lake Worth product has flown under the radar for the most part throughout his recruitment, only drawing interest from a handful of FBS schools. He got a chance to put himself out there this past February when he participated in two of Nike’s “The Opening” camps in Orlando and Miami.

He's listed as an athlete, so the USF staff probably thinks that his speed and size can be used in multiple roles in the secondary.

Also on Wednesday, USF received a 2019 verbal commitment from Tallahassee Lincoln tight end Kamari Morales. It's been an excellent week for Strong and staff on the recruiting front, and all signs point to more being on the way.

And as always, don't tweet at recruits.