On top of prep for Thursday’s Gasparilla Bowl against Marshall, Charlie Strong and staff will have their hands full over the next three days with the beginning of the early signing period on Wednesday the 19th.
As was the trend across the country a year ago, USF had the vast majority of their 2018 class locked in during this timeframe last December with 24 verbal commits signing on their national letters of intent during the early signing period.
And from the looks of it, we could be seeing slightly similar numbers once everything is settled on Friday.
Just as a refresher, USF currently has 18 verbal commits on the board.
That number was up to 20 last week before decommitments from three-star Ocala Lake Weir cornerback Brian Dillard (possibly flipping to Rutgers) and three-star Atlanta Mays quarterback Jahquez Evans. It does appear that Evans is back on board after flirting with Cincinnati for a hot minute.
— Jevans2️⃣ (@_2lilquez) December 18, 2018
Like last year, the staff has aggressively targeted the trenches with four offensive line and three defensive line verbals on the list. Also a primary need that’s been targeted has been in the secondary with three verbals, a number that could increase once the period is over with.
As of the moment that I’m typing this, 247 rankings has USF’s 2019 class slotted 63rd in the nation and fourth in the American. If you go by their average prospect ranking however (.8329), they currently rank sixth in conference.
Rivals rankings has the Bulls currently slotted as 51st in the country and second in the AAC only behind C.
The list of verbal commits includes:
Onto My Next Chapter #GOBULLS pic.twitter.com/r2ytJJgIRw
— Demaurez Bellamy (@DemaurezB) December 1, 2018
-Daytona Mainland safety Andrew Plummer IV
-Davenport Ridge Community RB Josh Berry
Tell the world that it won’t be long #bullnation pic.twitter.com/vP1ErmkJkA
— Josh Berry (@joshberry_2) December 15, 2018
-Miami Norland LB Darius Williams
ITS Finna get scary in TAMPA #Greenbreed19 #Bullstrong pic.twitter.com/LuF4GCCE5s
— Darius Williams (@DWilliams11Inc) December 2, 2018
-Miami Norland OG Joshua Blanchard
It only takes that one recruiting class to turn a program around and if u ask me this it #GreenBreed19#Bullstrong @Bulls247 @USFBulls_Rivals
— Joshua Blanchard (@D1bound_Jb) December 16, 2018
B I G D R I P pic.twitter.com/QWb9Sevw6V
— The Thomas Nance III (@BeGreatThomas) December 15, 2018
R.I.P Mom & Dad ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/C7iMGxBKFv
— The Thomas Nance III (@BeGreatThomas) December 17, 2018
-Orlando Christian Prep WR Xavier Weaver
Am I official yet pic.twitter.com/X1egtB8tst
— Zay (@thtkidzayy) December 15, 2018
-Groveland South Lake RB Kelley Joiner Jr.
O C H O pic.twitter.com/y37OFYfbBR
— O C H O (@kelleyjoiner8) December 15, 2018
-Camden County (GA) WR Logan Berryhill
#GREENBREED19 pic.twitter.com/VY5EBhcgEg
— Logan Berryhill (@loganberryhill7) December 9, 2018
-Brooks County (GA) DE Tae’Aviion Gray
-Baker County OT Matthew McDuffie
-Coffeyville CC DB McArthur Burnett
One of the bigger intriguing storylines heading into Wednesday will be the decision of Carol City DT Malcolm Ray.
The three-star has been verbally committed to USF since August but has been aggressively pursued by Florida State in recent weeks. We’ll see which in-state school he’ll decide on.
Had an amazing time at home #BullStrong pic.twitter.com/SEqpEosto2
— Ape Shii (@Ray8Malcolm) December 9, 2018
Had an amazing time at Florida state pic.twitter.com/Cl9tKcxm5a
— Ape Shii (@Ray8Malcolm) December 17, 2018
Another decision to keep your eye out for is Hutchison CC densive back Kelvin Clemmons.
A three-star Juco prospect and a Tampa Alonso alum, he’s narrowed his choices down to his hometown Bulls and Kentucky.
Great Visit at the University Of South Florida! @USFFootball #GoBulls pic.twitter.com/Q1Yr69V1Pp
— 4️⃣ (@IAm_Kelvin32) December 15, 2018
Great Visit at the University Of Kentucky @UKFootball #GoWildcats ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CKOFgdffQ8
— 4️⃣ (@IAm_Kelvin32) December 9, 2018
Also be on the lookout for IMG cornerback Jayden Curry and St. Augustine Menendez receiver Kenny Logan.
Is time to tweet at croots?
— Red Cup Rebellion dot com website (@RedCupRebellion) January 6, 2016
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