Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls future head coach Charlie Strong looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls Pull 18 Recruits

The Challenge

The South Florida Bulls pulled in 18 recruits on National Signing Day.  New head coach Charlie Strong had a limited window to secure a 2017 Class since being named USF’s fourth head coach on December 11. Strong says time was the biggest challenge in connecting with recruits. He secured eleven of the Bulls’ signees who were originally committed to former head coach Willie Taggart, who is now at Oregon. Strong also brought in seven last minute commitments.

The Players

The Bulls signed 10 players on the defensive side of the ball, including five defensive backs, four defensive linemen, and one linebacker.  They rounded out their class with eight offensive signees: three wide receivers, three offensive linemen, one running back, and one tight end.

All but one of the Bull’s recruits are from Florida.  The lone out of state player is tight end Fredrick Lloyd from Tifton, Georgia.

Thirteen of the signees are three star prospects. Three of the late commitments to USF came from Florida State Class 6A state champion Carol City High School (Miami).  All three star recruits, cornerbacks Naytron Culpepper and Donelle Thomas and wide receiver Kevaughn Dingle, announced their commitments live on CBS Sports.

South Florida brought in four final three star recruits in Jabreel Stephens, Demetris Harris, Keirston Johnson, and Jeremiah Stafford.  Three-star offensive lineman Jean Marcellus from Tampa is Strong’s highest-rated holdover.

The Finish

South Florida’s recruiting class is ranked 77th nationally by 247Sports and 73th by Rivals.  The Bulls finished 19 in the final AP Poll after an 11-2 record last season.

About Ellie Boline

Check Also

Florida softball-]]

Gators Split Day Two At USF-Rawlings Invitational

The Florida Gators softball team split its pair of games on the second day of …