Capone24

Stetson

I really hope it was b/c we have a much better player committing or they have some really damaging evidence on why they rescinded the offer. As for North Miami they aren't a powerhouse or produce a lot of talent but its more about our image in SFLA and this is the kind of thing that can leave a bad taste in both the players and coaches mouth! I hate to jinx us and say Bullwinkle is on to something but it very well might be the case since Scott is closing down the recruiting process somewhat early for a player of his caliber. As well as it being a sudden decision to make a commit right after we receive a decent amount of commits from players that can play either CB or WR and at a high level. The only thing I can think of is CWT told Scott it was either now or never and that's why he pulled the offer to SC. CWT doesn't seem like the kind of coach that would play those shady games so it must be something serious? Then again we have no clue what really is going on except that SC is really pissed at us and has a reason. Something definitely is fishy but we can't blame anyone since we don't have the facts. Also has anyone noticed the size we are going after for both our WR's and DB's? It seems like CWT really wants our WR's to manhandle the CB's for when we run the ball and make sure our CB's can shutdown the bigger WR's. Now with all these signings I'm hoping we still have enough room to land either Mazzi, Gibson, Battle or Singleton. I think Nichols and Tajee are talented enough to either be starters or at least backups next year at CB but we'll still need depth at this position since the spread is so common in CFB. This is where twitter can really be a stain on your image as a program and there is nothing we can do about it!

So I'm confused is he class of 2014 or 15? If he is 2014 I really hope we land this kid as he really looks solid. I was going through some of the other RB's on our rivals board that do not have rankings yet and there are some pretty solid players, one that I remember was a RB from Bradenton Manatee, although he's on the small side the kid is still sick! So I think we will have a lot of options even though some of the best rated RB's are already taken and there were some solid Juco RB's on that list as well!

That's what I meant about competition CK, if there is no one guarding you then the catch is really unimpressive but you catch a jump ball with two guys sitting on top of you that will impress me. Not about who the teams or actual people are but the talent that's on the field trying to oppose him from making a catch is a great way to see how the players handle pressure.

Here's a blog from a respectable recruiting blogger in South Florida. http://sfhighschoolsports.com/blog/blus-blog/blus-blog-2014s-top-75-pre-spring-list They have him at #40 out of the top 75 from Dade and Broward, which is higher than a lot of other rated prospects. He also is a three star according to scout and borderline three in Rivals. Although I think none of that really matters when you are trying to rate a kid out of Florida. There are way too many talented athletes to try and rank them against each other let alone have a top 100 for the state. I usually go by what I see on film and how good the competition was that he was facing. In his case I think he seems like a solid recruit but I do wonder if they might be thinking of switching him and using his length and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. As for his offer list, it isn't even the beginning of his senior year yet, so a lot can happen between that time as this should be his best/most productive yr!

I really think he could play both ways and it all depends upon whether or not you bulk him up or keep him lean. Since he could play OLB/DE or Safety on defense and either WR or TE on offense. Obviously if he bulks up then going both ways is out of the question but with his size, speed and athleticism it's scary to think of what he could do. He definitely will have all the opportunities necessary to get to the next level with early playing time, NFL caliber coaching and playing in Tampa(metro area/Bucs/former NFL coaches/Scouts/national TV). One of my favorite things about him is I think he'll be the one to bring back a swagger to USF and be the first one to show us an Ole school UM type of swagger. Hopefully we sign classes like the U did with Schnelly, it's possible with the way we're recruiting the Tampa/St.Pete area and now having a game changer with Lockette in South Florida!

Definitely looks like a solid possession WR with good size and athleticism. Which makes me wonder do any of you think we might be recruiting him to play DB as well and utilize his athleticism and length? We now have NFL caliber coaches on that side of the ball that can teach these kids to become elite at their position if they want it bad enough and possess the necessary skills. I have noticed a lot of recruits talking about how we have coaches that have coached at the highest level in the NFL and know what it takes to get there. With that being one of the reasons they're considering us and is a very smart reason as well as early playing time. I hope it translates well onto the field b/c we all know we have the talent currently on the roster. It just needs to be coached up as well as fitting the right guys into certain roles they might not be accustomed to or be the stereotypical size/skill set of a player that plays that position.

That makes sense, thanks CK!

Thanks CK. I just don't understand why he wouldn't of left early and entered the draft this past april, considering the difference in money when comparing the two. I'm surprised we haven't heard more schools going after him like we have with all of these QB transfers since he is more of a known commodity.

Does anyone know if he can transfer to USF? I read on AA's blog that he already has his degree, so wouldn't he be able to transfer without sitting out? Since it just doesn't make any sense why the best RB in THE American would quit football his Sr. year? The only reason I can think of is so he can fully rehab whatever injury he sustained last year.

I know this isn't really a tradition but it could evolve it to a few traditions based on how well it works. IDEA Get our professors and TA's more involved with our athletics programs. I remember when I was going to USF there were some prof's that would schedule tests the day of a big game resulting in students missing out on a great college experience that they could never get back. It seemed like most prof's only cared about their Alma mater and is something that should change as they are an employee of the school and should want to see the University receive as much attention as possible. It also helps them out in the long run since the school will make more money to help pay for their salaries. So my thought was to institute some co-ordination between athletics and faculty, who would then bond with their students showing school pride. I remember most of my prof's never having a clue about what was going on with the school and could care less. That attitude needs to change and fast as it only makes us feel more like a commuter college. One idea that came to mind was for a professor to give extra credit to students who attend a game of their choosing. Or offer a prize to the class that invents and implements the best new tradition at a live game each year. Would also be good for the classes with high student to faculty ratio's(500+ students) since it would offer more opportunities for the professors to get to know their students. You figure a majority of the undergrad pre-req courses are usually large classes that could easily make a huge scene at a soccer, baseball, softball, basketball or other sporting event and start a tradition. Those classes are usually not very critical in a students development as they are basic courses. I know education comes first but we could easily start to show more emphasis in our love for our school through our teachers and students cheering for their fellow classmates together and showing school spirit/pride. You have to figure with all of the professors we have and the schools they have gone to they probably have some great ideas or similar traditions they could start here(think Mr. Two Bits). It's not like most traditions are unique to that one school, most our copied from other schools but with their own twist. Just a thought? Maybe even try to get the different colleges to compete against each other by promoting their college(i.e. COBA vs. Education vs. Engineering) . You can't get any better advertising for free than having 500+ students in uniform doing something in unison that promotes your college. Especially if it's on national TV and who knows how many prospective students you can lure with your tradition by them wanting to be a part of it when they go to college. Also it doesn't have to be on TV, all it takes is a phone and YouTube and it can go viral! If that does take flight I bet our Engineering program can come up with some pretty sweet ideas considering their talent with robots and other mech engineering.

This kid is solid and reminds me of Colin Kaepernick(Sp?). After watching his film it seems like he possesses the processing power to know when to tuck it and run, scramble to keep the play alive or make a precise pass. What really impresses me is his top end speed and fluid movement. I'd be all over this kid even if I have a QB for the future, this kid is too talented to pass on and could easily develop into a top flight utility player. From knowing the area and to see him play for Hialeah it must have been about pride and wanting to prove a point. Since he isn't someone that would stay hidden in SFLA youth ball and Hialeah isn't a player in SFLA HS football(usually MNW/MCentral/BookerT). If that is the case it would only make me want him more as that is the kind of mentality we need. If we can land him along with our current commits(soft) as well as M. Gayot, D'E. Johnson, V Jackson, K. Brown, Nico F., N. Morgan, M. Wilkins, Q. Wilson, and TJ Harrell. Then I think we'll be set for the future considering we have a decent chance to land them. As for the trenches that's for an OL coach to figure out, its hard to grade a HS OL especially if you have no background to go on or film. As well as we have a decent amount of returning players at those positions. Long story short this kid is sick!

Reminds me of Dan Morgan! I hope we land this kid, we have been in dire need of a true MLB, as well as that nasty streak! Willie's Bullies I'm game, sign me up as long as I see a D like the one he was playing with! I miss that passion and fire we used to have(some people call it swag, but first you have to show it and he def. has it!).

I'm glad that we're trying to build that fence up around the Tampa metro area. That's something we have to do if we want to build something real that will last. Obviously we'll still need those elite athletes from SFLA but in FL you can find them all over which is a huge plus for us we just need to show we can win and develop talent. I liked Skip but since he took over I can't remember a kid that actually progressed while he was here. I think we will see a big jump in improvement from our talented athletes next yr with the staff CWT brought in. All knowledgeable coaches that have coached the best of the best and should get the most out of any kid they are teaching.

I guess the SAT board has raised their security level since I went to school. I remember when I was taking mine there was a 5'5 Asian kid taking a 6'10 Dilliard's BBall player's SAT. Everyone in the room was laughing and when we finally came out they told me what the deal was. My old roommate in college took the SAT for his RB and actually scored 50pts higher w/ a 1250 than he did on his own(my roommate was white and the RB was black, w/ his previous SAT score of like 850). It raised a red flag but he eventually didn't get his GPA up enough so it was a mute point. This kid could be the difference maker for us next yr so I hope he qualifies otherwise we really don't have a kid to play FB at the D-1A BCS level. I feel really bad for Richard Kelly, that kid was a beast and would have been ideal for this offense. BTW, I watched Tice's games against Carol City and Miami Central and in both games he was the play-maker for MNW. The kid is good and I really think if he can grasp the Offense he could be a great player. When CWT made the comment about big guys with little feet he must have been talking about Tice b/c he looks like that when he runs. A backfield with Tice and Swanson could do some damage even as true Freshman. Luckily a lot of RB's start as true Frosh and go on to do great things. I still don't understand how Tice wasn't a bigger prospect, especially after watching an unbiased film of him playing two games against top notch talent and having the best highlights. K. Swanson very happy to have you as a Bull, now make sure you get the rest into line and then you'll have at least two years of fun before you have to really worry about the books again!

Just curious would he be a DE prospect? From what I saw he plays better at the line and did an OK job playing zone for a big man but not ideal in D-1A for an OLB. Or maybe he even could play MLB, seemed like he had good lateral movement?

I think there will be a few position changes with the new coaches we brought in who know how to coach D(Chuck and Cooper). With the main position of need being LB's with some size, since our two OLB's this year will be the size of a BCS DB! I could see some of our athletic DE's maybe making a switch since we are loaded there but we also need to have a solid nickel back considering the Offenses we will face. QB- Eveld, White(only will play if necessary and try to RS),Floyd. I think Eveld is going to surprise us since this is an O that suits his strengths and he has a solid arm, just hope he gains some weight. RB- Pierre/Shaw(WKU RB if transfers), Battles, Tice/Willie(Tice could be #1 if he's ready/knows plays) WR- Davis, Griffin, DVO(think w/ his size maybe they add weight and switch him to TE?), Mitchell(possibly DB), Welch, Gonzo. Have a ton of options here so I could see some players moving. OL- Anyone's guess FB- Whoever blocks the best DE-Lynch, Giddens(was overweight), Mims(could see as a hybrid OLB?), Lee(see Mims), Forte, Mayes(watch out for this kid he's a Beast!) DT-Kino, Chandler, Hamilton, Sager, Calloway, Senat(one of the two frosh will RS probably) LB-Dede, ???, Whitehurst(reminds me of Sean Spencer but needs Lbs.), Cliett(see TW), Swain, Harris, Bullock, Hamilton CB-Bivins(if healthy), Spencer(players said good things about him), Robbins, Montgomery, Childs(looked solid on film and has length), Durden(needs Lbs.) Saf.-Joyce, Jenkins, Garye(players also said good things about him before he got hurt), Godwin We def. have depth so I think the coaches can move players around and have a ton of talented/athletic players who can play other positions. I'm not expecting an amazing yr but if you look at the talent we have on paper and if the coaches can adapt w/ the current personnel then they can win right away(8-4,9-3 best case). If we are playing a lot of young players right away then expect it to be a building yr and hope for 6-6.

I think it's absurd that the catholic seven are being offered almost double just for basketball! It's not even like all of those teams are great, Seton Hall, Providence, St. Johns(has been better but still not top 25) and Depaul that's more than half of those teams. We still have basketball teams that are equivalent to their top schools(UCONN, Memphis, Cinci, Temple) and our others are just as good if not better than the previously mentioned teams. Plus our deal adds football(most profitable sport) with our huge TV markets. It just doesn't add up? All of those schools have small enrollments and not many alum compared to the NBE. The only saving grace for us is that recruiting costs will be low and we don't have a stadium we have to pay for but this better not be a long term thing otherwise I would go Independent. Play anyone anywhere just for the money and to say we play the best teams which recruits would like. Think about it just two away games would almost pay for that deal with most BCS schools having to pay 1 mil+ for their home OOC games. As for the marketing effect it could be a negative for us just like some have posted where people are used to ESPN or maybe they don't like the announcers that NBC uses? Also it's not like they would be promoting us during the week as much as ESPN would be in addition to the weekday games that have really helped with getting our name out there. Something smells fishy about this offer, it's an insult in my opinion and I doubt they were trying to low ball us b/c it's something I would laugh at and just start my own cable channel, as well as offering the games through the internet. Which should be easy for the conference to start up and probably generate more money through advertising and local broadcasting rights. We need our new Commish who supposedly knows this aspect to play hardball and start showing some initiative and say we'll do it ourselves if you won't pay us. He should know how to start up a broadcasting company with his experience!

Hallandale usually produces solid D players, kid looks solid, has the size, speed and tackles properly(can also bring the wood). I remember back when I was playing I used to hear stories about some of their players doing gummies with their mouth pieces just so they could hit harder and not feel it, Crazy! Looks like their D still knows how to hit, something I hope we bring back from our former days. That's what helps your team build swagger and allows them to feed off of it. I think this year's recruiting class was a start with all the talent we landed on that side of the ball.

Kid looks solid and reminds me of Joe Montana, obviously not on his level but the way he plays the game. He is a gamer and can make all the throws although he doesn't posses a cannon for an arm he makes plays when necessary. I would love to get this kid next year as well since I know he would put a lot of pressure on White to perform with his intangibles. Like I said he reminds me of Montana and with a skill set like that you can never count a kid out.

As a fan I think we all needed the Skip phase to bring us back to reality. I know I was one that always expected top 10 status yr in, yr out but the reality is we are such a new/young program and what we did in that amount of time was amazing! To keep anything like that going you have to have something be consistent with ours being CJL who was all of a sudden gone and in comes a high profile name we thought could take us to the next level. That didn't happen and he actually set us back 1-2 yrs depending upon our latest coaching hire. I thought Skip was a good candidate but it was just smoke and mirrors. I always was a big supporter of Strong and I think we got someone that has all of his intangibles plus an amazing coaching tree to come from as well as relationships that matter who will help out at the drop of a hat. I love the fact that he went with coaches that are outside his personal click for the major positions and even hired someone to check and balance him(Cooper, Asst. Head Coach). That to me shows a great sign of humility and that he can accept not being the god almighty of the program and listen to other well established coaches and their opinion. This aspect to me is going to be the biggest difference as we are loaded with talent and just haven't had the coaches that can get the most out of these kids. All of our players have a shot next year and that's something any veteran player would love to have b/c it means they have a chance to show the coaches what they are capable of and evaluate the talent properly. Sorry for the rant but I'd give this class a B+ considering everything that was taking place in and out of the program. I think we landed our QB and CWT knows that which is why he offered so frantically, although I think Eveld will start and surprise people this year if he has a capable RB(talent is there, just a matter of picking the right combo or every down back). White is the best Pocket passer we will probably land until he leaves and was a diamond in the rough like much of this class(depending upon your site of coarse). I love DE Mayes(Beast)who I think could play right away, as well as Love but I'd play him as an OLB in a 3-4 which would lead to our great DT's we signed and both whom could play right away. They are very similar and from what I saw it seems like they both could gain weight on their frame and still play with their quick feet and burst. I'm somewhat worried about our LB's since we don't have any size besides Dede, but maybe they move some of our athletic DE's there? As for CB there is no excuse for us to not have two players on our roster that can be solid CB's considering the athletes Florida produces especially at CB! The only thing this class lacked was landing that game breaker, which we were in the final running for with the few we all have discussed and think we will get them in the years to come.

IMO, it's better for us to go after these kids b/c it does make a difference to them as to who is coming in and how good they are. When they step foot on campus for a school like USF, you want them to make a statement as a whole and need players that they know can make a difference if they suited up together. Football is a team game and you can't win by yourself but with a solid core you can change things. These kids know that from their years of playing optimist ball by staying together as a team and dominating instead of playing for your local high school, city or area. If we can land the big dog's of the group it will make it easier for us to get the others. Although I really would like to see some of the local Tampa kids that have that swag stay home and put it on show for the rest of the country. Tampa football(Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater, St.Pete and outskirt counties)doesn't get nearly the credit it deserves and has a similar swag to kids from SFLA. The only difference is they don't seem as proud about where they come from as kids from the 305, 954 and 561. If USF could do what Schnelly did down in MIA and put up a wall around all of those areas I mentioned we would be a top 25 team yr in and yr out guaranteed!

Haha, sign me up, that'd be a dream job, although I do have a lot of SFLA connections, especially where it all starts in the youth leagues! Why wait for them to get to High School, why not show them love before anyone else and have them thinking USF since they were in Middle school. That's where all the private schools get their kids from and offer them tuition free school based on NEED(Haha). Watch this Outside the Lines it's classic South Florida pee-wee football! This is legit and not some over dramatized story just to get viewers to watch like most documentaries or sports news. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6451796 I remember two different occasions at that field(Pompano) where during a game there was gun fire, one was a drive by across the street and the other was when someone in the stands stood up and pulled out a handgun and started firing it up in the air.

Regardless I really like this kid but I was wondering if anyone knows if MNW's OL is loaded w/ talent? Tice still showed the ability to run players over and all the tools a great RB needs but was just curious as I know MNW can be loaded some years. I didn't see any highly rated Sr. lineman on any sites so I thought there might be but they are just underclassman.

Between Kirkland, Robbins, Coley and Johnson I think this year is going to break me with all the speculation but actual possibilities to land these kids. If they really thought about the benefits of coming to USF next year they would see that no other school offers a better situation. With the early playing time, everyone will know who you are(would be our best class ever). great weather, Big city w/ amazing beaches/women, legit chance to start right away, playing in an NFL stadium w/ pro scouts seeing you on a weekly basis, NFL connections w/ our new coaches, CWT's coaching ability/system/personality, close to home, can mold a solid core together, make history for a Florida University(players that win 1st Championship are always remembered), not having to worry about new recruits every year, no distractions, clean program, amazing facilities and better shot at the NFL with all the playing time they'll receive as four yr starters.