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TAMPA (February 3, 2010) – On one of the most anticipated days on the college football calendar, National Signing Day, the University of South Florida football program announced yet another highly-touted signing class.
The USF staff signed 15 players on national signing day - 9 offensive players, five defensive and one punter/kicker - to join four early enrollees as newcomers to the 2010 team.
On the national level, USF’s signing class is being looked at as one of the best in the program’s history. Although small, the class is packed with quality players. USF is the only program in the BIG EAST with two players - Todd Chandler (Miami Northwestern HS) and Terrence Mitchell (Hillsborough HS) - ranked among the ESPNU 150, which ranks the top 150 prospects in America.
Chandler, ranked No. 67 in the nation in the ESPNU 150, was given four stars and is ranked the seventh best defensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com. He was also labeled the 20th-best defensive tackle in the nation with four stars by Rivals.com and the 32nd best prospect in the state of Florida.
Chandler possesses great strength, technique and moves, and brings a lot of intensity and effort to the field. He had 75 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a sophomore at Miami Northwestern High School. He picked USF over offers from Louisville, South Carolina, Florida State, LSU, Clemson, Syracuse, Kentucky, Miami and Colorado State.
Mitchell, a local Tampa Bay area product out of Hillsborough High School, is listed by ESPN.com as a four-star recruit, the 12th best cornerback in the nation and the No. 144 prospect overall. In addition, he was given a four-star rating by Scout.com and listed as the 12th-best cornerback in the country, and a four-star rating by Rivals.com.
Mitchell, who runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, possesses great hands, closing speed and tackling ability. He recorded 43 tackles and two interceptions as a junior, and was named second-team All-Hillsborough County. He selected USF over offers from Tennessee, North Carolina, LSU, Illinois, Georgia, Florida and Florida State.
As usual, the Bulls stayed in their home state to pull from the nation’s deepest talent pool. Of the National Signing Day additions 10 are originally from the state of Florida, two are from Georgia and one apiece from New Jersey, Alabama and Texas.
The Bulls' class was heavy on talented running backs and offensive lineman. The new backs are Tiger Powell (Columbia HS), Marcus Shaw (DeSoto HS) and juco-product Mike Hayes (Blinn College). Leading the way for the newest USF running backs will be 6-8, 320 Jake Kaufman (St. Peter Prep, N.J.), 6-5, 315 Tony Kibler (Glades Day School) and 6-6, 320 Quinterrius Eatmon (C F Vigor HS, Ala.).
At wide receiver USF added three-star recruit Deonte Welch (Williston HS) and the shifty teammate of Powell, Jamaal Montague (Columbia HS). Both receivers will begin their USF career with quarterback signee Jamius (pronounce jam-eye-us) Gunsby out of Georgia's LaGrange HS.
Three defensive standouts will add depth alongside Mitchell and Chandler. Safety Reshard Cliett of Georgia's Thomas Country Central high school is a big hitter at 6-2, 191. Deland safety Mark Joyce, who was one of the first USF commits, is another big hitter joining the fold. Outside linebacker Han Louis is the final defensive addition and he comes to the Bulls out of Chaminade Madonna College Prep in Hollywood, Fla.
The last member of the class is punter/kicker Chris Veron, who will make the short trip down from Ocala's Forest high school.
All totaled on Wednesday, USF added three offensive lineman, three running backs, three defensive backs, two wide receivers, one linebacker, one quarterback, one defensive tackle, one punter/kicker.
Brandon Wilkinson, Austin Reiter, Claude Davis and Curtis Weatherspoon enrolled in classes in January and are already part of the USF program.
CLASS BREAKDOWN (Does not include early enrollees)
Offense – 9
Defense – 5
Specialist - 1
Florida – 10
Georgia – 2
New Jersey – 1
Alabama – 1
Texas - 1
Running Back – 3
Defensive Line – 1
Offensive Line – 3
Defensive Back – 3
Safety - 1
Quarterback – 1
Linebacker – 1
Punter/Kicker – 1
Wide Receiver – 2
2010 USF FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY BIOS
Todd Chandler
Defensive Tackle
Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern H.S.)
6-0, 310
Labeled the 20th-best defensive tackle in the nation with four stars by Rivals.com … Also ranked the No. 32 prospect in the state of Florida … Given four stars and ranked the No. 7 defensive tackle in the nation by ESPN.com … A three-star recruit according to Scout.com and the No. 38 defensive tackle in the nation … Possesses great strength, technique and moves and brings a lot of intensity and effort to the field … Had 75 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a sophomore … Picked USF over offers from Louisville, South Carolina, Florida State, LSU, Clemson, Syracuse, Kentucky, Miami and Colorado State.
Reshard Cliett
Safety
Thomasville, Georgia (Thomas County Central H.S.)
6-2, 191
Hails from Thomas County Central HS … Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash … Had 97 tackles and four interceptions as a senior from his safety position … Missed all of his junior season due to injury … Called an “unseen talent” by the coaching staff … Could also possibly play linebacker down the road … Also received offers from Georgia Southern, Eastern Kentucky and South Alabama.
Claude Davis
Defensive End
Lakeland, Fla. (East Mississippi C.C./Lakeland)
6-5, 260
Competed at East Mississippi Community College ... A four-star recruit according to Scout.com and Rivals.com at defensive end ... Named to the 2009 Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges All-North State First Team ... Was tabbed to the 2009 NJCAA Preseason All-American First Team ... Selected to the 2008 MACJC All-North State Second Team as a freshman ... Contributed 77 tackles, including 40 solo stops and 13 tackles for loss, as well as 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a sophomore ... Posted 80 tackles, including 44 solo and 15 tackles for loss, along with 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one touchdown during his freshman season ... Earned first-team all-state honors as a senior at Lake Gibson High School ... Played in the North vs. South All-Star Game ... Named a team captain ... Won the school's defensive lineman award ... Has one older brother, one older sister and two younger sisters.
Quinterrius Eatmon
Offensive Line
Prichard, Ala. (C.F. Vigor H.S.)
6-6, 320
Three-star prospect according to Scout.com and the No. 79 offensive tackle in the country … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and the 75th-ranked offensive tackle in the country … The 39th-best prospect in Alabama according to Rivals … Mammoth offensive lineman possesses long arms and a big frame … Led C F Vigor High School to the Alabama 5A state championship as a junior … Committed to USF during the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic … Chose USF over Mississippi State, Louisville and South Carolina.
Jamius Gunsby
Quarterback
LaGrange, Ga. (LaGrange H.S.)
6-4, 210
Earned a three star rating from Rivals.com out of La Grange High School … Labeled as the No. 95 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com …Given three stars by ESPN.com and ranked as the No. 69 athlete in the country … Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash … Possesses great size and speed at the quarterback position … Was 42-of-83 for 656 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior while struggling with an ankle injury … Also ran the ball 54 times for 351 yards and seven touchdowns … Chose USF over offers from Kentucky, Florida, Florida State, Michigan State and Troy.
Michael Hayes
Running Back
Breham, Texas (Blinn College
5-9, 192
Three-star running back according to Scout.com … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … One of seven JC running backs to be named a three-star recruit by JCfootball.com … Has great breakaway speed, balance and cutback ability and is great at breaking tackles … Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash … Rushed for 1,269 yards on 204 attempts with 17 touchdowns as a sophomore at Blinn College (Texas) … Also caught 31 passes for 329 yards and one touchdown … Rushed 130 times for 769 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman, while also catching 18 passes for 219 yards and two TDs … Led Blinn to the national title in 2009 … Chose USF over offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Southern Miss.
Mark Joyce
Defensive Back
Deland, Fla. (Deland H.S.)
6-1, 200
A three-star recruit according to Scout.com … Also ranked as the No. 57 safety in the nation … Given three stars by Rivals.com and named the No. 63 safety in the country … Labeled the No. 49 safety in the nation and given three stars by ESPN.com … Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash … Possesses good size and closing speed … Also played linebacker in high school … Led Deland High School to the 6A state title game his senior season … Posted 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and two interceptions as a junior … Chose USF over offers from Mississippi, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Boston College, Vanderbilt and Texas Tech.
Jake Kaufman
Offensive Line
Jersey City, N.J. (St. Peter’s Preparatory School)
6-8, 320
Three-star recruit and the No. 47 offensive tackle according to Scout.com … Listed by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect and the 69th-ranked offensive tackle in the nation … Also named the No. 14 prospect in New Jersey … Mammoth offensive tackle possesses great feet and size … Runs a 5.1 40-yard dash … Earned All-County honors as a junior at St. Peters Preparatory School … Picked USF over offers from Florida, Ohio State, Penn State, Miami, Georgia, Rutgers, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Stanford and Wisconsin.
Tony Kibler
Offensive Line
Belle Glade, Fla. (Glades Day School)
6-5, 315
Labeled a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … Ranked No. 75 in the nation among offensive guards by Scout.com … Possesses great size, power and strength as well as great aggressiveness and tenacity … Named first-team All-State as a junior at Glades Day School … Also earned all-district and all-Palm Beach County honors … Named the No. 16 prospect in the area by the Palm Beach Post … Played right tackle in high school but projects as an interior lineman at the collegiate level … Chose USF over scholarship offers from UCF, Georgia Southern and Arkansas and interest from Georgia, UCLA and Vanderbilt.
Hans Louis
Middle Linebacker
Hollywood, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna College Prep)
6-0, 210
Posted 91 tackles, 15 sacks, seven forced fumbles, one interception and a defensive touchdown as a senior linebacker at Chaminade- Madonna College Prep … Had 77 tackles and eight sacks as a junior … Named the Sun Sentinel small school Defensive Player of the Year … Named first-team all-county … Also tabbed the runner-up for overall Player of the Year … Runs a 4.6 40-yard dash … Also held offers from West Virginia, Western Kentucky, Buffalo, Toledo, Utah, FIU, Middle Tennessee State and Marshall.
Terrence Mitchell
Defensive Back
Tampa, Fla. (Hillsborough H.S.)
5-10, 165
Given a four-star rating by Scout.com and listed as the 12th-best cornerback in the country … Listed by ESPN.com as a four-star recruit, the 12th best cornerback in the nation and the No. 144 prospect overall … Given a four-star rating by Rivals.com … Ranked 89th nationally and 14th in the state of Florida … Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash … Possesses great hands, closing speed and tackling ability … Posted 43 tackles and two interceptions as a junior … Named second-team All-Hillsborough County … Cousin of current USF running back Lindsey Lamar … Also a standout track athlete in high school who finished second in the long and triple jumps at the state meet as a junior … Selected USF over offers from Tennessee, North Carolina, LSU, Illinois, Georgia, Florida and Florida State.
Jamaal Montague
Wide Receiver
Lake City, Fla. (Columbia H.S. North)
6-3, 190
Owns deceptive speed and quickness at the wide receiver position … Posted 74 catches and more than 1,460 yards with 21 touchdowns as a senior at Columbia High School … Also rushed for 300 yards and a touchdown … Returned kicks and punts for Columbia HS, including a 73-yard punt return … Had to sit out his junior year of high school due to transfer rules … Chose USF over offers from Middle Tennessee State, FAU and FIU.
Tiger Powell
Running Back
Lake City, Fla. (Columbia H.S. North)
6-1, 210
Labeled a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and the No. 78 running back in the nation … Given three stars by Scout.com and ranked the 76th best running back in the country … Posted a three-star rating on ESPN.com and the No. 101 running back … Owns great power, size and tackle-breaking ability … Had 963 yards and 14 TDs on the ground as a junior in a spread offense at Columbia High School North … Rushed for 1,280 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore … Named team MVP after his freshman year … Owns a 4.55 40-yard dash time … Also held offers from Michigan, UCF and FIU.
Austin Reiter
Offensive Line
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Lakewood Ranch H.S.)
6-4, 245
Has good feet and displays quickness off the ball … Shows great aggressiveness … Played right tackle on offense and three technique defensive tackle at Lakewood Ranch … Will concentrate on the offensive line at USF … Selected USF over offers from Wake Forest, UCF, FIU and Middle Tennessee State … Also garnered interest from Miami, West Virginia and Cincinnati.
Marcus Shaw
Running Back
Arcadia, Fla. (Desoto H.S.)
5-9, 187
A three-star recruit by Scout.com and the No. 35 running back in the nation from Desoto High School … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, the No. 94 prospect in Florida and the 17th-ranked running back in the nation … Given three stars by ESPN.com and ranked No. 79 in the nation among running backs … Possesses great balance, durability and instincts … Named first-team All-State and first-team All-Area as a junior … Ran eight times for 344 yards with touchdown runs of 72, 44, 80, 40 and 68 yards against Estero as a senior … Posted 2,380 yards on 210 attempts and 34 touchdowns on the ground in his junior season … Chose USF over offers from Indiana, Iowa State, Syracuse, Tulane, FIU and UCF.
Chris Veron
Kicker
Ocala, Fla. (Forest H.S.)
6-3, 210
The No. 67 kicker in the country according to ESPN.com out of Forest High School … Played soccer growing up and early on in high school before concentrating on football … Earned a spot on the Florida 4A All-State First Team as a junior … Also named to the All- County First Team … Averaged 42 yards per punt and had 55 touchbacks in 62 kickoffs his junior year … Hit eight field goals, including a season-long 51-yarder as a junior … Garnered interest from Alabama, Florida State, Miami and FAU before accepting the USF offer.
Curtis Weatherspoon
Linebacker
Valdosta, Ga. (Dean College)
6-1, 205
Competed at Dean College in Franklin, Mass. ... Coached by Todd Vasey ... Named the Northeast Football Conference Defensive MVP as a sophomore ... Was a two-time All-American his freshman and sophomore seasons ... Competed at defensive back but will make the move to linebacker at USF … Earned first-team All-Northeast Football Conference honors in 2009 ... Team MVP in 2009 ... Had 74 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss, along with nine sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and two blocked kicks as a sophomore ... Led the league in tackles and sacks and was second in tackles for loss in 2009 ... Posted 58 tackles, five sacks, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles as a freshman ... Earned first-team all-state honors as a senior at Valdosta High ... Contributed 136 tackles and six sacks as a senior ... Team captain and team MVP senior season ... Also a member of the weightlifting team ... Has one older brother and two younger sisters.
Deonte Welch
Wide Receiver
Williston, Fla. (Williston H.S.)
6-0, 185
Given a three star rating by Rivals.com … Labeled a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and tabbed the No. 76 athlete in the country … Spent his senior year as a running back but will play wide receiver at USF … Named first-team all-area by the Gainesville Sun as a senior … Earned Florida 1B-2A Offensive Player Of The Year honors by the Gainesville Sun … Also tabbed third-team 3A all-state … Posted 837 all-purpose yards as a junior … Had 770 yards and 12 touchdowns combined rushing and receiving as a sophomore … Deceptively strong and explosive … Excels in all three phases of the game … Chose USF over offers from Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Tulane, North Carolina State and Vanderbilt.
Brandon Wilkinson
Defensive End
Venice, Fla. (Venice Senior H.S.)
6-4, 215
Three-star recruit according to Rivals.com and Scout.com out of Venice Senior High School … No. 54 defensive end in the country according to Scout.com … A three-star prospect according to ESPN.com and the No. 64 defensive end … Shows great athleticism and explosion off the ball … Brings great intensity and effort to the field … Runs a 4.71 40-yard dash … Posted 70 tackles, 15 sacks and two fumble recoveries as a junior … Named to the 5A All-State Second Team … Tabbed to the All-Area First Team … Caught 11 passes for more than 200 yards as a tight end as a sophomore … Chose USF over offers from Kentucky, Duke, Vanderbilt, Iowa, Iowa State, Indiana, Minnesota and Purdue.
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