2016 South Florida Recruiting Guide: Top Commits (So Far)

Recruiting junkies rejoice! National Signing Day is just one week away and schools like South Florida are in the final stages of locking down their 2016 class.

At the moment that I'm typing this, USF currently boasts the #2 class in the AAC only behind Houston and the #62 class overall according to 247. I already wrote about Willie Taggart's recruiting philosophy in Tampa, but now we're going to look at the recruits he has committed so far.

(Also, I'm going to use this quick moment to spread the annual SB Nation PSA of DON'T TWEET AT RECRUITS. Johnny McFourstars isn't coming to your university because you tweeted at him everyday about the perks of the college/town/area, so don't do it. Its weird)

Now here's the list of who at the moment are pegged down to be future Bulls:

Darnell Salomon- WR-Miami Central (Miami, FL)

6-3, 210 LB

Star Rating: 4 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 11/30/2015

Coming from South Florida powerhouse Miami Central, Salomon is a huge pickup for USF's Gulf Coast offense in the near future, even as early as his freshman year. Grading out as the 12th highest ranked recruit in school history, Salomon boosted the Bulls 2016 class when he flipped from Alabama of all teams to home-state USF.

However, the jury is still out on the highly sought after WR remaining with the Bulls. The departure of WR coach and ace South Florida recruiter Ron Dugans could have a considerable impact on Salomon's decision as schools like Temple and Pittsburgh have been gunning hard over the past week to pry him out of the Sunshine state. Whether or not the 4-star remains committed to the green and gold will be the biggest story heading into February 3rd.

Craig Watts- S-Admiral Farragut Academy (St. Petersburg, FL)

6-0, 180 LB

Star Rating: 4 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 1/18/2016

Kind of appropriate that the title of his Hudl video is "Humble Beast." Whereas Salomon is 12th on the all-time Bulls commit list, Watts is right behind him at 13.

Previously committed to Colorado, the St. Pete local committed to USF after his official visit on January 18th and is yet another top flight talent Taggart has convinced to stay home. With young safeties like Devin Abraham, Khalid McGee, and Jaymon Thomas already on the roster, Watts will have to really compete to potentially see the field in 2016. If new defensive coordinator Raymond Woodie decides to stick with the 4-2-5 scheme the unit ran last season, the #BayMade safety could be utilized at some point.

Josh Dunn- DB-Lake Wales (Lake Wales, FL)

6-0, 205 LB

Star Rating- 3 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 11/24/2015

The quick 3 star DB from nearby Lake Wales has been committed to the Bulls since November. His speed and ball-hawking ability is a natural fit for the type of fast pace defense that has been set in place by Taggart and staff in Tampa. He'll most likely redshirt in 2016 considering there's a plethora of talent returning in the secondary for the Bulls.

Andre Polk- OLB-South Fort Myers (Fort Myers, FL)

6-3, 210 LB

Star Rating: 3 (247), 2 (Rivals)

Committed: 11/22/2015

The Bulls were able to pry away the Fort Myers OLB from Minnesota in November. Listed at 6-3, 210 LB, Polk has a similar build to the outgoing Tashon Whitehurst, but obviously has room to grow. The South Fort Myers standout will join a linebacking roster already consisting of talented upperclassmen including team leader Auggie Sanchez, Nigel Harris, Josh Black, and class of 2015 pickup Cecil Cherry.

Elijah Mack- RB-Charlotte High School (Punta Gorda, FL)

5-11, 195 LB

Star Rating: 3 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 6/21/2015

It seems that Willie Taggart is cornering the market for South Florida running backs named "Mack." If the Punta Gorda prospect can step in and produce anywhere near the production Marlon Mack has in his first two seasons, then that'll be a huge get for the Gulf Coast offense in the upcoming years.

Mack will come into a running back depth chart loaded with the likes of the aforementioned Marlon, D'Ernest Johnson, Darius Tice, and a finally academically eligible Trevon Sands. But his ability to shed tackles and break free after initial contact should get him on the field sooner than later.

Armunz Mathews- CB-North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, FL)

5-11, 180 LB

Star Rating: 3 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 6/20/2015

A 5-11, 180 LB CB/WR who plays like a Free Safety with his jarring hits as seen in the video above, Mathews has been locked down with USF since June and looks to join an already stacked defensive backfield. However, Louisville is looming as the Tallahassee native will take an official visit this Saturday.

Chris Oladokun- QB-Sickles (Tampa, FL)

6-1, 175 LB

Star Rating: 3 (247 and Rivals)

Committed: 10/11/2014

Having committed way back in October of 2014, the hometown kid has not been swayed by other offers such as Iowa State, Bowling Green, and Nebraska. Listed as a Pro-style QB, Oladokun has a knack for moving and utilizing his feet to extend/make plays when no one appears to be initially open, similar to Quinton Flowers. Once Flowers and Asiantii Woulard move on after the 2017 season, the Sickles superstar is poised to step right in as the hometown starting QB.

LaDarrius Jackson- DE-Hinds C.C. (Juco)/Parker High School (Birmingham, AL)

6-4. 243 LB

Star Rating: 3 (247 and Rivals)

Signed Letter of Intent: 12/16/2015

One of two three Juco recruits to commit to USF so far, Jackson signed his letter of intent back in December and is already enrolled on campus. With seniors Eric Lee and Daniel Awoleke leaving, Jackson should fill a position as starter on Day 1 and provide a considerable presence coming off the edge.