USF already had one of the nation's best incoming classes of defensive ends, but the Bulls have added perhaps the biggest coup yet, as junior college standout Jason Pierre-Paul, rated a five-star recruit by Scout.com, committed on Thursday.
"There is no doubt he is the best player in junior college football this year," said Jeff Sims, his coach at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. "He's extremely athletic. You have a 6-foot-6, 270-pound player who can do a backflip wearing a helmet and shoulder pads."
Pierre-Paul, of Deerfield Beach, also had Nebraska and Kansas State among his final choices, and Sims said the proximity to home helped USF and defensive line coach Kevin Patrick seal the deal.
Pierre-Paul is rated as the nation's No. 6 junior college prospect at any position by Rivals.com, which rates him a four-star recruit. He will sign with the Bulls next week as perhaps the most highly touted recruit in USF's 12-year history. He joins a talented class of defensive ends that includes Armwood's Ryne Giddens and Boca Ciega's Julius Forte.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Another great addition.
Posted by: Ken | January 31, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Come on, give credit where credit is due...UCiF deserves accolades for being the 119th offense out of 119 Div 1-A teams...it's very difficult being that bad over the entire season.
Posted by: Al | January 30, 2009 at 10:21 PM
The chalko's of the world are having a difficult time dealing with USF's success, while ucIF still hasn't even won a bowl game and once again stayed home while USF got another bowl win this year. Add on the way USF is recruiting this year, the fact that we beat the heck out of ucIF four years in a row, and those little peewees are so envious of everything USF has.
Sorry chalko, those are the facts, and acting like a typical ucIF butthead isn't going to change reality.
ucIF = nothing in the college football world
Posted by: USFMikeB | January 30, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Al,
Maybe the associate dean thought it was fiscally responsible for buying at a discount at Circuit City...
Posted by: Bulliever | January 30, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Thing aren't going very well at Toon Town Community College right now..
"UCF dean charged with stealing from university
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando, AP) -- The University of Central Florida reports that an associate dean used a school credit card to buy $40,000 worth of home entertainment equipment."
Posted by: Al | January 30, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Chalko,
I did not mean to make you so mad...
So how is it going over there at UCF...have not heard a thing...Maybe you can tell us all about it since you like hanging out so much over here.
Posted by: Bulliever | January 30, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Trust me, I'm not freaked out. Unlike you, I don't take the things you say all that seriously. Sorry little boy :(
Posted by: Chalko | January 30, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Wow Chalko the hostility....
I just told you that your team is going to do better this year and probably make it to a Bowl game, why are you so freaked out?
Gese...
Posted by: Bulliever | January 30, 2009 at 04:44 PM
You're out of your mind Bulliever, just like the rest of the idiots. By the end of next season USF will probably be on NCAA probation because of academic violations. I wouldn't call that "fine."
Posted by: Chalko | January 30, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Chalko,
We are gonna be fine this year!!
Actually I think it will be your team who actually does better this year at 6-6 and you all will be at the MajicJack Bowl...
How ironic that would be!
Posted by: Bulliever | January 30, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Popek got the over achiever award for strength and conditioning.
"Presented to the freshman football player who achieved outstanding performance levels in the areas of strength and conditioning while demonstrating an intense, tireless work ethic"
http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=37319&SPID=2981&DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=3633252
Back during the bowl week the Tampa tribune had him projected as a starter for next year but that was before Savala committed.
Posted by: jg | January 30, 2009 at 03:42 PM
You still have redneck Grothe throwing picks. Sure, you'll have a solid defense, prepare for 6-6 and another date with magicJack.
Posted by: Chalko | January 30, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Hey Chalko,
Have not seen you around in a while...
So you have definitely missed the action...Our OC Gregory is GONE. So, there will be no mid-season collapse this year...
Also, we have recruited some stellar athletes...
How are you doing over there at ole UCF? What does Scout.com have you ranked in recruiting... could not seem to find your team...?
Posted by: Bulliever | January 30, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Chalko, you'd be perfect as a pad on a blocking sled at USF football practices.
Posted by: | January 30, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Regardless of who USF recruits, a mid-season collapse should be expected.
Posted by: Chalko | January 30, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Anybody know (for a fact) how Popek is coming along? He LOOKED like at least a sophomore or junior body-wise coming in last year.
MIght he start the season as our starting left tackle before Rose finishes his suspension?
Posted by: RR | January 30, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Don't forget Jatavious Jackson switched to o-line, too. Another in the parade of FSU guys.
Without any seniors starting this year, it would be a great year to target some tackles (so we'll have 19 linemen, but only a few pure tackles) and develop the replacements.
2010 recruiting is going to need a QB (already took care of that), some wideouts, linebackers, and a punter. This class seems to be setting up 2010.
Posted by: David Weber | January 30, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Nice pick up. Welcome to the squad.
Posted by: DELdaBULL | January 30, 2009 at 10:04 AM
btw, I didn't see Smooth's post before mine because of this 2-page thing...aw well.
Posted by: Windbane | January 30, 2009 at 04:12 AM
Road Runner: Not just Rose, but Savala could start this year as well. Steven Jacques is among the highest rated offensive linemen we've recruited (the highest being Edenfield, who didn't take it seriously enough at USF).
Jackson from last year is also among the highest. He redshirted along with 5 other guys that could start contributing this year.
We've got 14 offensive linemen on the roster already and 5 new guys coming in. We aren't going to add a ton of OL next year with no starters graduating after this next season. I think the 6 redshirts and 5 recruits (including Rose) will be pretty good.
Posted by: Windbane | January 30, 2009 at 04:06 AM
Next year we will be targeting O-line heavily (no pun intended), this class wasn't bare with o-lineman. We get an immediate impact OT in Carlos Savala from the JUCO level. The staff believes he will be the starter from day one, most likely at RT. Daron Rose who is transferring in has started and performed well at the BCS level and is expected to man the left side once his suspension is over.
We got an excellent guard in Steven Jaques and to a lesser extent although talented we landed Center Kamran Joyer.
We have some returning talent as well, in Estenour, Popek, Warren, Genus, and Hermann
Posted by: Smooth | January 29, 2009 at 10:52 PM
A BCS birth would be nice but next year it is FAR more important to finish in the top 25 and BEAT FSU and Miami.
If we do that, we'll have a chance to start out recruiting those programs in 2 years. We do THAT and we'll be FSU circa 1990.
Posted by: Jonathan | January 29, 2009 at 09:10 PM
"Sager and demi greyshirt then redshirt. Wow!"
Is that an opinion or a fact? If its a fact that will free up 2 more scholarships for this year, which helps.
Also, who do you foresee transferring out? Who do you see as non-qualifying candidates in this year's class?
Don't forget that we have Claude davis coming in next year as well. He is a beast DE.
Posted by: AGW | January 29, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Wait, I dont understand this, I thought UCiF was so superior to USF and sicne JPP signed with them out of HS, why wouldn't he go back there?
Posted by: gdp | January 29, 2009 at 07:08 PM
It really is incredible how far we've come in recruiting. This guy doesn't even have a guaranteed job (Marshall was pretty good last year and Bedford was ranked just slightly lower), and yet he chose USF. And let's not forget that the staff seems pretty high on Patrick Hampton.
Obviously, Thompson, Sager, and Forte will redshirt now. But what about Giddins? He's an awesome talent, but we don't need him to play right away, and what 18 year old couldn't use a year in the weightroom? That's of course if JPP is at DE. I think he should get a look at Harris' position. I know Stirrups is competing for it too, but JPP has the size and speed to play anywhere on the line. The other option is that having JPP and Giddins play is that it would let us give Selvie a meaningful breather. Obviously, Selvie is #1, but even though he never quits, he gets tired (even for his incredible stamina). So letting get a few plays in a row off would energize him for sack situations.
For the rest of the class, I want to see Barrington, Hosely, and Griffin. Hosely could be special, while Barrington and Griffin would probably start playing in 2010, at least on special teams (and both could be really good starters eventually as well).
Posted by: David Weber | January 29, 2009 at 06:56 PM
It is hard to project offensive linemen. That is why you don't see many highly rated prospects. Looking at the state of florida alone there are only two 4 star tackles and two 4 star guards (scout ratings).
During the under armour game tommy tuberville (former auburn coach)gave a really good explanation of it. I'm sure there is a video of it somewhere.
Posted by: | January 29, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Agreed that this is a great get, but also agree that I'd like to have seen more of a focus on the O-Line. Time and time again, that has been the fragile weak link on the team. Every season, once the starters begin getting injured, we start tanking the season!
Maybe the improved practice field (courtesy of the NFL) will help reduce the injuries, but the O-Line still makes me nervous.
Posted by: Stephen Blackehart | January 29, 2009 at 06:16 PM
This guy sounds like a monster...
Posted by: The Matrix | January 29, 2009 at 06:04 PM
It's happenin'...We are making continuous strides..Leavitt and his staff have done a fantastic job in so little time. Be thankful for Leavitt and stay off his rear regarding the minutia. "Rome" wasn't built in a day. We are on the right course for success. Go Bulls!
Posted by: dobie315 | January 29, 2009 at 06:01 PM
It is Giddins with an I. And I was just using the stars and national rankings -- and hedging with a "perhaps" -- in the superlatives for him. There are some that believe Giddins should be the five-star and Pierre-Paul less so ...
Posted by: G.A. | January 29, 2009 at 05:52 PM
I hear that KC. However, JPP was an All American as a freshman at another JUCO program then transferred last year to Fort Scott. The other JUCO program didn't have the talent of Fort Scott. He produced in both years but his Freshman production was slightly better.
Posted by: USF95 | January 29, 2009 at 05:34 PM
This is a great pickup but I will still wait to see how it translates on the field.
I remember Antonio Searcy being a huge pickup and I don't think he ever saw the field.
Also the Fort Scott team is loaded with 3 and 4 star guys(including our commit - LB Williams) so was he a good player on a great team or a great player who made everyone else look better.
Just food for thought
Otherwise it's great to be a Bull.
Hosley would be a nice pickup as would a WR.
Posted by: KC | January 29, 2009 at 05:09 PM
It is amazing what is happening. Starting next year we are going to be known as NFL Defensive Line U. we will have Selvie, Mcclain,Stirrups, and JPP starting by FSU. With super all freshman stud ryne in the super sub role with marshall and harris in major rotation! Everyone of these lineman have nfl potential with the exception of maybe harris!!! Our rush and run defense at the line will be ferocious. I think this is the year people if the secondary steps up for a BCS championship bid. The line was decimated by the pitt loss, and was the biggest factor to fall beside greg playcalling and tyler roberts. Not this year! Best dline in nation, and we have not mentioned the future forte and ryne duo. Sager and demi greyshirt then redshirt. Wow!
Posted by: sam diaz | January 29, 2009 at 05:09 PM
All these defensive linemen are great, but how about some great OFFENSIVE line prospects?!?!
The offensive line has been the weak link throughout this program's history. We've had one or two good players on the O-line in all these years, and the rest have just been also-rans.
I know we have Rose coming in, but we need to focus some recruiting efforts on the offensive line. I think we may need to sign six or seven REALLY GOOD ones next year.
Posted by: RR | January 29, 2009 at 05:03 PM
WOW! We will have the college version of the purple people eaters and the steel curtain all rolled into one!!
I smell a BCS Bowl game next year!
Posted by: BullFan '09 | January 29, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Excellent news. Our lack of a pass rush was one of our major flaws last season, but with the way this recruiting class is shaping up, we should be improving dramatically. Can't wait to see what these guys do on the field.
Posted by: Cuba | January 29, 2009 at 04:53 PM
What an awesome job of recruiting by Leavitt and Company! Things are looking up again! Go Bulls!
Posted by: Don A. | January 29, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I think GA was referring to rankings. Some services have JPP as a five star. No doubt Giddins huge in so many other ways. Given the choice of the two (which I would not want to do) I would take Giddins based on the fact he has 4 years and the statement his signing with us makes for local recruiting.
Posted by: SMH | January 29, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Its GiddIns
All the DE are expected to qualify. You don't turn away these type players just because you have some on the roster. Most likely Sager, Demi, and Forte with RS and Giddins will see time right away.
Posted by: BullsFanatic | January 29, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Greg, I wouldn't say that JPP is the most heralded recruit that USF has gotten, Giddins is a Parade All-American, CSTV National Defensive Player of the Year, had like 70 scholarship offers....
JPP is nice player to have but I think Giddins is the more highly touted recruit regardless of JPP's 5 star ranking on Scout.
Posted by: Smooth | January 29, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Our #24 scout.com recruiting rank puts us currently #2 in Big East behind #17 WVU & right ahead of #25 Notre Dame.
It's gonna be hard on signing day to get any work done.
Posted by: Norb | January 29, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Whoever is recruting all these DE's need the raise! Only thing I fear is that they must know that 1 or 2 are not going to qualify out of HS. The CC and Juco guys are more developed physically so JPP could be the leader for starting opposite of Selvie. imo
Posted by: Informidabull | January 29, 2009 at 04:32 PM
people keep spelling giddins with an e. Is it GiddIns or GiddEns?
Posted by: | January 29, 2009 at 04:30 PM
We are stocking up for the big time teams on our schedule.
GO BULLS!!!!!
Posted by: james wilson | January 29, 2009 at 04:21 PM
This is huge. Now that Buie is gone, we will have a consistent pass rush from the other side from a combo of Bedford, Marshall, Giddens and JPP along with Selvie.
Posted by: Charles | January 29, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I think the Defense coaches deserve a nice raise this year!
Posted by: USFBullsBabe | January 29, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Proud day to be a bull... unBullivable.. okay ill stop but good stuff.. another sign our program is on a rise... I bet Pat White is happy he is graduating this year!
Posted by: | January 29, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I will now reiterate my previous yippee!
Posted by: | January 29, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Hope he can come in and make an impact. Stagger this class and train them up right (and if they keep their heads on straight and follow Selvie's example of work ethic) we should start seeing a long line of high level DE's hearing their name called on day one of NFL draft...
Posted by: cg | January 29, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Absolutely Sick!
Posted by: Steve | January 29, 2009 at 03:39 PM