Quick thoughts from USF's SuperBull

Spent a few hours at Raymond James Stadium tonight, taking in the "SuperBull" recruiting camp, which brought about 85 prospects from across the state and even farther in some cases. Lots of big names on hand, including some of the top targets for USF's 2010 recruiting class. I'll have more Sunday night or Monday -- not going to spend much time blogging on Father's Day, and wishing a happy Sunday to all the dads reading out there ...

-- I can't report any new commitments right now, but I think the folks over at USFnation.com should have one. I'll follow up as soon as I'm able to confirm ...

-- Two of the biggest recruits in attendance were from Tampa Catholic: quarterback Christian Green and offensive lineman Chaz Green. I talked to Christian and will get a Q&A up in the next day or so, but he looked sharp working as a quarterback -- he counts USF among six schools he's considering, with Florida, Florida  State, Georgia, Tennessee and Ohio State. He said he sees himself as a receiver in college, but said USF is recruiting him as a quarterback and he's intrigued by how he could fit into USF's offense. He's grown up in Tampa as a USF season-ticket holder, his father Hiram played basketball for the Bulls and continues to work at USF, and his godfather is Lee Roy Selmon, so there's a near-ideal level of familiarity with USF athletics. He said he hopes to make a decision by end of summer, but doesn't want to rush things. More on him to come.

-- Most impressive kid I talked to might be Gibbs defensive end Tim Jackson, who went to Florida International's camp at Largo High on Saturday morning then came over with several teammates. Jackson's a real strong kid academically, said he had a 3.7 grade-point average and a 1620 on the SAT -- that's with three sections, not two as in olden times, but still a strong score. Consider the academic caliber of the schools he has offers from: Stanford, Vanderbilt, Northwestern and Wake Forest. Jackson said he'll take all five of his visits and won't make a decision until after football season. He had 42 tackles and eight sacks last season -- he too is someone we'll be writing more about.

-- Talked to Bradenton Manatee QB Brion Carnes, who has been listed with varying levels of commitment to USF. He said he considers himself a USF commitment: "South Florida is my No. 1 school," but said he's getting a lot of contact from other schools, listing Clemson, West Virginia and Georgia. He's talked with Jim Leavitt about his interest in listening to other options -- again, I'll post a full transcript in the next day or two ... His top target, receiver Ace Sanders, was also in attendance, showcasing some of the best speed in the event, and Carnes said he's trying to get Sanders to USF, but his recruitment remains wide-open.

-- Two intriguing quarterbacks in attendance: One is a QB/TE recruit named Zach McCabe, all the way from Sioux City, Iowa. Kid has great size -- he's drawing scholarship offers in basketball as a forward -- and while he had a TE jersey on, he looked sharp working with the quarterbacks. Another passer who didn't seem to throw a bad pass was a kid named Akeem Jones, who seemed impressive before I found out he's a rising freshman. Yep, that's the recruiting class of 2013. Literally hasn't decided where he'll play football this fall, but I hear that St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale is a possibility. Remember the name, folks, remember the name.

-- Coolest drill I saw? Offensive coordinator Mike Canales stands at the middle of the field and has the quarterback backpedal along the yard-line, clear to the sidelines. As the QB backpedals, Canales holds up one hand and keeps changing the number of fingers he's holding up, making the quarterback call out the numbers: "1 ... 4 ... 2 ... 5." You're talking about like a 15-step drop, but shows a passer's ability to read something on the run.

-- Advice for anyone showing up at a USF practice: Don't wear another school's apparel. Leavitt doesn't take kindly to guests proudly displaying other team's colors, especially with a ton of recruits around. Guy showed up tonight with a red Ohio State shirt on, and was politely encouraged to turn it inside-out.

-- Again, lots more to come from tonight, with plenty to follow up on. Again, a big shoutout to all the dads out there. I'll be back late Sunday or first thing Monday morning ...

Comments

[Commish Chalko]

Apology accepted, lets get back to it old lady!

[Steve O'Neal]

Well if that is true, I am sorry for your loss and thank your brother for the ultimate sacrifice for our country. My son-in-law is on his second enlistment and we've known him since he was about 13y/o. I'm lucky both my daughters have great husbands. I am meeting a group of vets and current servicemen tonight for a ride on our harleys. I have always appreciated the military and what they do whether I agree with war or not. I will lay off your family in the future. You're still fair game though!

[Commish Chalko]

Stevo, my brother served in the US Marine Corp from 2001 until 2004 when he lost his life in Iraq. Don't question my family! I certainly have more respect for your son-in-law then I do for you.

[Reality = Joke]

Reality,

You are a joke and a coward. There is nothing more admirable than someone serving our country...same goes for physicians, nurses, cops, paramedics, and fireman. These guys roll up their sleeves to deal with stuff that cowards you like take advantage of everyday. As far as a choice between UCF and USF....what are your credentials? Be man enough to divulge them so we can laugh........And don't make anything up like you are thinking to do right now.

[Steve O'Neal]

Sorry GA. Reality you are one stupid person. I see why you hide your miserable identity now. Nice to know what you think of the people that DECIDE to serve our country and do what is required of them, even death. Thank God we have young people that love this country so much that they make that choice. You as an American have the right to choose to put down our military. Remember though without them, you just might not have that "choice". My son-in-law says "you're welcome". Me, I say you are just an idiot.

[Bulliever]

Thank you to our Armed Forces and the life they choose to lead to keep our country safe. It is because of them we are able to live in a free and amazing country!

Steve,
Please thank your son-in-law and let your family know that we appreciate the sacrifices that he and his family are making to keep the USA the best country to live in!

[G.A.]

Guys, are we seriously ripping the daughter of another commenter? At the risk of narrowing down the conversation, stick to things you have any business talking about, please ... I take a day off for a holiday and things really deteriorate on here. Enough already.

[Reality]

Steve, Sorry to hear your daughter married a JarHead, this will be the first of many father's days without her as she moves from stop to stop. Talk about a tough life. She chose to marry him, and he chose to take a job like that (there is no draft, so I never feel sorry for guys that are going to war) Such is life. You live with your choices. Just like choosing to go to UCF or USF.

[Mr. Snrub]

Ouch for the commish.

[PJ]

Did USF gain any commits over the weekend?

[Bobby B]

Wow you guys really get angry with each other. BTW, the argonauts was an attempt at humor. There is a bit of a rivalry between STA and Lakeland. They battle every year for the state championship, and lately for the national championship.

[Steve O'Neal]

My daughter is in California because her husband is serving our country as a Marine. Maybe that is what is lacking in your life........ a strong family. It was probably a tough day for you yesterday. Standing on OBT in O-town. Watching the cars go by, picking up the fine working ladies on OBT and wondering........could that be my daddy? Tough way to have to spend Fathers Day!

[Tim]

USF has the second largest endowment in the state behind UF.

[Calco's Mom]

UCF Medical School is that even accredited yet? Thought I saw a sign for UCF Chiropractic School when I came out from under the rock. LOL

Right about the Medical school as it will increase your endowment but you are years away from equality if ever... You have too many years to catch up and have not graduated one MD. Yet we just added a Pharm D program. We are closer to FSU's endowment than your are to us. Get real buddy....I love how you have zero to say about your HS Football team and little league stadium. Grothe did tend bar..nothing wrong with that while you are in school. Looks bad though when you are over the age of 23 and going to school and still working behind the bar. Oh yeah...that is the typical UCF student at about 60 credit hours.

[Ken]

Complete agreement about Hiram Green. Would be great to have his son here now.

[Calco's mom]

Ah Chalco, the difference in endowment is strickly due to the medical school and if you have been living under rock, which I am sure you have, UCF has a medical school now, along with two hospitals and other research facilities. UCF will take money from USF no doubt in this regard.

As to the stadium, please keep buying the concessions, the Buc's need your money. Oh, and about tending bar, considering your QB did that while playing and most likely will do that after this year, I suggest you don't make fun of it.

[Terry Lucas]

Anyone who has met Hiram Green knows he's a class act. It would be awesome to see his son end up on the playing field one day in the Green and Gold if he is anything like his father.

[Ken]

Exactly, Greg. No doubt above average for FB players, but not for USF FTIC--and way low for freshmen at Stanford, etc. Still, that's a beautiful campus and a heck of a school.

[Commish Toolko]

Chalko,

I just read and article listing each Universities' endowment and noticed your beloved UCF at $116 mil. while USF is at $389 mil. What a huge difference for two schools founded at about the same time. I guess with the majority of UCF grads tending bar and flipping burgers that does not equate to deep pockets for donations but more to finding change for another beer. Have fun with that glorified HS stadium that was built from a mail-order construction kit. Didn't some of the students volunteer a few Saturdays to erect it. Initially, there was no money for the water fountains so that had to wait for ticket money from the first game. What a joke (UCF). After the beat down over the past four years, you guys still want more....Why? We gave you a shot and you failed four times...how many do you want? We would whip you this year at home like in '07. We gain more for playing Miami the next five years and having a chance to beat them then to continue whipping O'Leary's fat behind......I know underneath that UCF shirt you probably are a Bull's season ticket holder. Do you think if we go 0-5 against Miami that they will renew the series....No. The point is to start a rivalry as UF-FSU have already and if we win a few games we might just start one. Please tune into the FSU-USF game and see how a school moving up the chain performs....ask Auburn in 2007. UCF is light years away from that. We whipped your best team in UCF history in 2007 64-12 at Ray Jay. Our third string QB was playing like Peyton Manning.

[Commish Chalko]

Stevo, your children don't want to be seen in public with you. Your daughter in California went to the West coast. Take a hint grandpa!

[Bullogna]

bobby, it the dreadnaughts of lakeland.... the argonauts are of Toronto fame from the CFL

[KB]

Bobby B,

I beleive Lakeland is the Dreadnaughts.

[Bobby B]

I am an Aquinas alum. It would be great if we could crack into that talent pool. So far Miami, Notre Dame, and Auburn (with Tuberville so that could change) have the keys to that kingdom. We finally broke into Armwood with Giddins so I think it is possible. Leavitt also needs to tap the UF pipeline that is the Lakeland Argonauts.

[G.A.]

A 1620 on three parts equates to a 1080 on two parts, no? Certainly not a bad score as football players go.

Kyle's right about Trickett -- forgot to mention him, but I'll get to it Monday. And I'm all about teaching quarterbacks the proper order of operations!

Happy Father's Day to everyone ...

[Steve O'Neal]

Clown, we ask that question of you all the time. Why can't you just get over us and get on with your life? Wait, I know this one.......You have NO LIFE! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Steve O'Neal]

HAPPY FATHERS DAY Greg and all the other Bulls fans reading this blog! My girls asked me what I wanted for Fathers day.......I just wanted to see my girls. We are grilling steaks and playing in the pool. I will miss my one daughter in California though.

[Ken]

1620 on 3 parts of the SAT will be a below avereage score for USF (generally, no doubt above average for FB players), and near the bottom for admits at those top notch schools that were mentioned. Still, why would someone now jump at the chance to go to one of those?

[Commish Chalko]

Leavitt is an idiot. Why can't he just ignore it and get on with it.

Have a great father's day G.A. Enjoy your break away from me and all my friends!

[Bull Daly]

Greg,

Happy Father's Day to you!! Thanks for the great coverage of USF. Funny that you mention Leavitt not liking other school's colors as I remember Leavitt getting on Mike Pepper years ago on the radio show. Not sure if you were even covering the Bulls back then, but Pepper had his Oklahoma hat on which got Leavitt ragging on Pepper through out the radio show. It was all in good fun, but you can tell that Leavitt wants fans to make USF their #1 team.

[Kyle Jeffries]

Rick Trickett's son was in attendance, QB #8 and he looked really good. To my untrained eye he looked like the best QB there.

Also, coolest drill...Canales gives the QB 3 targets, 1, 2, 3...has the qb do a 3 step drop and as they're dropping gives them an equation...say 2*3-4 and the QB has to throw the ball to the guy matched with the answer...so in this case #2. Really quickfire stuff...impressive.