The South Florida staff hit the road last week with the focus again on a small group of top 2023 prospects. The main guys appear to be Winter Haven HS forward Dylan James, Orlando Christian Prep forward Jayden Hastings, John Marshall H.S. (Richmond, VA) small forward Dennis Parker, Greensboro Day (NC) School shooting guard Jaydon Young, and Christ School (Arden, NC) power forward/center Anthony Robinson. A few more prospects may join the list after next week's live period with the whole coaching staff scouting (CBG was not on the road last week) and with some targets still all up in the air like Davin Cosby Jr. The Bulls offered the Benedictine College Preparatory (VA) shooting guard during his meteoric rise last week, then he picked up offers from schools in the Big Ten and ACC.
Players have begun to focus on their recruitment more and are beginning the process of cutting their lists of schools.
I contacted James but he was tight lipped about his plans. However, one source with knowledge of his thinking said USF's chances with James are good because his family is close and would like to see him play as much as possible. The source also added that UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins made James a priority early and "has been there from day one himself." The source also said that USF having Keyshawn Evans is a plus but the Bulls need to have a very good season. The source added that he expects James to visit USF "a lot" for games. A second source believes that Alabama might be the leader for James at this point in time.
I was also in touch with Hastings this week. He and his family have begun talking about official visits. Hastings also said he'll be cutting his list "after July cools down or before school." Which to me means look for his list announcement in early August. Hastings said that he hasn't thought about how many schools will be on his list but suggested that it will be "probably six" because of visits. Since players only get five official visits Hastings might be considering one in-state unofficial visit to a school that is not far away. That could be USF or UCF or UF. He did tell me that "Georgia Tech and Clemson are locks" to get a visit from him.
Due to the thousands of Division I players who transfer each season with immediate eligibility, more high school prospects are committing this summer than in recent summers, so the high school recruiting picture should become more clear before long.
Barring roster attrition the Bulls will have three scholarships available next season. We expect the staff to use two of those 'ships on high school prospects and recruit the portal for additional needs.
Players have begun to focus on their recruitment more and are beginning the process of cutting their lists of schools.
I contacted James but he was tight lipped about his plans. However, one source with knowledge of his thinking said USF's chances with James are good because his family is close and would like to see him play as much as possible. The source also added that UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins made James a priority early and "has been there from day one himself." The source also said that USF having Keyshawn Evans is a plus but the Bulls need to have a very good season. The source added that he expects James to visit USF "a lot" for games. A second source believes that Alabama might be the leader for James at this point in time.
I was also in touch with Hastings this week. He and his family have begun talking about official visits. Hastings also said he'll be cutting his list "after July cools down or before school." Which to me means look for his list announcement in early August. Hastings said that he hasn't thought about how many schools will be on his list but suggested that it will be "probably six" because of visits. Since players only get five official visits Hastings might be considering one in-state unofficial visit to a school that is not far away. That could be USF or UCF or UF. He did tell me that "Georgia Tech and Clemson are locks" to get a visit from him.
Due to the thousands of Division I players who transfer each season with immediate eligibility, more high school prospects are committing this summer than in recent summers, so the high school recruiting picture should become more clear before long.
Barring roster attrition the Bulls will have three scholarships available next season. We expect the staff to use two of those 'ships on high school prospects and recruit the portal for additional needs.
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