Question No. 6 for USF Bulls: Do they have an impact freshman?

Posted Aug 2, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Aug 2, 2010 at 09:49 AM

Skip Holtz and his staff have had several challenging tasks since taking over the Bulls in mid-January, but none matched the importance of securing a respectable 2010 recruiting class in their first two weeks on the job.

Holtz retained the majority of USF’s commitments under former coach Jim Leavitt, and added a few of his own, most notably turning Hillsborough High athlete Terrence Mitchell from Florida State.

To serve as an official countdown to the start of football season here in our little corner of the blogosphere, I’m throwing out the 10 most important questions the Bulls face heading into the season.

USF opens practice Friday. You can check out the blog each day for the latest question. After I give my take, I’d like to hear what your take is on the question of the day.

With that said, let’s take a look today at Question No. 6: Do the Bulls have an impact freshman?

Holtz sure hopes so, because due to a lack of overall depth at certain skill positions and injuries at receiver, the Bulls need some instant production from the newcomers.

Mitchell appears the most likely to make an immediate impact. He is considered an elite athlete and was ranked among the top defensive back prospects in the nation by multiple recruiting services coming out of Hillsborough.

Mitchell is a player who can return kicks, play defensive back, and take snaps as a two-way player if needed. Depending on how ready Mitchell is for the challenge, look for Holtz to explore all options with him.

Defensive tackle Todd Chandler is the highest-ranked prospect in USF’s 2010 recruiting class based on the ESPN150. At No. 67, Chandler originally committed to Miami but changed his commitment to USF and remained firm despite a lot of poachers trying to snap him after Leavitt was fired.

The Bulls have adequate depth on the defensive line, but look for Chandler to be given every opportunity to move ahead in the rotation if he is ready.

With injuries at receiver, Deonte Welch of Williston is a player who could earn playing time quicker than expected if he makes a strong impression during fall camp.

Offensive lineman Jake Kaufman, and defensive backs Reshard Cliett and Mark Joyce are other candidates who could jump up the depth charts very quickly.

One true freshman Holtz doesn’t want to have to use immediately is QB Jamius Gunsby. That would likely mean injuries to starter B.J. Daniels and back-up QB/receiver Evan Landi.

So, which true freshman do you see having the greatest impact?