USF RB Aycock, DE Wilkinson leave program

Posted Aug 7, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Aug 7, 2011 at 07:57 PM

VERO BEACH USF redshirt sophomore running back Dontae Aycock and redshirt freshman defensive end Brandon Wilkinson both have decided to leave the program, USF coach Skip Holtz said after Sunday’s practice, the team’s first at the Vero Beach Sports Village.

Wilkinson intends to transfer to a Division I-AA or junior college program to continue his playing career, while Aycock, a former Chamberlain High standout, has decided not to play anymore, Holtz said.

“Brandon Wilkinson wants to play, he wants to get on the field and he has made a decision to transfer,” Holtz said. “He doesn’t feel like he can wait his turn as a redshirt freshman and he wants to go to a I-AA or a junior college where he can play immediately and possibly get back into the recruiting deal again.

“As far as Dontae Aycock, he was struggling a little bit with his weight, this summer got his weight up a little bit and just working to get it back down, and he’s just really questioning right now whether football is in his heart and whether he’s going to play. He’s in a different situation than Brandon in that he has decided not to play the game anymore, not to transfer anywhere else or anything else.”

Holtz said Aycock plans to stay at USF as a student to pursue his degree.

“He has done a great job academically since he’s been here … and right now he really wants to focus on getting his degree but doesn’t feel like football is in his heart right now so he’s not going to play anymore,” Holtz said. “They’ve both made their decisions and I wish both of them the best of luck and we’ll do whatever we can to help either one of them.”

Neither Aycock nor Wilkinson ever played a down at USF. Wilkinson, a Venice High product, redshirted in his only season, while Aycock sat out last season after transferring from Auburn.

Holtz didn’t exactly close the door on a possible return for Aycock if the player has a change of heart, considering he intends to remain a student at USF, but the coach hinted that it wasn’t likely to happen.

“Legally could he come out and play and everything and still be a part of it? Sure,” Holtz said. “But I don’t want a merry-go-round here when we’re in the fall. I don’t want people getting on and off, on and off.”