Welch’s stock rose at USF once Holtz arrived

Posted Feb 1, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Feb 1, 2010 at 11:27 AM

Williston RB/WR Deonte Welch committed to Arkansas last month, but he made a late visit to USF over the weekend and has verbally committed to the Bulls.

Arkansas gave Welch a Monday deadline to make a decision.

His former coach at Williston, Derek Chipoletti, said Monday that USF is getting a skilled playmaker who played mostly running back in high school but at a lanky 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, is projected more as a receiver in college.

USF receivers coach Phil McKeoghan was his primary recruiter. Former coach Jim Leavitt wasn’t as high on Welch as new coach Skip Holtz, so once Holtz took over, McGeoghan renewed his pursuit of Welch.

“He’s explosive,’’ said Chipoletti, who recently left Williston to take over at Bradford High in Starke. “He’s just a complete player. He’s usually the best athlete on the field or court in whatever competition there is.’‘

Chipoletti said Welch had written offers from a host of other schools, including N.C. State, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and at one time Florida. However, Welch’s interest in playing closer to home helped influence his decision to change his verbal pledge from Arkansas to USF.