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Recruiting Analyst Gives USF High Marks

News Channel 8 photo by BOB HANSEN

Armwood defensive end Ryne Giddins signs his letter of intent to play for USF. Recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg said the signing was huge for the Bulls' program.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

Jamie Newberg, national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said he's impressed by the recruiting haul brought in by the University of South Florida today.

"You see signs the program is taking the next step," Newberg said. "It's a big-time class, but obviously time is the tell tale sign on how successful it is. It's a solid class, though, no question about it."

A USF graduate, Newberg said he is not a big proponent of junior college players. The Bulls had signed four as of early Wednesday and at one time had commitments from six.

"Obviously there's a lot of different ways to skin the cat," Newberg said. "There's a reason why they're at a junior college. I personally just think it's more of a risk than high school recruits, plus they have less time in the program.

"You do get more 'bang' early with a junior college player."

Newberg attributed the Bulls' class – currently ranked No. 31 in the nation by Rivals.com and No. 24 by Scout.com – to the 2007 climb up to No. 2 in the national rankings. He said last year's disappointing season didn't hurt much.

"You see the bump [in recruiting] the following year," Newberg said. "That's how it typically works."

Newberg said the signing of Armwood DE Ryne Giddins was huge for the program.

"Beating one of the top three [Giddins chose USF over Florda] is a big statement," Newberg said.

He added he thought the Bulls signed one of nation's top group of running backs in Bradley Battles, Adaris Bellamy and Lindsey Lamar, all Florida products in what Newberg called one of the best years as far as running back depth in the state.

Newberg said the only weakness he saw was "being juco intensive and there's not a big-time wide receiver."

Newberg also thought next year the Bulls need to make signing a "big-time quarterback, their No.1 priority."

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