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USF Football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2018

By Ryan T. Smith

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Charlie Strong of the South Florida Bulls gathers his team around the championship trophy following the Birmingham Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Legion Field on December 23, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. South Florida won 38-34. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Charlie Strong of the South Florida Bulls gathers his team around the championship trophy following the Birmingham Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Legion Field on December 23, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. South Florida won 38-34. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Tyre McCants #8 and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling #11 of the South Florida Bulls celebrate Valdes-Scantling’s touchdown against the Connecticut Huskies during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Tyre McCants #8 and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling #11 of the South Florida Bulls celebrate Valdes-Scantling’s touchdown against the Connecticut Huskies during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images) /

South Florida is pretty well-stocked at receiver, and it seems a safe assumption that between senior Tyre McCants and junior Darnell Salomon, two of the three starting spots in the rotation are already locked down.

Looking for the leading candidate for the third? How about redshirt freshman Randall St. Felix, who burst onto the scene with a tremendous spring full of highlight-reel catches? St. Felix was a lightly-recruited prospect out of high school who flew under the radar during his redshirt year last season, but he received praise for the coaching staff for his impressive spring practice performances, and led all Bulls receivers with 65 yards in the spring game.

There are plenty of other players who could have a say in this battle — senior Ryeshene Bronson was a shoo-in starter before missing last season with a dislocated shoulder, and junior Deangelo Antoine was reasonably productive in the slot in 2017. Either way, St. Felix has earned himself some serious playing time this upcoming season.

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