USF Football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2018

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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(Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /

Last offseason, we tabbed Culpepper as one of a few true freshmen who could make an impact right away for the Bulls.

He certainly did make an impact. For the first ten games of the season he played largely in a reserve capacity, but he came off the bench to start USF’s final two games of the season and finished the year with 12 tackles.

Now he’s faced with even greater opportunity. USF’s roster at safety has cleared up immensely, with two seniors lost to graduation, one underclassman lost to transfer, and one potential starter, Khalid McGee, now expected to start at outside linebacker.

Culpepper’s versatility — he’s played predominantly cornerback for the Bulls thus far, but has also seen time at safety — makes him the presumptive starter alongside senior Jaymon Thomas.

Next: Way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft

With not much depth beyond him, the Bulls are expecting a big sophomore season from the young defensive back.

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