USF Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Quarterback Frank Nutile #18 of the Temple Owls gets pressured by defensive end Josh Black #55 of the South Florida Bulls while looking for a receiver during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game on September 21, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

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After two straight 10-win seasons, USF football will be reloading in 2018. Who are the next generation of Bulls stars who could make an impact in 2018?

It was a reasonably successful debut season in Tampa for Charlie Strong, as the Bulls rode a senior-laden offense and a much-improved defense to a 10-2 record.

Strong followed that up with a solid recruiting class, many of whom will be expected to contribute right away and fill the holes left by one of the Bulls’ greatest senior classes of all time.

There are many freshmen who narrowly missed the cut on this list. Bulky halfback Brian Norris looks the part and enrolled early, but it seems unlikely that he’ll work his way to the top of a crowded depth chart at running back. One of the many recruits that Strong brought in to bolster the interior of the line, like John Waller or Devin Leacock, should see significant playing time, but it’s difficult to predict which of the bunch will do so.

Incoming punter Trent Schneider is the leader in the clubhouse for the punting job, but having spent a year at a junior college, he’s not eligible for inclusion here.

Here are the five incoming freshmen who are the safest bets to see the field early and often this season.

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