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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(Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The Bulls have two permanent linebacker spots in their defensive scheme, and they both seem to be locked down – returning starter Nico Sawtelle should switch from the weakside spot and succeed the departed Auggie Sanchez as the strongside linebacker, and converted safety Khalid McGee was impressive when pressed into action late in 2017. They’ll be a solid starting pair.

Beyond them, things get hairy. USF will undoubtedly be relying on freshmen to provide depth among the ‘backers, and Grier has already made a name for himself on campus this spring. He enrolled early and saw action with the presumed second and third-team units in the spring game.

Grier isn’t a highly-touted recruit; in fact, he was the lowest-ranked prospect and the only two-star recruit in USF’s class. But he seems to already have impressed Strong and defensive coordinator Brian Jean-Mary, and that’s much more important when it comes to earning early snaps.

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