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) /

6 of 6

(Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

A handful of USF freshmen, as we’ve seen above, have already made a dent in the spring. None of them, apart from Dwayne Boyles, had already worked their way onto the second-team unit for the spring game.

Boyles took advantage of the uncertainly in the Bulls’ depth chart at linebacker, joining the team for spring practices and elevating himself into the rotation almost immediately. Sawtelle and McGee, as expected, got the first reps at linebacker during the spring game; Boyles and senior Jimmy Bayes were up next.

There are caveats to be offered here. Promising sophomore Andre Polk has been hampered by injuries and could have a say in the race by the time August comes around, and there’s fellow sophomore Keirston Johnson – who was impressive in spot duty in 2017 – to consider as well.

Next: Preseason Top 25 following spring practices

But clearly, Boyles, a hybrid edge rusher who received four stars from 247 Sports, has already made an impact on the field. He’ll have a chance to make even more of an impact this coming season.

Home/American