Welcome to the latest installment of our new series, “Welcome New Bulls!”. This series is devoted to discussing each position group in the USF recruiting class of 2019 and my expectations for each player as they prepare for their first collegiate season adorning green and gold for our beloved Bulls. While it’s difficult to predict exactly how much each true freshmen will contribute on the field in year one at the collegiate level, I’ll take a stab at it based on the most current USF roster available. Without further ado, let’s get the show on the road!
As the season inches closer and closer to the Wisconsin game on August 30th, let’s take a closer look at the class of 2019 running back room which includes just one running back commit in Josh Berry (@joshberry_2) out of Ridge Community High School in Davenport, FL. Right after his commitment to the Bulls, Berry received high praise from Hassani Harper of H2Athletes.com who believed that “he is the best senior back coming out of our area this class” (In regards to the Polk County area).
Mind you that we’re talking about a recruit (Berry) who received interest from several prominent FBS programs, but only netted one offer when it was all said and done (Overlooked anyone?) From his Hudl tape, I like Berry’s ability to change directions and put his foot in the ground to evade defenders when getting to the next level against the opposing defense. Once he is in the open field, Berry shows the speed and quickness necessary to take it to the house on either a run or a pass out of the backfield.
As for the 2019 season, the staff may redshirt Berry if they feel comfortable with the backs behind Jordan Cronkrite and Johnny Ford. This is a catch-22 situation for the coaching staff where they could also work Berry into the lineup to prepare him for the future when Cronkrite and Sands graduate after this season. My best guess is that the coaching staff utilizes guys like Dave Small, Trevon Sands, Jajuan Cherry, and Odunayo Seriki at first before using Berry in a similar role, just to see how the returning players look as compliments to the starting backs. What it really comes down to is whether or not the coaching staff decides to save Berry until 2020 (redshirt) or feature him enough this season to get some experience under his belt before competing for the starting RB spot next season.
Leave your thoughts and comments below and be sure to tune in next week when I discuss the Class of 2019 WR room!
Remember players can now play in 4 games and still redshirt under the new rule. Let’s coaches keep players happy and get a little experience.
Good point! For me, it has more to do with the coaching staff choosing to play Bell (or any freshman for that matter) more than 4 games to burn their redshirt. That’s the decision that they have to make as the season progresses.