As promised in my previous article, we’re back to give you guys an update on the recent addition to the #20Strong class. Without further ado, let’s get after it!
CB Chris Townsel Commits:
With the 17th commit to the Bulls 2020 class, the coaching staff landed CB Chris Townsel (@christownsel) out of Deerfield Beach High School in Deerfield Beach, FL. Townsel announced his commitment to the Bulls via Twitter on Wednesday, giving the Bulls 4 commitments in the secondary including Mac Harris, AJ Hamilton, and Ben Knox. Let’s discuss USF’s newest #20Strong CB with a look at his tape and my thoughts on his future on the Bulls roster.
The Scoop:
Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Townsel was a solid recruiting win for the coaching staff who had to battle against Rutgers, Nebraska, and Iowa State for Townsel’s services, all which were included in his Top 4 back in July via Twitter. A recruit that had Power 5 interest for awhile now, Townsel was also able to pick up offers from schools such as Indiana, Minnesota, and Syracuse as well. Let’s take a look at Townsel’s Hudl tape and see what USF will be getting in the defensive backfield in the coming years.
The Tape:
The first thing that jumps out to me regarding Townsel’s tape is his length at the position, perfect for a defense that is looking for a long, rangy free safety to roam the field and make a play on the ball. Standing at 6-2, 176 LBs according to 247Sports, this is an immediate advantage for Townsel when going up against an offense that has receivers with length to spare. A true FS with his ability to play center field in Cover 1 calls, Townsel also showed the ability to move up in the box as a walk up strong safety to assist in run support. Whether at safety or cornerback, his willingness to hit and step up against the run will always be welcomed as a future member of the Bulls secondary. Last thing that I will mention from the tape is the potential that Townsel has at the CB position as well. Even as a safety by trade, Townsel showed the ability to be effective in zone coverage along with the potential to be effective in man coverage as well. Stepping into a defense at USF that leans on its corners to win 1 v. 1 battles against the man in front of him, expect this area of his game to continue to develop depending on where the staff uses him in the future.
The Verdict:
The coaching staff is getting a guy in Townsel that will/can be effective no matter where they line him up in the defensive secondary. Based on his production at the high school level, it would only seem natural to plug Townsel in at FS, but his potential at cornerback is intriguing as well with tall/lengthy corners being the current trend for college football teams across the country. Having the versatility to play at either spot, look for Townsel to be utilized wherever the staff feels is his best fit and/or where the staff needs him the most in the secondary.
Leave your thoughts and comments below and be sure to tune in this week when I update Bulls fans on the recent addition to the #20Strong class!