#US2F USF Football 2020 National Signing Day Recap — Part One

Back at it like a bad habit, the USF Football 2020 Recruiting Class is officially wrapped up with everyone on board as of February 5th. With that being said, we are here to cover several of the recent signees to the class. Let’s welcome Katravis Marsh, Jordan Smith, Tramel Logan, and Cesar Reyes to the Bulls!!!

QB Katravis Marsh, Miami Central (Miami, FL)

The Scoop:

Former Utah commit back in the summer of 2019, Marsh was rated as a three-star recruit generating a 0.8558 247Sports Composite score. Ranked as the 35th best Pro-Style QB in the 2020 class, Marsh chose USF over offers from Utah, Tennessee, UCF, Tulane, and FAU to name a few.

The Film:

Let me start by saying that the James Blackman player evaluation on 247Sports is a dang good one for Marsh. I remember watching Marsh’s film and immediately thinking that a perfect player comparison for him is Blackman. Here’s my two cents on the tape:

Marsh will thrive in a RPO/read-option offense where you can utilize his ability as a runner. Does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield. Will look to pass first before taking off with the ball. Sufficient arm strength to throw receivers open and execute back shoulder throws. Will operate the pocket with ease, along with showing the ability to deliver the ball accurately under pressure. From the looks of it, Marsh comes from a one-read passing offense, but had several plays on film where he was asked to scan the field and go through progressions.

The Verdict:

Listed as a Pro-Style QB according to 247Sports, don’t underestimate Marsh’s ability to break the pocket either. In saying that, Marsh absolutely has the arm talent to get it done in the pocket as shown in the film. There’s experience on the roster with Jordan McCloud and UNC transfer Cade Fortin in the mix, so my initial prediction is McCloud or Fortin winning the job in 2020. Don’t sleep on Marsh though. The talent is absolutely there to break down the “Freshman Don’t Play” wall sooner than later if the two veterans don’t take the necessary steps this season.

QB Jordan Smith, Columbia (Lake City, FL)

The Scoop:

Committed to the Bulls back in April 2019, Smith was rated as a three-star recruit generating a 0.8551 247Sports Composite score. Ranked as the 29th best Dual-Threat QB in the country, Smith chose USF over offers from Ole Miss, Illinois, FAU, Georgia Southern, and Central Michigan to name a few. Smith was high school teammates with fellow Bull Levontae Camiel at Columbia (Lake City, FL).

The Tape:

Athletic ability flashes off the tape. Perfect for an RPO/read-option offense that wants their QB to make plays with their legs. Dual-threat ability that forces a defense to contain/”cage” the QB in the pocket with Smith being lethal on broken plays either running or passing the ball. Will be asked to keep his eyes downfield more with a tendency to take off and run when the pocket breaks down, but did show the potential to do so several times in the film. Underrated passer who will beat defenses with his arm, showing good arm strength and touch to get the ball downfield to his receivers.

The Verdict:

Welcome to a QB that USF fans have come to love over the years: The Dual-Threat QB. Smith is all that and more, but don’t question his ability to sling the rock either. See my comments made on Marsh regarding the QB position heading into 2020. Both guys are extremely talented, it’s just a matter of how ready either freshman will be once fall camp kicks off later this year.

WDE Tramel Logan, Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL)

The Scoop:

Former Middle Tennessee State commit who flipped to the Bulls last month, Logan was rated as a three-star recruit generating a 0.8356 247Sports Composite score. Ranked as the 80th Weak-Side DE in the country, Logan chose USF over offers from Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, and Middle Tennessee State to name a few.

The Tape:

Good feel for the game up front, recognizing screen plays out of the backfield along with containing off the end until it’s time to make a play. Great use of hands, choosing either finesse or power moves to get by/disengage with the OL. Willing tackler, showing the ability to line up as a 3-4 OLB to make tackles in space. Great quickness off the ball along with relentless pursuit once Logan is in the backfield. Shows the potential to be effective in the run game, having a knack for getting off blocks and holding his ground when the ball is coming towards his side.

The Verdict:

His game feels a lot like former Bull Greg Reaves who thrived at WDE for the Bulls over the past 3 years. Logan steps into a position with no returning starters, just a handful of guys who saw meaningful snaps in 2019. With that being the case, I like Logan to compete with the rest of them for playing time in 2020. I’ll give the edge to the returning players for now, but wouldn’t be surprised if Logan finds himself on the field as the season progresses later this year.

OG Cesar Reyes, Chamberlain (Tampa, FL)

The Scoop:

The #BayMade OT right down the road from USF, Reyes committed to the Bulls in January. Rated as a three-star recruit generating a 0.8343 247Sports Composite score, Reyes was ranked as the 111th best OG in the 2020 class. Chose USF over offers from LSU, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisville to name a few.

Check out this clip from WFLA.com on the Cesar Reyes commitment to the Bulls!

The Tape:

Devastating hand punch when defender is within reach. Can and will move the LOS past 5 yards at will when asked. Maintains balance when running downfield and can hit moving defenders on screen plays. Will get to the second level and win in space when engaged with a linebacker/safety. Has the potential to be effective as a pass blocker at the next level, maintaining a solid base and devastating hand punch to neutralize defenders at first point of contact.

The Verdict:

It’s been mentioned in previous articles that the OL in 2020 has several holes to fill at RG and RT… Just like the DE position with former starters heading to greener pastures, guys like Reyes absolutely have a chance to compete for one of those starting spots come August when Reyes hits the practice field for USF. We’ve seen it before on the USF OL where freshmen come in and start at one point during the season (Guys like Donovan Jennings and Brad Cecil come to mind), so why not the #BayMade OT? I’ll put the returning OL ahead of Reyes for now, but wouldn’t be surprised if Reyes sees the field sooner rather than later.

Leave your thoughts and comments below and be sure to tune in for Part Two of the USF Football 2020 National Signing Day Recap next week!