Welcome to our series chronicling the 2024 USF Recruiting Class! This series will breakdown every single recruit that signed to become a part of Head Coach Alex Golesh’s first full recruiting class. (Having a full year to put a class together.) Help us welcome S Fred Gaskin to the Bulls!
S Fred Gaskin (Vanguard – Ocala, FL)
Committed to the Bulls on July 31st, Gaskin is one of five defensive backs to commit to the 2024 class. Via Rivals.com, Gaskin received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Florida State and more during his recruitment. Gaskin was utilized as both a quarterback and defensive back at Vanguard but was primarily recruited as safety/defensive back at the next level by his various suitors.
Run the Tape:
Positional versatility across the secondary. Proved to be effective as a safety, cornerback and nickelback at the high school level while facing the demands of playing on the other side as well. Effective tackler in space and can help out against the run when walked up as a safety/nickelback. High football IQ who will sniff out plays before they fully develop. Great pursuit to the ball but will not over-pursue and let the play get behind him. Consistently displayed the ability to “out-athlete” the rest of the competition on film.
Mike’s Take:
When you look up the word “Playmaker” in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of Fred Gaskin. The two-way player out of Ocala contributed on both sides of the ball throughout his high school career and was the epitome of being a player that was too good to not play on both sides of the ball. Now tasked to improve a young Bulls secondary, Gaskin is just what the Bulls are looking for on defense. No matter how you line him up, the Vanguard product just makes plays and could be one of the most dominant defensive backs in the American Athletic Conference over the next few years. Welcome to the Bulls Fred!
by Mike Cusimano
Journalist & Recruiting Analyst, SoFloBulls.com | Twitter: @micCusi