Skip Holtz Signing Day Press Conference

TAMPA – The University of South Florida completed the 2010 season, Skip Holtz’s first as head coach, with an 8-5 record and a victory in the Meineke Car Care Bowl over Clemson. It marked the fifth straight season that USF posted at least eight wins, making them one of only 15 teams nationally to accomplish the feat and one of only 10 teams that play in BCS leagues.

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The win in the Meineke Car Care Bowl was the Bulls’ third consecutive bowl victory. USF is one of just four teams nationally that has won three straight bowl games.

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Carrying that momentum into the 2011 recruiting class, Holtz, his staff and the Bulls signed 21 players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Of the 21 newest members of the South Florida family, eleven reside on the offensive side of the ball, while 10 play defense.

“We’re extremely excited about this group,” Holtz said. “We were able to address some areas of need and we think these players fit a role for what we’re trying to build here at South Florida.”

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USF utilized the state’s deep talent pool again with 16 of the 21 signees hailing from Florida. The Bulls also received signatures from three Georgia players and one each from Alabama and New Jersey.

“The state of Florida has great high school coaches and talented players, so we want to build those relationships because that is important to the success of our program,” added Holtz.

“We also want to build those same relationships with the programs in our neighboring states and around the country.”

The Bulls class is headlined by five players apiece along the offensive line and linebacker. Three of the five linemen are rated in the top 100 nationally at the position by Scout.com and three of the five linebackers are ranked in the top 150, not including junior college All-American Mike Jeune.

USF will also receive an injection of talent along the defensive line and at wide receiver, where the Bulls signed three players at each position. Along the line, the Bulls received signatures from Clavion Nelson of Hollywood, Fla., Marquis White of Orlando, Fla. and Elkino Watson of Miami, Fla., who is rated in the top 100 at defensive tackle nationally.

Tampa’s Andre Davis and Ruben Gonzalez and Port Charlotte’s Alex Mut make up the new receivers. Davis is one of the highest rated players in this year’s class, ranking 46th nationally at receiver. Gonzalez and Mut are both ranked in the top 100 nationally at receiver.

The Bulls added two players to an already deep secondary with defensive backs Kenneth Durden of Valdosta, Ga. and C.J. Garye of Tallahassee, Fla. In addition, USF added RB Willie Davis of Lithonia, Ga., QB Matt Floyd of Milton, Fla. and FB Ty Turner of Griffin, Ga.

Three of the signees (QB Matt Floyd, LB Mike Jeune and LB Antoine Pozniak) are already enrolled in school and will participate in spring drills.

The Bulls will conclude National Signing Day with a free party at Stumps in Channelside from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

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Skip Holtz and members of the USF coaching staff along with USF spirit squads and select members of the 2011 football team will be on hand to partake in the festivities, sign autographs and answer fans' questions.

Jim Louk, the Voice of USF Football, will continue his busy day and host a special edition of the Skip Holtz Radio Show on WQYK 1010 from 6-7 p.m.

Fans will be able to purchase season tickets at the event as well.