One of the priorities for first-year USF coach Jeff Scott was to recruit well in the state, particularly the Tampa Bay area. His staff, once assembled, visited nearly every school in the surrounding counties before the extended dead period. 

The push for local prospects has not resulted in a huge haul, at least when it comes to players still in high school. So far, the Bulls have landed two recruits from Hillsborough County in Scott’s first two classes — Chamberlain offensive lineman Cesar Reyes (Class of 2020) and Carrollwood Day defensive lineman Desmond Mamudi (Class of 2021).

Still, USF has had success with homegrown talent thanks to the transfer portal. Two former area stars who went elsewhere in college — quarterback Noah Johnson (Armwood/USF) and defensive tackle Bo Peek (Plant/Stanford) — returned to play for the Bulls. Both have already gained immediate eligibility. 

On Monday, safety TJ Robinson became the latest to come home. The former Riverview standout, who played at Rutgers, announced he was transferring to USF.

The addition of Robinson gives the Bulls three area transfers, which already accounts for more area talent than Scott’s program has had in the high school ranks through the first two classes combined.