The Long Snapper (5/26/10)
. The athlete from Berkeley Prep (Tampa, FL) received a big offer to kick off the excitement that will be the next few years. Agholor – who could end up at running back, wide receiver, or safety at the next level – received an offer from
USC
and…wait for it…is getting serious looks from
Florida
. He may be from a small school that doesn’t tend to get a lot of national attention, but Agholor is one to keep an eye on. In September when schools can officially offer (the Trojans’ is basically a good faith offer), expect them to start rolling in. Along with USC and Florida,
Rutgers
and
USF
have early interest.
What’s in store for USF this season? A transition period as Skip Holtz implements his schemes? A step back? A leap forward? It’s hard to tell based on the fact that year after year no one really knows what to think of the Bulls. Quick starts. Awful finishes. Climbing the polls early. Finishing in the middle of what could be considering the worst of the big six conferences. USF has some star power (B.J. Daniels), but has also lost some (Mike Ford). Odds are the Bulls will win a game they’re not supposed to, but also lose one (or two) they probably shouldn’t have. Although the Big East is not considered the cream of the crop for the most part, they are competitive within their conference confines. If I had to venture an early guess, I’d say we’re looking at something within the eight-win range again.
While everyone keeps their eyes on the Big Ten, the Big East is looking into expansion possibilities as well. Not wanting to be caught with his pants down, Big East commissioner John Marinatto has looked into options for his conference. Although the Big East won’t be able to attract the level of programs the Big Ten can, they can strengthen their base before they’re raided. With rumors of as many as three Big East teams being Big Ten targets, the conference may need to act before the “power” conferences do. Already a small conference by numbers, the Big East needs to build its size in preparation for what is most likely going to occur sometime in the not too distant future.
Former Florida guard/new Florida center Mike Pouncey has been named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. You may recall his twin brother – Maurkice Pouncey – taking home the award last year. Pouncey should make the transition to center look easy and be the anchor and leader of the offensive line. I don’t know for sure, but I’d be willing to be bet twins have never each won the award. Too bad the McCollums never became Thorpe candidates.
The List: The list is but one today. One that relates to the G in TBG and one that relates to the first item above.
1. Jim Barrie
The Sixth Man: Goodbye Nimrod Tishman. We hardly knew you. No breaking news here, but it’s official: Tishman will not return to the Gators. The point guard will instead return to Israel where his talents are a better fit for the style of play. Tishman appeared briefly in seven games for Florida last season, but was unable to contribute much due to the speed of the game. Tishman’s expected departure could have weighed heavily on Scottie Wilbekin’s decision to come in a year early. Wilbekin will be a development project during his first year with the Gators, but may be needed for depth as well.