USF head coach Alex Golesh highlighted the importance of focused recruitment as the program welcomed two more signees on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of the NCAA’s late signing period.
“We aimed to build a program, not just a team,” Golesh stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “Each year, we’ve brought in fewer transfers, but they’ve been more intentional.”
The newest additions to the Bulls roster are defensive back Dorian Mallary from The Immaculata-La Salle High School and defensive lineman Richard Scott III from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, bringing their 2025 recruiting class total to 27 players.
This class is currently ranked second among Group of Five programs by Rivals, 247Sports, and On3
USF’s recruiting strategy continues to find a balance between securing high school commitments and acquiring essential transfers.
The Bulls have brought in 13 players via the transfer portal to address various positional needs, including offensive linemen.
The transfer roster includes Connor McLaughlin from Stanford and Thomas Shrader from Appalachian State. Both players have local connections, with McLaughlin hailing from Jesuit High School and Shrader from Venice High School.
Golesh stressed the significance of regional ties in their recruiting efforts, aiming to attract players with local roots who may have left the area initially.
“At the end of the day, we have seven guys from the Bay Area and four who won state championships last year – all of these elements are extremely important,” he explained. “If they do leave, we want to be the option that brings them back home when the opportunity arises.”
To strengthen the defensive unit, transfers were focused on crucial areas where Golesh identified deficiencies last season, including the defensive line and secondary.
Notable newcomers include Dre Butler from Charlotte for the defensive line and Boogsie Silvera from McNeese State for the revamped secondary.
Golesh clarified that the team is not solely depending on the transfer portal, but rather prioritizing long-term development through high school recruiting.
“We don’t want to rely on the portal exclusively,” he noted. “If we can secure a talented high school football player for four years, that’s the preferable route over bringing in a player for just one year
The Bulls have concentrated on key position groups during the offseason, with Golesh highlighting a special focus on specialists, running backs, and wide receivers.
After losing three essential running backs, the team brought in Cartevious Norton along with two young recruits.
“We’re aware that replacing that kind of production is significant, and it has been a major emphasis for us,” Golesh stated. “As for wide receivers, we believe we’ve found exceptional talent in every way possible.”
A notable addition to USF’s staff was wide receivers coach Kodi Burns, who takes on the role of co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
This hiring occurred after former wide receivers coach L’Damian Washington moved on to the same position at the University of Kentucky.
Burns has spent the last two years in the NFL coaching wideouts for the New Orleans Saints and previously worked with Golesh at Tennessee.
His professional coaching tenure is expected to introduce a fresh dynamic to USF’s passing offense, which Golesh recognized needed enhancement.
“Last year, we didn’t achieve as much as we aimed for with our wide receivers, and Kodi is going to help us maximize that potential,” Golesh said. “He’s a fantastic teacher, and his background in both the NFL and college will be tremendously beneficial for us.”
Golesh emphasized the necessity of mental and physical readiness as the team enters offseason training.
“We need to place these guys in extremely challenging situations—both mentally and physically—to get ready for what lies ahead,” he explained. “This will be seven months of the toughest training this program has ever endured.
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