2006 recruiting class has defensive feel to it

The breakdown: Coach Jim Leavitt’s six years of experience at Kansas State as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator seems to still affect the way he’s recruiting. More than half of the incoming class is defensive players, including two transfers who are already partaking in classes.

With the Bulls’ second year in the Big East approaching, Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt is boasting the league’s top recruiting class, followed by Louisville and Syracuse, with USF coming in fourth. And while the Bulls bring more speed and height – something never lacking on Leavitt’s team – this year’s class brings three receivers and two tight ends to a team with a very deep depth chart for wideouts and receivers, meaning either players will be leaving the team (possibly Johnny Peyton) or switching positions.

However, the class is over the limit for scholarships, set at 25 by the NCAA, meaning other players won’t make the grades to join the team or will wait to enroll until next January, when the players will count toward the 2007 class.

Some of the notable recruits include Miami Washington’s Lee; Jacksonville’s McQueen, who comes from the same high school linebacker Stephen Nicholas hails from; Florida transfer Riley, who is petitioning for an extra year of eligibility; junior college transfer Harry, a four-star recruit; local standout Hillsborough Stirrups; another four-star recruit and wide receiver Jason Sherman.

The Bulls are still after Miami Lakes quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and Central defensive end Bryant Miller. USF is also bringing in transfers from LSU (WR Amp Hill), Oregon (WR Ryan Gilliam) and Indiana (QB/DB Grant Gregory).

Scout.com class ranking: No. 61.

Rivals.com class ranking: No. 56.

Tentative class of 2006

WR Edner Alcin, (6-1, 177), Chamberlain; QB Nate Allen (6-2, 185), Cape Coral; P/K Delbert Alvarado (6-2, 185), Robinson; G James Boger (6-4, 315), Dixie Hollins; RB Keeley Dorsey (5-11, 207), Tallahassee Lincoln; CB/KR Dylan Douglas (5-10, 170), Jacksonville Jackson; DE David Fonua (6-2, 252), Bradenton Southeast; LB LaBrandon Glover (6-1, 215), Pensacola; DE Aaron Harris (6-5, 250), Williston; DT Frank Harry, (6-3, 285), Pearl River Community College; OT/TE Jeff Ide (6-6, 260), Bradenton Manatee; G Zach Hermann (6-3, 310), Tarpon Springs; DT James Jackson (6-1, 260), Tallahassee Community College; DE Joseph Jackson (6-4, 205), Miami Washington; LB Sabbath Joseph (5-11, 212), Miami Central; TE Andrew Ketchel (6-5, 225), Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee; QB Alwan Lee (6-0, 180), Miami Washington; DE Craig Marshall (6-5, 217), Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee; OT Kevin McCaskill (6-3, 285), Tallahassee Godby; LB Alonzo McQueen (6-1, 210), Jacksonville Lee; Carlton Mitchell (6-0, 190), Gaither; DT Julian Riley (6-3, 280), Lakewood/Florida; RB Aston Samuels (5-10, 190), Belle Glade Glades Central; WR Jason Sherman (6-4, 195), Jacksonville First Coast; DE/LB Josh Smiley (6-3, 230), Milton; LB Robert Spann (6-1, 200), St. Petersburg; DT Leslie Stirrups (6-3, 265), Hillsborough; OL Jeremiah Warren (6-3, 280), Panama City Bay; S Jerrell Young (6-2, 205), Gibbs.

Bold already enrolled at USF.