2015 WR speaks on committing to USF
ORACLE FILE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU
Prior to Jan. 16, Trinity Christian (Fla.) wide receiver Chris Barr was getting ready to pack his bags and head west to become a Utah Ute, but after visiting USF last weekend, staying close to home is the new plan.
“Basically, when I went to South Florida on the 16th, I kind of already knew after my official visit that I wanted to be a part of the program,” Barr said. “I was supposed to take an official this week to Utah, but I don’t want to waste the coaches’ time and I just wanted to get focused.”
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound receiver had been committed to the Utes for quite some time before flipping to the Bulls on Monday. While on his official visit, the Jacksonville playmaker was swayed to stay in Florida in large part due to the USF coaching staff.
“While I was on my visit, coach (Willie) Taggart and coach (Ron) Dugans told me that they would give me a chance to play and I feel as if they’re more than just coaches they are mentors,” Barr said.
One factor that helped the Bulls reel in Barr is Taggart’s plans to run a spread offense next season.
“That actually pushed me over in my recruitment,” Barr said. “That made me want to go there even more they’re going to have at least three receivers on the field or more and it gives me a chance to get on the field quick.”
Dugans has a tight bond with Barr. The Trinity Christian product said he looks up to him.
“I see coach Dugans as another father to me,” Barr said. “He’s just a cool guy and he’s going to tell you what’s real.”
Now that Barr is fully committed to USF and has no intentions to visit anywhere else, he has his sights set on his future as a Bull.
“First I want to get my degree, and me and coach Taggart said I can be a freshman All-American,” Barr said.
USF currently holds the best recruiting class in the AAC, according to 247Sports.com. Barr said he and the incoming freshmen plan on bringing the winning back to Tampa.
“It’s going to be a great class,” Barr said. “And we’re trying to change USF around from the losing and we want to start winning.”
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