Lynch, former Bulls join NFL teams
During the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon, former Bulls defensive end Aaron Lynch was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
Lynch was projected to be a first round pick by ESPN after his freshman season with Notre Dame, totaling 33 tackles and 5.5 sacks, but after sitting out a season and transferring to USF, his draft stock dropped due to unfulfilled potential and a loss of weight. Lynch lost about 30 pounds after his freshman season at Notre Dame, which was a significant problem for scouts.
Despite the criticism, Lynch was still an American Athletic All-Conference player and led the Bulls in sacks and tackles for loss.
Lynch is the 23rd player to be drafted from USF and the second to be drafted by the 49ers, the other being B.J. Daniels during the seventh round last season. In San Francisco, Jim Harbaugh, who coached alongside USF football coach Willie Taggart when the two were at Stanford, will coach Lynch.
Despite only one USF player being drafted, four wound up on NFL teams by the end of the night. DeDe Lattimore, Ryne Giddins and Tevin Mims signed as undrafted free agents. Originally, Lattimore signed with the Lions, but he later accepted a deal with the Bears instead. Mims and Giddins stayed in Florida, signing with the Dolphins and Buccaneers, respectively.
— Staff report
More Stories
Abdur-Rahim to bring ‘connected philosophy’ to men’s basketball coaching position
In his introductory ceremony Thursday afternoon, Amir Abdur-Rahim acknowledged the privilege it was to be named the 11th head coach in USF men’s basketball program history. As he spoke to the Bulls community for the first time, Abdur-Rahim made it clear that his approach will be based on tenacity and enthusiasm. “Every day that I […]
John Montes: Playing both sides of a rivalry
Rivalries run deep in college athletics, but for junior infielder John Montes, they mean a little more. Starting Friday, South Florida baseball will hit the road to play its first conference matchup of the season against formidable foe Central Florida – where Montes played before coming to USF in the fall of 2022. When it […]
Former Bulls attempt to impress NFL scouts during Pro Day
When the nerves finally subsided after getting combine tested at the Indoor Performance Facility on Wednesday, former offensive lineman Brad Cecil could finally take a breath of relief. “To be honest with you, I didn’t sleep at all last night,” Cecil said. Cecil is one of nine former USF football players hoping someone from the […]
Women’s basketball season in review
After losing to South Carolina 76-45 in the second round of the NCAA tournament on March 19, USF women’s basketball’s season came to an end. While the Bulls (27-7,15-1 AAC) matched program records in total wins, including longest winning streak and best home record, the AAC tournament did not go the way they had hoped. […]
The powerful women working alongside USF women’s soccer coach
One of USF women’s soccer coach Denise Schilte-Brown’s strongest qualities is her natural competitive nature, but what isn’t always shown is the powerful female athletic department that has helped her get to where she is now. Schilte-Brown began her coaching career shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland where she played as a striker. […]
Kennesaw State’s Amir Abdur-Rahim hired as men’s basketball coach
USF Athletics Director Michael Kelly announced the hire of former Kennesaw State head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim Wednesday afternoon, filling the role that former men’s basketball coach Brian Gregory previously held. Welcome to the Bay, @SunsetAMIR ‼️ A dynamic new leader for @USFMBB 🏀📝https://t.co/4I2ziCEpBf#HornsUp🤘 pic.twitter.com/eg9oimQ8g8 — USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) March 29, 2023 Although it was confirmed […]