Colleges

Bulls land coveted recruits

By GREG AUMAN
Published April 27, 2005

Women's basketball coach Jose Fernandez is still working on his incoming group of recruits, but USF's freshman class of 2006-07 is already shaping up as an impressive one. Fernandez got his second oral commitment from a top state junior this week when 6-foot-5 center Stephanie Sarosi of Titusville Astronaut accepted a scholarship offer to play for the Bulls.

Sarosi, who averaged 16.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in leading Astronaut to the state semifinals, is the sister of Bulls offensive tackle Derrick Sarosi. She joins junior forward Caitlin Mitryk of Lake Mary, who committed to the Bulls this month, as the start of what could a huge recruiting class.

"It could be unbelievable, and (Fernandez) said my commitment will help bring in other recruits," said Sarosi, who hopes her class can be compared to USF's 2003 class, which included returning juniors Jessica Dickson, Rachael Sheets and Nalini Miller. "I've talked to (those players) a lot, but I like that I'll still get to play with them when they're seniors."

Paul Torres, who publishes the "Stars Under the Sun" basketball recruiting service out of Miami, said USF is in the mix for more of the state's best junior prospects.

"He's going after all the top kids. I have him looking at five of the top 10 (state) players in our 2006 class," said Torres, who also calls USF a contender for 6-foot-3 center Jacinta Monroe and 5-foot-9 guard Alysha Harvin of Fort Lauderdale and 5-foot-11 guard Ebony Sadler of Miami.

Sarosi is a major coup, having been recruited by national powers Connecticut and Tennessee and offered by LSU and Florida, but the Bulls aren't done with their 2005 recruits. Brooksville's Bernice Mosby, who played three seasons at Florida and is transferring this summer, will visit USF on Thursday and choose from the Bulls, Virginia Tech and national champion Baylor.

Fernandez is close to getting a commitment from 6-foot-2 forward LaToshia Richburgh of Okaloosa-Walton College in Niceville, which would give him four players next season who earned first-team all-state honors in 2004.

NFL HOPEFULS: No Bulls were taken in the NFL Draft this weekend, but five have a shot at earning a roster spot. Offensive lineman Levi Newton signed with the Lions on Sunday, and four teammates were invited to minicamp tryouts this week, including defensive end Craig Kobel, who will sign his paperwork Thursday and try to land a free-agent contract at the Bucs' minicamp.

"I'm really excited to be able to stay in Tampa," said Kobel, who led the Bulls in sacks in each of the past two seasons. "All I wanted was an opportunity, and I'll definitely try to make the most of it."

Derrick Sarosi is in the same boat with the Falcons, as is running back Clenton Crossley with the Redskins and long-snapper Justin Daniel with the Giants.

WELCOME BACK: Chad Barnhardt, who was USF's starting quarterback during the program's first two seasons in 1997-98, has joined the coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

"I'm real excited about the opportunity," said Barnhardt, who spent the past six years at Lake Wales High, including three as football coach. "It's always been a goal of mine to get back over there, and I think this is a fabulous chance for me."

Barnhardt will likely work with quarterbacks and receivers.

THIS AND THAT: USF and Tulane have had several conversations about scheduling a home-and-home football series, but the earliest the two schools would meet would likely be 2011, Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson said. The schools are awaiting approval of a 12th regular-season game before any deal can be finalized. ... Tuesday's baseball game with Stetson was rescheduled for tonight, and Bulls coach Eddie Cardieri is guaranteed to leave with a milestone. He goes into tonight's game with 699 wins at USF and 499 losses.

Times staff writer Greg Auman covers USF athletics. Reach him at 813 226-3346 or auman@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 3, 2005, 11:39:43]