Parris picks USF

Junior tight end Joshua Parris of Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson has never been to South Florida for a visit, but he heard so many things he liked about the program, the school and the Tampa area in recent weeks that he decided it was where he wanted to go.

"I committed to them today," Parris told Rivals.com on Friday night.

What were some of the deciding factors?

"The weather down there is nice, it's a good school and I like the type of offense they run," Parris said. "They spread the ball and they'll give me good looks. Also, they recruited me really hard. I like how hard they were coming after me."

The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Parris had eight offers, but ultimately picked the Bulls over Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. USF receivers coach Phil McGeoghan is his primary recruiter.

"I was just thinking it's a real good offer," Parris said. "It might not be there as long as I want it to be, so I might as well grab it while it's on the table. I told the coaches today. They were real surprised and very welcoming. They were real happy to have me commit. They want me to visit this summer."

According to Parris, those closest to him supported his decision.

"I talked to my guardian, my grandmother, my mother … actually, this has been discussed for two weeks," Parris said. "I looked at the school with my family and we liked it. We also have family in Florida, so why not?"