When Skip Holtz was hired as the new head coach at South Florida national college football pundits lauded it as an excellent move for the head man from East Carolina.

They pointed, first and foremost, to the wealth of high school football talent surrounding USF, and all the potential that the program has because of it.

Surprisingly, perhaps, Holtz's first commitment as the new head coach at USF is from a New Jersey prospect. The Bulls haven't signed any prospects from the Garden State in recent memory, but the young man couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Jake Kaufman, a three-star offensive tackle from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep, was taking an official visit to USF over the weekend. Apparently the visit went extremely well.

"I'm leaving (USF) now but I've committed," Kaufman said on Sunday afternoon. "I pretty much knew I was going to do it and I've been saving it for now."

The coaching change didn't hurt the Bulls, and in fact, Kaufman is thrilled to have the opportunity to play for coach Holtz.

"I think it's great," he said. "He's a great guy and I can play for him. I believe in him. Coming down to South Florida, I see how everyone's like a family. I think they can win a national championship. I didn't feel this at any of the other schools I've visited."

Kaufman said he is done with official visits and considers himself a solid verbal for the Bulls. Early playing time may have been a factor in his decision.

"They want me to step up in the summer and work for a starting spot," he said.

Prior to making his decision Kaufman had received offers from Rutgers, Stanford and Wisconsin.