Pok’s College Football Column: CFB Recruiting Updates

Welcome back to another edition of Pok’s College Football Column! In today’s edition, it is all about college football recruiting for the non-autonomy programs in the state of Florida. The Florida Atlantic Owls, FIU Panthers, and USF Bulls are in the process of building out their 2027 high school classes, and we will dive into the latest news surrounding each program.

There is plenty to get into, so without further ado, let us dive into a new edition of Pok’s College Football Column!

College Football Recruiting Roundup

FAU Owls

In Year 2 under Zach Kittley, the Florida Atlantic Owls are making their mark this spring on the recruiting trail.

For their 2027 class, the Owls have already landed seven players, split between both sides of the football. On offense, FAU has gotten verbal pledges from quarterback Brody Bartee, running back Tommy Scott, and wideouts Aubrey Johnson and Suhaib Ramseur. Defensively, cornerback Robert Gibbons, defensive lineman Danard Frazier, and fellow defensive lineman Jerzey Lighten have committed to FAU.

Bartee, a Texas native, only has one public offer, and it was from the Owls. However, do not let the lack of offers distort your view of the quarterback. Bartee has the talent to play at the college level. His athletic ability is impressive, as evidenced by multiple scrambles and throws on the run. Bartee’s arm strength is fun to watch, as is his ability to layer throws all over the field. His skillset fits perfectly into Kittley’s offense, especially in terms of his ability to touch all areas of the field and run the football.  Possessing a prototypical frame and upside at the position as well, and it is easy to see why the Owls decided to go after the Texas native.

Meanwhile, Johnson has a chance to be a massive steal for the Owls. He committed to FAU over Miami, Texas Tech, North Texas, East Carolina, and more. His route running is extremely dynamic at all levels of the field. Johnson snaps off routes at the intermediate level consistently, creating great windows for his quarterbacks. He also utilizes head fakes at the top of his routes, creating big-time plays when combined with his speed. Additionally, Johnson is a monster in jump-ball situations, using his athletic ability, length, and hands to make big plays.

In the mold of an Elijah West or Nicsaint Joseph Jr. from the 2026 class, Johnson could be the type of player to make an instant impact if given the opportunity.

There is even more room for the Texas-based wideout to grow as a player, and if his trajectory keeps on this path, Johnson could be the best player of the Owls’ 2027 class.

Ramseur, a teammate of Bartee in high school, has the skill set to thrive in FAU’s vertical-based offense. He wins down the field with impressive speed, has a very nice release package as a route runner, and has shown the ability to make big plays happen after the catch. Additionally, Ramseur is a very willing blocker, especially on screen plays. Between his athletic gifts and rapport with Bartee, there is a good chance the wideout can hit the ground running once arriving in Boca.

Scott, a Florida native, contributed in multiple areas of the game for Sumner in 2025. He notched 315 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. Possessing real track speed (10.51 in the 100-yard dash), Scott is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. I am fascinated to see how Scott’s vision and ability to work in between the tackles progress this season, especially with him being on the smaller side at the position. Yet, for an offense that loves to have big plays, Scott is a perfect fit.

Robert Gibbons, another Florida native, committed to FAU over the likes of FIU, Liberty, Bowling Green, and more. In 2025, he had 39 tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions with a forced fumble and recovery, according to MaxPreps. Possessing the speed and overall ability to play on the outside in coverage and make tackles downhill, Gibbons is a very nice under-the-radar addition for the secondary.

Frazier, a Carol City standout, had offers from Auburn, Boston College, UCF, and more. In 2025, the defensive tackle, according to MaxPreps, had 28 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 11 hurries. He also had two passes defended, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.

On the interior of the defensive line, Frazier is very skilled at using his hands. He maneuvers and steers offensive linemen with ease, which he follows by ripping past them to make tackles. Frazier also explodes off the ball on every rep, allowing him to put opponents on their back foot. Heading into his senior season, how Frazier continues to build upon himself as a player will help determine his ceiling as a player. But as it stands right now, this is a great pickup for the Owls.

Lighten, a Florida native who had additional offers from East Carolina and Memphis, is an imposing presence in the trenches. He plays with a very solid base and actively uses his hands to make run stops and create pressures. Lighten also has some burst to him, which he usually shows off chasing down quarterbacks. He is another player with nice upside for FAU in its 2027 class.

Here are the players who have visited or are scheduled to officially visit FAU over the coming weeks (lists includes players listed on 24/7 Sports and On3/Rivals as of 06/05):

• June 2: WR Dominic Harvey
• June 5: WR Suhaib Ramseur, RB Tommy Scott, WR Aubrey Johnson, QB Brody Bartee, EDGE Mark Shiloh, CB Tony Guillory, TE MiCah McClintock, OL AJ Coleman, OL Jerzey Lighten, LB Dax Cole
• June 12: EDGE Noah Robinson, WR James Bethea, CB Christian Mollino, CB James Briggs IV
• June 19: OL/DL Chris Hector, DB Kash Kolbow, OL Ethan Boyd, DB Jaiziah Battle

USF Bulls

It has been an eventful few months for the USF Bulls on the recruiting trail. And, that does not look to be changing as Brian Hartline‘s first official visit season is here.

The Bulls suffered one decommitment, which came in the form of quarterback James Perrone. A Florida native, Perrone had been committed to the Bulls since September of 2025. It had felt like the winds were blowing in this direction, as USF had been offering multiple quarterbacks over the past few months. However, this resolution came abruptly, and it will be fascinating to see where both sides go from here.

As for commitments, USF landed NJ-based wideout Austin Busso and Mandarin defensive lineman Kindrid Outland.

Busso, a standout for the powerhouse that is Bergen Catholic, is one of my favorite wideouts in the 2027 class. He moves with effortless speed over the field, has an extremely dynamic route package, and plays through contact in an impressive fashion. Busso also thrives against high-level competition. Facing the deep and dynamic West Boca secondary in 2025, the wideout scored multiple touchdowns and posted 155 yards. He is an electric piece for the USF offense going forward.

Outland, a standout in the trenches for Mandarin, explodes off the ball consistently in the middle of the trenches. He wins with his hands, wins with power through the chest of blockers, and shows burst that allows him to race by defenders. Outland has continued to get better and refine his skillset over his high school career. He is exactly the type of player in the defensive trenches who could make a great impact for USF.

The momentum did not stop there for USF, though. During its first official visit weekend, the Bulls landed OL Lawson Bentley, RB Abram Hilton, and EDGE Christian Stowe.

Bentley, a Georgia native, aims to destroy players in the run game. He constantly gets to the second level with his burst, which he then follows by using his balance to stay in front of defenders. As a pass protector, he showcases that same balance and athleticism to not let defenders beat him to the outside shoulder. Having the prototypical size for the offensive line, Bentley is another player with some very nice upside for the Bulls in the 2027 class.

Stowe, during the 2025 season, is listed on MaxPreps as having five tackles for loss and two sacks. The North Carolina native has a massive frame at 6-feet-5-inches, flies into the backfield against the run, and uses his hands and pass rush moves to make plays as a pass rusher. Fitting the theme of some of the team’s other commitments, Stowe has plenty of upside and potential in USF’s defense.

Hilton, who held other offers from Pitt, Northwestern, and UCF, had over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025. And as his stats may indicate, the running back does a lot of things at a very high level.

Hilton has great vision, gliding from lane-to-lane before exploding for big gains. His contact balance is impressive, and once he gets to the open field, Hilton finds another gear that allows him to run away from opposing defenses. I love Hilton’s overall game, and he fits perfectly in the offense that the Bulls want to run. And if he continues to play like this, Hilton could be another steal in the 2027 class for USF.

As the calendar quickly approaches June, here are the players who have visited or are set to officially visit USF over the next few weeks, according to 24/ Sports and Rivals.

• May 29: RB Abram Hilton, EDGE Christian Stowe, WR Julian Brown, OL Lawson Bentley, DB Larry Morgan III, LB Zion Paul, DL Kindrid Outland, WR Austin Busso, DB Angelo Smith, LB JT Austin, CB Carl Jones Jr., DL Jayden Agberodiola
• June 5: TE Drew Follet, DB Jaiziah Battle, DB Tyrone Howard Jr., LB Khori Faulkner, DL Allens Alexandre, DB Carter Jamison, LB Terrell Pinkney II, OL/DL Adrian Williams, WR Jayden Elder, LB Deion Jackson
• June 12: WR Jalijah Rutledge, TE Joe Moore, RB Omari St. Fort, OL Bray’don Davis, DL Simeon Jones Jr., LB Trenton McCorvey, ATH Brian Dillard, DL/OL Keilan Neal
• June 18: ATH Jordan Cason
• June 19: DB Tony Brown, OL Tristan Hardin, LB KJ Mcqueen, OL Neal Roberts, QB Dre’mail Carothers, DB Jacquari Parks, EDGE Kaylon Bailey, DB Semajay Robinson

FIU Panthers

Like USF and FAU, the FIU Panthers have been finding some consistent momentum on the recruiting trail this spring.

In addition to long-time commits in QB Zac Katz and DB Amari Oquendo, the Panthers have added OL Nathaniel Miller, DL Jaylen Thanis, DB Tacori Allen, DB Martez Jones, and RB Dorien Jones. Additionally, they picked up a very fun transfer in EDGE Elisha Baldridge.

Baldridge comes in from Ashland University, where he was a certified game-wrecker. The EDGE had 90 total tackles (35 solo/55 assisted), 16 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in 13 games played. He has shown nice speed and strength at the position. And, in heading to the 305, Baldridge will look to add more depth and talent to what could be a fun FIU defensive line.

Miller, a Florida native who attends McArthur, chose the Panthers over the likes of Auburn, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. On the field, Miller thrives in every aspects of the game. A massive presence at the tackle position, the South Florida native has great footwork and technique in the run game. As a pass protector, Miller buries defenders and does a very good job mirroring players. If the Panthers can hold onto him, Miller could be a very early impact player for the program.

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Thanis, another Florida native who plays in the defensive trenches, had additional offers from Alabama State, FAU, and Georgia State. As his nickname “Thanos” would suggest, the defensive lineman thrives by playing with strength. Thanis specifically thrives against the run, overpowering offensive linemen consistently. He also shows that power as a pass rusher, using his hands to create havoc.

Jones, a Georgia native, has additional offers from Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and more. Posting two interceptions and 57 solo tackles, the defensive back has the speed and instincts to play deep or close to the line of scrimmage. Allen, a Florida native who 20 additional offers, has impressive ball skills and speed at the defensive back position. He also adds some special teams value, as he had plenty of experience as a returner in 2025.

Dorien Jones, a Venice High School product, is a legitimate standout at the running back position. Jones runs with great burst and explosiveness 0n a consistent basis. Whether he explodes off the snap or glides to the open lanes, the running back is smart and decisive in reading his blocks.

The most impressive aspect of Jones’s game, though, is his ability in the open field. Jones not only can make defenders miss with jukes or spins, but has impressive power. It is rare to see a defender take down the running back by himself, and as a result, Jones continuously extends runs. In other words, Jones turns moderate gains into big ones, and big gains into touchdowns.

Holding an offer sheet that includes Florida State, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech, there is a world where the uber-talented Jones does not make it to campus, much like Qwantavius Wiggins last year. But if FIU retains him, Jones has instant-impact, or better, potential within this offense.

Over the next few weeks, here are the players who are set to be at FIU for official visits.

• June 5: WR Sebastian Lora, OL Nathaniel Miller, QB Zac Katz, DB Amari Oquendo, OL Aiden Toney, DB Tacori Allen, OL Sincere Wilkerson, DB King Parrom, OL Adarian Dotson, DB Cedric Mitchell Jr., WR Jarvaris Reed
• June : EDGE Jack Wilson, EDGE Mark Shiloh, DL Darren White