Culpepper Earns Offer and Visits
Judge Culpepper is a name that you just can’t seem to forget and could be one that USF fans might want to get to know a little better as he recently earned an offer and visited the Bulls program this week.
Culpepper is a 6’5, 240 pound tight end from Tampa, Florida and has been a hot name in the recruiting world, as he has been collecting several offers as of late, pushing his total to 15-plus offers.
One of those recent offers came from South Florida in the past few weeks, along with Nebraska, Mississippi State, and Colorado, as he spoke about each one with high praise.
“USF is a program that is on the rise and is obviously close to home,” he replied. “Nebraska has an amazing facility and such a tradition, especially on the defensive line. Florida Culpepper tradition. Syracuse is on the rise as well with the new staff and my brother is there and loves it. Michigan was an amazing trip and Coach Harbaugh was fantastic. Colorado is a beautiful place as well.”
All those programs that he talked about have offered, as it seems that several programs are making Culpepper a high priority early on in his career. But he admits that since he is only a sophomore, all the programs that have offered are coming after him hard early on.
“Well, since I’m only a sophomore, it seems that every team that has offered at this point has a strong interest,” he replied. “Syracuse for obvious reasons with my brother and all. Michigan was super interested as me being a tight end and they utilize that position better than most. Coach Mac made it crystal clear at Florida that they are recruiting me because of me and not because of my dad or legacy.”
“Nebraska defensive line coach played in the NFL when my dad did. They are recruiting me more as defensive lineman which is fine. USC has good connection and is really excited for me to go out there for a visit.”
Culpepper has made several visits already, including ones to Syracuse, Michigan, and Florida. But his most recent visit was to South Florida this past Wednesday, as both parties looked to develop a better relationship and Culpepper getting a better understanding of the program.
“We had a good time,” he said after his visit on Wednesday. “We watched practice first and then sat in the meeting room and talked with a couple of the coaches and then toured the weight room and locker room.”
Coach Raymond Woodie was the main one he was able to sit down and talk with, as they discussed the defensive scheme and their system they run. Other than that and getting a better understanding of the program as whole, Culpepper seemed to enjoy himself and gave a better perspective of the USF program.
Even after the visit though, he admits that even though he enjoyed the visit this past Wednesday and other visits in the past, he still is way too young to have any decision made on a program.
“Well, as this point, I haven’t made any decision along those lines but it was a great insight into the ship they (USF) run there and it was fun hanging out with my teammates.”
Culpepper’s recruitment should only heat up from here on till he decides but with South Florida being in his backyard, the USF coaching staff will certainly be making him a high priority and hoping to get him back for a visit.