USF Bolsters Roster with Eight Newcomers
Nine days into the December transfer-portal period, USF has begun replenishing its veteran-laden roster in earnest, announcing eight newcomers with more expected in coming days.
The Bulls depart Wednesday for the Hawaii Bowl with a two-deep depth chart featuring 32 seniors and/or graduate students (34 counting the punter and place-kicker). Some have eligibility remaining, but several key cogs including the leading receiver (Sean Atkins), top rusher (Kelley Joiner), 2023 tackles leader (Jhalyn Shuler) and left tackle (RJ Perry) will play their final college game in Honolulu.
Additionally, the team’s No. 3 tackler (Tawfiq Byard) and a veteran offensive lineman (Andrew Kilfoyl) have entered the transfer portal.
New Additions
Among the newcomers is Jesuit High alumnus Connor McLaughlin, an offensive tackle who should help restock a starting offensive line consisting solely of grad students or seniors. McLaughlin has spent the past five seasons at Stanford, totaling 14 starts over the past two seasons including 10 at right tackle in 2023.
He’s joined by fellow offensive lineman Thomas Shrader, an Appalachian State transfer who spent his first four seasons at FSU. Shrader appeared in only 16 games for the Seminoles (mostly on special teams) but played in 11 in his lone season for the Mountaineers.
The Bulls also have landed Charlotte tailback Cartevious Norton, a former three-star recruit from Waycross, Georgia. Norton spent two seasons at Iowa State before moving to Charlotte, where he finished the 2024 season as the second-leading rusher (129 carries, 568 yards, seven touchdowns).
Defensive additions include McNeese State safety Boogsie Silvera, a south Florida native who finished second on the 2024 team in tackles (85) and added a pair of interceptions.
The Bulls also added two FAU transfers, defensive end Jacob Merrifield and tight end Wyatt Sullivan. The arrival of Wisconsin cornerback Jonas Duclona, who played extensively as a backup in 2023 but appeared in only four games this past season, was announced Tuesday afternoon.
The December portal period began Dec. 9 and ends Dec. 28. It reopens for the spring on April 16 and closes April 25.
USF Portal Arrivals
(Most recent school in parentheses)
DL Josh Celiscar (Texas A&M)
DB Jonas Duclona (Wisconsin)
OL Connor McLaughlin (Stanford)
DL Jacob Merrifield (FAU)
RB Cartevious Norton (Charlotte)
OL Thomas Shrader (Appalachian State)
DB Boogsie Silvera (McNeese State)
TE Wyatt Sullivan (FAU)
• • •
Conclusion
The addition of these new players brings depth and talent to the USF roster as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
FAQs
Q: How many newcomers has USF announced so far?
A: USF has announced eight newcomers with more expected to join.
Q: When does the December transfer-portal period end?
A: The December transfer-portal period ends on December 28.
Q: When does the portal reopen for the spring?
A: The portal reopens for the spring on April 16 and closes on April 25.
