Nature Coast DE Rohan Blackwood will play college football at USF, Sharks assistant coach Rob Kazmier announced Sunday evening.
Blackwood is one of Tampa Bay’s top talents. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior was No. 24 in the Tampa Bay Times’ list of the area’s top prospects.
The three-star recruit was Rivals’ No. 35 weakside defensive end prospect; 247Sports ranks him No. 20 nationally at his position and No. 54 overall in the state.
In three seasons at Nature Coast, Blackwood racked up 186 tackles, 25 sacks and three touchdown catches to become one of the North Suncoast’s top players. The standout athlete was once regarded as one of the country’s top basketball prospects, but his size and frame led him to shift his focus on football within the last year.
He initially committed to Wisconsin during the fall, but the two parted ways earlier this month. Blackwood also held offers from Miami, Marshall and Missouri, among others.
Oral commitments are non-binding until recruits sign letters of intent during their senior years. National signing day is Feb 5.