For Northeast FB/LB Auggie Sanchez, his long and stressful recruiting process is over. He has decided to be a USF Bull.
Sanchez made the decision Tuesday night before the Vikings' basketball game against Pinellas Park. He said Bulls head coach Willie Taggart will use him mainly as a fullback, with tight end also a possibility. Sanchez also had offers from Middle Tennessee State and South Alabama. His brother, Armando, played special teams at South Florida.
"You don't understand,'' Sanchez said about his relief the recruiting process is over. "I told coach (Mike) Jalazo before my basketball game to get it done. Tell them I want to be a Bull.''
Sanchez, 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, was used at fullback and linebacker this season. He excelled at linebacker with a team-leading 160 tackles in 10 games. He is expected to be used in the H-back role at USF.
"They liked his size and athleticism,'' Jalazo said. "He can catch some passes out of the backfield or he could even move to tight end if they need him to. And who knows, if they need him on defense he can do that do. He's just such a versatile kid.''
Sanchez made an official visit to USF on Friday and was impressed. Jalazo heard from USF coaches Saturday, who said they were very interested. Jalazo got word Tuesday that USF would like to make an offer.
Sanchez said he has no problem focusing on fullback. "Anything to get on the field,'' he said.
It has been a pretty good week for Sanchez. He was recently reinstated to the basketball team after serving a suspension for getting two technical fouls in a Christmas tournament game. And in Tuesday night's game against the Patriots, which the Vikings won 48-46, Sanchez scored seven points.