No USF NFL Draft prospect has been selected since 2018 — will we see that change in 2023? We look at the top three prospects from the program with our USF scouting reports for the upcoming event.
USF 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Demontrey Jacobs, OL
Strengths: Large, strong offensive tackle with super-long arms. Effective with his hands, squares into defenders, and easily turns them from the action on running downs. Powerful and controls opponents once engaged at the point. Quickly sets up off the snap and keeps his feet moving.
Weaknesses: Stiff. Marginally athletic and can’t be used in a zone-blocking system.
Overall: Jacobs is a size prospect with next-level dimensions, who should be brought into camp this summer, then stashed on a practice squad if he performs well in July and August.
Dwayne Boyles, LB
Strengths: Athletic run-and-chase linebacker who’s been very productive for South Florida the past four seasons. Physical, aggressive, and smooth moving around the field. Quick to diagnose, takes proper angles to the action, and has a closing burst. Drives his shoulders through ball handlers and wraps up tackling. Makes the defensive calls. Sells out upfield on the blitz.
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Weaknesses: Occasionally bites on ball fakes. Gets lost in traffic or easily blocked from the action. Average production in coverage for a smaller linebacker.
Overall: Boyles is rarely talked about in scouting circles, yet he possesses the size, speed, and versatility to be a nickel linebacker/special-teams player on Sundays.
Xavier Weaver, WR
Strengths: Two-year starter coming off a career season. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, runs sharp, crisp routes, and separates from defenders. Uses the sidelines well, gets vertical, and extends to come away with the difficult catch.
Plays with balance and body control, possessing eye/hand coordination as well as a sense of timing. Adjusts to the errant throw or gets down to scoop up low passes. Displays excellent awareness and works to become the hot receiver or make himself an available target.
Weaknesses: Possesses a thin build and struggles in battles. Does some unnecessary body catching on occasion.
Overall: Weaver has displayed a lot of improvement the past two seasons and consistently separates from defenders through routes or field vision. He won’t be selected in the draft, but he has enough skill to make a roster as a fifth receiver.