Love and Raymond top Holtz first depth chart

USF new head football coach Skip Holtz unveiled his first depth chart on Monday and there were some surprises, but for the most part it went as kind of expected.

Southeast High grad A.J. Love, who is entering his senior season, is listed as a starting receiver at the Z slot. It means they will use him in a lot of ways, but are looking at the 6-2, 205 pounder to go deep and be able to handle those one on situations.

Holtz has had nothing but praise for Love, complimenting him on his work ethic, maturity and leadership skills while impressed with his athletic ability.

“A.J. is a great young man, who has been working extremely hard and wants to get better. He is definitely one of the leaders on the team and definitely a guy we are going to rely heavily on,” Holtz said.

Palmetto High graduate Mistral Raymond is listed as the starter at free safety, which really shouldn’t a surprise, but is a tribute to his work ethic. The 6-1, 185 pound senior joined the team last year and worked his way up the depth chart from third string to starter.

There was a little good news for Faron Hornes, another Southeast High grad, who joined the Bulls from junior college last year. He was the starting punt returner last season for former head coach Jim Leavitt.

Hornes is listed as the third team receiver at the Z position behind Love and Lindsey Lamar. Moving Lamar from running back was perhaps the biggest surprise. He is a shifty, speedster but his size (5-9, 160) has raised questions about his ability to handle full time duties at running back.

Holtz did not put up anyone for punt returner. Hornes felt he didn’t get into the mix at receiver last year because he joined the team late and hopes to make his presence felt this season.