Raymond listed as starter

USF unveiled its latest depth chart this week and it turned out to be good news for defensive back Mistral Raymond.

The Palmetto High graduate was listed as the starter at free safety following a spring where he demonstrated his toughness and ability to play a position that demands a lot of versatility.

Raymond is the only starter on the depth chart (non-kicker) who does not have an athletic scholarship so maybe new coach Skip Holtz will find it in his heart to grant him one.

The 6-1, 185 pounder transferred to USF last season under the impression he had only one year of eligibility left after playing in junior college. He was granted another year during mid-season and his rise up the depth charts has been nothing short of sensational.

Raymond could’ve gone to other schools on a scholarship, but decided to walk on at USF because his home where his mother, sister and other relatives lived was shot up during a bizarre incident of mistaken identity.

Mistral is the leading tackler with 40 (19 solos) among the returning defensive backs from last year’s USF team. Most importantly, he showed last season that he was quick learner and could be effective on one on one pass coverage as well as coming up to help with the run.

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Faron Hornes, the Southeast High graduate who joined USF last year, was not listed on the depth chart, which only included the first and second team.

Hornes did have a nice 48-yard reception and his hoping to get some playing time at the receiver spot this season. He was the Bulls punt returner last year, averaging five yards per attempt on 16 catches. He did not return punts in the spring game so his status at that position is questionable.