Versatile Raymond switches to corner

Mistral Raymond, who was just recently given a scholarship by USF head football coach Skip Holtz, has given the Bulls much needed flexibility in their secondary.

The Palmetto High graduate drew praise from USF defensive coordinator Mark Snyder in last Saturday’s scrimmage. Raymond had been listed as the starting safety and could wind up playing every position in the secondary.

For now, Snyder says he wants to use Raymond at cornerback because it makes the Bulls secondary the strongest when he is at that position. The 6-2, 192 pound senior gained a reputation as a physical player last year when he joined the Bulls from junior college.

But Raymond has improved his cover skills and shown a lot of speed that perhaps people were not aware that he possessed. His presence at cornerback will knock either Quenton Washington or Kayvon Webster out of the starting lineup.

Raymond played his first two years at Ellsworth Community College (Iowa) and led the team in tackles in 2007 with 62. He is the leading returning tackler among the USF defensive backs with 40 with Webster second at 30 tackles.