On Wednesday February 3rd, South Florida’s football team added an enormous talent to their program. St. Peter’s Prep football star Jake Kaufman signed a letter of intent to attend South Florida next fall. Kaufman chose to sign with South Florida over other BCS schools like Georgia, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Stanford, Wisconsin, and nearby Rutgers. His decision came as a surprise to most college football experts because of South Florida’s recent coaching change in comparison to program stability of their competition.

At 6’8” and 335 pounds, Kaufman was a standout offensive lineman for the St. Peter’s Prep football team during his high school career. He projects to be a left tackle on the collegiate level. Kaufman’s strengths are his quick feet (this part of his game has been compared to former NFL star Tony Boselli) and size. His gargantuan frame allowed him to dominate high school opponents, and his strength should only improve after hitting a Big East weight room.

In order to become an elite player on the collegiate level, Kaufman must improve his technique. He is a raw talent and won individual battles at St. Peters, but will have to improve his pad level to consistently block bigger, stronger, and faster defensive linemen from programs like Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Rutgers.

Kaufman was rated the 14th best prospect in the state of New Jersey by Rivals.com, and will look to continue to improve the perception of New Jersey recruits. Last April, New Jersey produced seven first round picks in the NFL Draft. If Jake Kaufman helps lead South Florida to a Big East championship and becomes a future NFL Draft pick, it will only further the reputation of high school football in New Jersey.