USF Athletics

JPP Is Back in the Bay as a Buccaneer

March 22, 2018

By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, MARCH 22, 2018 – Former USF standout Jason Pierre-Paul is back in the Bay to chase down quarterbacks as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

USF's top selected draft pick in school history was traded to Tampa Bay on Thursday after posting 58.5 career sacks with the New York Giants from 2010-2017.

"Jason is an elite-level edge rusher who will make an immediate impact on our defense," said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht in a team report.

Pierre-Paul initially showcased his dynamic pass-rushing ability to the nation as a member of the Bulls in 2009. JPP was named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly after totaling 45 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his lone season with the program.

Longtime Bulls fans still remember the super athleticism Pierre-Paul showed in green and gold at Syracuse during his 18-yard pick-six. The prior week, JPP registered three tackles for loss, one sack and one force fumble in the program's 17-7 victory at Florida State. Learn more about JPP's accomplishments as a Bull HERE.

Big plays helped JPP become the 15^th overall selection by the Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft. The two-time Pro Bowl selection racked up 20.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons and his pro career is still going strong with 15.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and 13 pass breakups in the past two years.

More Notable JPP Facts and Accomplishments

• Pierre-Paul helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
• JPP became the first Bull selected two multiple Pro Bowls (2012-13).
• JPP ranks 25^th in sacks among active NFL players with 58.5.
• JPP will be playing in Tampa Bay with another former USF standout. Nigel Harris enters his second season with the Bucs after suiting up for the Bulls from 2013-16.

ABOUT USF FOOTBALL
USF posted its second straight 10-win season in 2017 (10-2) by winning its second straight Birmingham Bowl with a 38-34 victory over Texas Tech. USF is one of just 14 teams nationally to win 20-plus games in the last two seasons (21-4) and has spent a program-record 20 straight weeks ranked in the top 25, reaching as high as No. 13 in Week 8 of the 2017 season. The Bulls have won five of their last six bowl appearances and made nine (6-3) total bowl appearances in 21 seasons, including a current run of three straight bowls. USF won a program-record 11 games in 2016 (11-2) and has posted 14 winning seasons. The USF program, which first took the field in 1997, reached No. 2 in the rankings in 2007 and has seen 28 players selected in the NFL Draft, 14 named All-American and had 32 first-team all-conference selections.
 
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