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TAMPA -- Former University of South Florida cornerback Trae Williams will start his professional career in the state of Florida and just north of Tampa for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted the Plant City native with the 24th pick in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Former USF linebacker Ben Moffitt went undrafted but was quickly picked up after the draft by the Houston Texans.  He signed a free agent deal and will get an offseason tryout in hopes of making the preseason and regular season rosters.

Williams was the second USF cornerback taken in the 2008 Draft.  He followed Mike Jenkins, who was drafted 25th in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys.

Williams had as impressive of a collegiate statistical resume as any DB in the draft. He had 16 career interceptions, including 13 over the last two seasons.  His two year total of 13 picks was as many as any NCAA FBS player over the last two seasons. 

He also showed a knack for taking his picks to the house during his senior campaign, when he returned three consecutive interceptions for touchdowns.  He had 'pick sixs' against Louisville, Cincinnati and Pitt.  He finished his career with 219 return yards on interceptions.

Williams was a second team All-BIG EAST selection and a honorable mention All-American after his senior campaign.  He also was a nominee for the 2007 Thorpe Award.

Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio told Jaguars.com, “Some of the measurables aren't where you'd like them. We think this guy is a good football player. We're not looking for front-line starters, but you have to have depth on your football team.”

Williams could have a chance to impact the team immediately.  The Jaguars are trying to replace established cornerbacks Terry Cousins and Aaron Glenn.  The Jaguars return starting defensive backs Rashean Mathis, Reggie Nelson and Sammy Knight.

Vic Ketchman of Jaguars.com felt there was enough confidence in the Jacksonville camp to label Williams as potentially, "one of the steals of the draft."

It appears the Bulls will have four defensive backs in the NFL next season with Williams and Jenkins joining Philadelpia Eagles safety and return specialist J.R. Reed and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Anthony Henry. 

It is the first time the Bulls have had a player drafted by Jacksonville.  USF has had 10 players taken in the NFL Draft through 11 years of sponsoring a football program.

The Bulls influence at defensive back in the NFL says a lot for the work of former cornerbacks coach Rich Rachel and current defensive backs coach Troy Douglas.  In a previous coaching stop, Douglas worked with Indiana CB Tracy Porter, who was picked in the second round by the New Orleans Saints.