TAMPA - The University of South Florida football program has signed junior college standouts Claude Davis (pictured, right) and Curtis Weatherspoon and will welcome the student-athletes to the USF program at the start of the 2010 spring semester.

Davis, a defensive end, is a Lakeland native who attended Lake Gibson High School.  He is a four-star recruit according to Scout.com and USFNation.com.

Scott Kennedy of Scout.com wrote the following on Davis: "A tantalizing prospect because of his superb size and athleticism, Davis is a game changer from his defensive end spot when he plays 100 percent. He is especially valuable against the pass because of his explosive first step and overall speed. He struggles against a power rushing game and sometimes seems to avoid the dirty work inside, but he's a terror coming off the edge. Major upside because of his size and speed."

The 6-4, 247 pound signee will add depth to the defensive end position that will lose two-time All-American George Selive to the NFL this offseason.  In the fall of 2010, Davis will likely be paired with senior-to-be Jason Pierre-Paul and rising freshman Ryne Giddins to form one of the most talented groups in the BIG EAST.

Davis was named to the 2009Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges All-North State First Team and was tabbed to the 2009 NJCAA Preseason All-American First Team.  As a freshman, he was selected to the 2008 MACJC All-North State Second Team.

"Claude's a great athlete with excellent speed and quickness," said USF assistant coach John Hendrick. "He has great ability to rush the passer and is relentless pursuer of the football."

USF will bolster its linebacking unit with the addition of Weatherspoon, who was born in St. Petersburg but spent the last two seasons at Dean College in Franklin, Mass.  Prior to junior college, Weatherspoon played high school ball at the highly-touted Valdosta High School (Georgia).

"I have had coaches in his conference tell me he was the most dominant defensive player in the league," said USF linebackers coach David Blackwell.

Weatherspoon stands 6-2, 205 pounds and is slotted to play outside linebacker.

"He's very explosive," said Blackwell.  "He's a big hitter and really active.  He led the team in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss, was a captain and the team defensive MVP.  He has a real chance to help out immediately during the 2010 season."

Weatherspoon was also the Northeast Football Conference defensive MVP after leading Dean College to the league title.  The future Bull led the NEFC with 74 tackles, nine sacks and was second in tackles for loss with 19.

Both student-athletes will enroll in classes at USF in January.