They were youth football competitors, fast friends in middle school and all-for-one teammates at Tallahassee's Godby High School. Then it was off to college football campuses, in separate directions, as both sought the platform to make big-time names for themselves.

As it turned out, they didn't really need that once-desired SEC launching pad. They are rejuvenated by a fresh start in their home state with a burgeoning USF program that shares their reach-for-the-sky ambitions.

Cornerback De'Shawn Rucker (formerly of Tennessee) and nickel back Kajuan Banks (formerly of South Carolina) have reunited as teammates in the USF Bulls secondary and roommates in their down time.

Already, their impact has been immense and USF will count on both players as the Bulls (1-1) prepare for Saturday night's game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (1-1) in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Rucker had a team-leading 10 solo tackles in last week's 42-16 defeat at No. 4-ranked Alabama, often coming up big in run support while largely holding speedy receiver Ryan Williams in check. Meanwhile, Banks was a one-man wrecking crew with five tackles, one sack and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

"When you come from places like Tennessee and South Carolina, it's really easy to come here and think you're top dog, like you are owed something,'' defensive coordinator Todd Orlando said. "Not these guys. They are workers. They are competitors. And they have earned their jobs here.''

Rucker (6-feet, 188 pounds) and Banks (5-10, 188) were regarded as supreme all-around athletes in the highly competitive Big Bend area, also excelling in basketball, plus track and field.

"Those cats can play ball and they have added so much to their (defensive backs) room,'' head coach Alex Golesh said.

Golesh was the Tennessee co-offensive coordinator when Rucker arrived in Knoxville. He always felt like Rucker had plenty to offer, but the player was haunted by injuries.

When Rucker entered the transfer portal, the first call (naturally) was from Golesh.

"Coach Golesh was the first coach I saw at Tennessee because he was up at the dorms when I got there,'' Rucker said. "Even though he was offense and I was defense, he was always watching me and I felt like he believed in me. So, when he said, 'We've got an opportunity here for you at USF,' I jumped at that. I trust Coach Golesh. I've seen what he can do on the big stage.

"He always says, 'Ruck, you're my guy,' and stuff like that, which is cool because we have known each other for a while. But the thing is, when I got to USF, I did not want to be known as Coach Golesh's guy. I didn't want anything given to me or having people giving me the side-eye, thinking I was brought here from Tennessee. So, I came into this whole thing with an edge.''

Finding an edge comes naturally for Rucker and Banks. It's how they were raised in football. The art of playing physical, imposing their will and shutting down the opponent was a way of life.

"Ruck's personality is very contagious,'' Orlando said. "He always has a smile on his face. But when you're super talented like him, how you carry yourself is just as important as making plays. He's very professional. He cares about practice. He cares about being a great teammate.

"Banks is very similar. You don't have to tell these guys to get motivated and spirited. There's a toughness about both of them. If somebody gets them (beats them on a play), they won't sit there and put their palms up. They're ready to go, incredibly competitive, and you don't even have to talk to them (about a poor play). They're more disappointed themselves and more determined to get it right. They're both great human beings and very coachable guys who you love to hang out with.''

Their approaches might be similar, but their characteristics are different.

Banks on Rucker: "Dude makes plays, like more than the average person is going to make. He's a leader. Tremendous athlete. Super talented. He can be quiet. He's more mature than me.''

Rucker on Banks: "Twitchy athlete. If he's in the box, he can knock you out, so I'm never worried if the matchup (is against a larger player). He can be emotional. I try to keep him in check, where he doesn't get all wild.''

Banks said Rucker often serves as his "financial advisor.''

"There were these (shoes) I really wanted, but they were $400,'' Banks said. "I said, 'Should I get them?' Ruck said, 'No, no, no.' So, I didn't get them. He's right. I could use that cash better.''

On the field, Rucker and Banks have been money for the Bulls.

And they've never been happier.

"On the field before our first game (against Bethune-Cookman), I was walking around and gave hugs to all the corners,'' Golesh said. "Ruck said, 'Coach, thank you for bringing me here.' And I was like, 'No, thank you. I'm so grateful to have you here.' It was a super cool moment.''

The arrival at USF wasn't scripted or planned. Somehow, some way, Rucker and Banks landed together at a place where they hope to achieve their biggest dreams. So far, so good.

Any journey has potholes and unexpected turns. But it's always more enjoyable when you're accompanied by your best friend.

"Best friends is actually too low,'' Rucker said. "It's higher than that. We're brothers.''

–#GoBulls–