Linebacker Kion Wilson, a four-star recruit out of Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, said he officially signed with USF on Wednesday and will start school in January with plans to compete for the Bulls' middle linebacker job in 2008.

"I can come in early and start working in the spring, make my mistakes early and learn from them," said Wilson, who had a team-high 98 tackles in nine games at Pearl River this fall. "I played Sam (strongside) this season but I'm a natural middle, and that position is open."

Wilson, 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, originally was to play for Illinois out of Jacksonville's Raines High two years ago. He'll have two years of eligibility with the Bulls. USF returns both starting outside linebackers in rising seniors Tyrone McKenzie and Brouce Mompremier, but will need a new middle linebacker after the graduation of senior Ben Moffitt. Asked for his strengths, Wilson said "my aggressiveness, my ability to get to the ball and get off blocks quickly."

Wilson's teammate at Pearl River, defensive end Craig Marshall, won't join the Bulls until this summer. The only other scholarship player expected to join the Bulls in January is former Jefferson and Florida tight end Trent Pupello, who is transferring with two years of remaining eligibility.