As USF went through its final two-a-day practice of the preseason Friday, a potential transfer for 2009 watched from the sidelines and said he considers the Bulls his top choice for 2009. Marshall "Scottie" Williams, a three-star linebacker from Decatur, Ga., who played in two games as a freshman at Mississippi last season, has left the Rebels and hopes to land at another program in January.

Williams, 6 foot 1 and 210 pounds, was rated as the nation's No. 39 outside linebacker by Rivals.com and No. 41 by Scout.com. He plans to take classes from Georgia Perimeter College this fall and transfer in January with three years of eligibility. His father, Marshall, said he has offers from Cincinnati and Rutgers, but USF is his top choice. The Bulls had not yet offered a scholarship for next spring Friday afternoon, but Marshall said his son was impressed with the program.

According to Rivals.com, Williams is quick enough to run a 4.5 40-yard dash, with a 345-pound bench press and a 32-inch vertical leap. Williams, who did not record any tackles while at Ole Miss last season, is a distant cousin of USF freshman running back Demetris Murray, of nearby Buford, Ga.

With seniors Tyrone McKenzie and Brouce Mompremier starting this fall and no backups with extensive experience, USF would have the potential for openings at two linebacker spots in 2009.