Luke Sager, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end from Niceville, has joined USF's incoming recruiting class, confirming Tuesday that he committed to the Bulls earlier this month.

"They were my first offer, and that was big. I've been talking to their coaches for a long time, and I like the campus and I like Tampa," said Sager, who chose the Bulls over N.C. State and Clemson.

Sager's commitment, first reported by USFbullseye.com, gives the Bulls more help at defensive end, where starter Jarriett Buie graduates and All-American George Selvie could be lost to the NFL Draft. He's one of the more highly touted members of USF's 2009 class, earning three stars from Rivals.com and ranked among the nation's top 55 defensive ends by Rivals and ESPN.com. Scout.com rates him with two stars.

Sager registered nine sacks as a senior and eight as a junior, and said he also played tight end at Niceville, though he'll be a defensive end at USF. He did not attend a Bulls game this fall but said he watched them regularly on television. Sager said he is fully qualified academically and will make an official visit on Jan. 9.