Former USF receiver Taurus Johnson has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston on Jan. 17.

"I'm very excited," Johnson said Tuesday night. "When they called to invite me, I was jumping around, going crazy. I couldn't stop smiling."

Johnson, who is working out at Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel in preparation for the NFL Draft, led all USF receivers with six touchdowns as a senior and ranked second on the team in catches (38) and receiving yards (498).

Former USF linebacker Tyrone McKenzie had previously committed to play in the Shrine Game as well, but has since withdrawn his name from playing, according to William Homer, the game's director of player personnel. McKenzie's agent, Mitch Frankel, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

POSITION SWITCH: Defensive tackle Sampson Genus, who had eight tackles in his first season on defense, is moving back to offensive line, where he'll compete for the starting center job this spring. Genus, who played sparingly at guard as a true freshman in 2007, will challenge rising junior Jake Sims for the center job.

USF also announced that its annual spring game is tentatively set for April 18 at Raymond James Stadium. USF's seniors will work out for NFL scouts at the team's pro day on March 13 on campus.