Former USF receiver Taurus Johnson, cut by the Dolphins and Browns in the past month, has opted to sign with the UFL's Hartford Colonials, whose season begins in just 10 days.

Johnson, who had hoped to latch on with an NFL practice squad, will have a better chance to showcase himself in the UFL, where he'll be catching passes from former NFL starter Josh McCown. There's a strong Big East presence on the Colonials'  roster, with five Connecticut players and three from Louisville.

USF also has safety J.R. Reed and receiver Huey Whittaker in the UFL ranks in Orlando, with guard Frank Davis back for a second season with last year's champion in Las Vegas.

Just a reminder -- I'll be chatting with our Gators writer, Antonya English, here on the blog at noon today, so please check back ...