Waverly Austin Back on the Recruiting Trail, USF After Him Again

Coach Heath needs to land this kid once again, but the competition is tougher this time around.

From Greg Auman - Stan Heath didn't get the big men he wanted with his 2011 recruiting class when junior college center Andre Jackson didn't meet NCAA transfer rules and Jordan Omogbehin was forced to redshirt, but Heath could land a big commitment for the class of 2012, a name he had before.

Center Waverly Austin, the big 7-foot center, who was originally a USF commit before heading to the junior college ranks, is back on the recruiting trail and once again USF is a top candidate, although the competition for his services is a lot stiffer.

Programs such as Kansas, Baylor, Miami, Florida, Maryland, and Missouri are all on his list, but he will take a visit to campus next weekend before looking at the other teams (GA reporting).

Heath has an edge he didn't have last time Austin committed, new facilities. The new Muma Center is open now and could be a huge draw for Austin with the new courts and equipment inside. The Sun Dome will also be another drawing point as the renovations continue and the anticipation for its reopening by the start of next season growing.

Heath really could use Austin. With Anderson and Gilchrist graduating next season, the need for a big man in the paint is huge. Austin would be a nice fit on the floor with the guard play the Bulls have. Omogbehin will get minutes as well, but will not be as polished as Austin is right now.

Personally, Heath needs this. The lack of depth on the front court and the pressure Heath is under right now to turn the program around, landing this young man would be huge, losing him to another program would hurt big time.