Original Article via Will Turner on 247Sports.com

USF added its first post-grad member to its 2022 recruiting class on Monday when Palmetto Prep (Columbia, S.C.) cornerback Tavin Ward announced his verbal commitment to the program via Twitter.

“A special thanks to my coaches, trainers, teammates and friends for pushing me to become the man I am today and the best version of myself,” Ward wrote as part of his announcement. “I would like to thank the USF coaching staff for believing in me and taking the time to recruit me.”

The Bulls were Ward’s first and only verbal offer since he made the jump to post-grad at Palmetto Prep. He was a 2021 graduate of North Fort Myers and decided to go a different route than a traditional junior college.

Ward was in the house for the Bulls win over Temple on Saturday inside Raymond James Stadium and was seen talking with head coach Jeff Scott, among other staff members. He came down with North Fort Myers kicker Brandon Bush, who made his second trip to USF over the weekend.

Out of North Fort Myers, Ward had official offers from Midland University and Independence Community College but was recruited by Jeff Scott’s staff earlier in the year. Yale and Wake Forest also showed interest. Saturday’s visit wasn’t the only trip Ward’s made to Tampa, as he was in town for the Bulls’ win over South Carolina State in 2019 after camping with the Bulls the previous summer.

Ward played both sides of the football during his time at North Fort Myers, posting 1,491 rushing yards during his career, including a 780-yard senior season with 11 touchdowns. He also played quarterback for the Red Knights during that year. Defensively, Ward posted 45 tackles during his career and an interception. He also had a punt return for touchdown in 2020.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back becomes the fifth commit and first defensive commit for the Bulls this recruiting cycle. USF’s class, to this point, as all been offensive players.

Ward joins Sickles (Tampa, Fla.) WR Javohn Thomas, Lake Mary (Fla.) QB Gunnar Smith, Rolesville (N.C.) QB Byrum Brown and South Walton (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.) WR Cade Roberts as those players committed to the Bulls for the 2022 recruiting cycle.

Keep it locked to Bulls247 for all the latest regarding Ward’s commitment to USF.