Two standout transfers are making an impact at USF (2-3), transforming both the defense and the offense with their play. 

Junior cornerback De’Shawn Rucker has helped anchor the defense with key tackles, as they have shown flashes of improvement this season. Rucker transferred from Tennessee in winter 2023.

On the other side of the ball, graduate receiver Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen is quickly becoming a go-to target by consistently moving the chains.

Yaseen came from Purdue in spring 2024.

“I wanted to be around people who genuinely care,” Yaseen said, reflecting on his decision to transfer. “It’s not about the logo; it’s about having the opportunity to grow and make a difference.”

Related: USF football analysis: Second-half woes doom Bulls again

Tackling the competition // Ruck and roll

Rucker, a Tallahassee native, said he credits his move from the Southeastern Conference to the American Athletic Conference because it gave him greater opportunities.

“It wasn’t a big year, but it was a push forward,” Rucker said about the Bulls’ 2023 season

He said he believes he can help bring the program back to its “former glory.”

From 2007 to 2011, USF was considered a powerhouse in college football, ranking in the top 25 four times and earning major bowl berths.

Rucker said he enjoys defensive coordinator Todd Orlando’s “aggressive” scheme. He said he credits Orlando for his trust in the players and letting them “fly around.”

His performance in just four games at USF backs it up, with 22 tackles and one forced fumble.

He said he is also familiar with head coach Alex Golesh from their time together at Tennessee.

“I know what he’s about, seeing him at Tennessee and what he could do,” he said. “And then just seeing what he was working on here, it’s a good feeling.”

Golesh said it was refreshing to have Rucker on the team during a press conference before the Miami game.

“When you have really good players that are really good leaders, you can kind of build around them,” Golesh said.

But Rucker’s impact goes beyond stats – he said he’s concentrated on reshaping the team’s culture.

He said his focus now is to continue growing as a leader and mentor for younger players, setting high standards for himself and the defense.

He said he is driven to reach the NFL, inspired by former teammates from Tennessee like Trevon Flowers, Alontae Taylor and Theo Jackson.

The USF defense struggled last year, ranking 113th nationally. Rucker, however, said he believes they can do more this year

“I feel like we’re capable of top five easy, just finishing games,” he said. “This is one of the best defenses I’ve been a part of. We can do some pretty good things with this group right here.”

Related: Miami offense pummels USF in blowout loss

Catching On // Yaseen and delivered

Yaseen credits his decision to transfer to the Bulls to the support he received from the coaching staff – something he felt was missing at Purdue.

USF’s offense is known for its lightning-fast tempo, having ranked as the second-fastest in the country last season. They also ranked first in plays per game at 82.1.

“There’s no offense in the country that plays as fast as we do,” he said. “I think that helps us in terms of how we play and the mindset we have. It’s fast, physical and relentless.”

Despite the tough transition, his efforts are resulting in more targets and production.Yaseen is second on the team in both receiving yards and receptions, with 17 catches and 223 yards.

He said he credits his growth to wide receivers coach L’Damian Washington, who has pushed him to excel. 

“He doesn’t let me get away with anything small,” Yaseen said. “He’s on me about the details—whether it’s a route, alignment or technique. That’s the standard here, and it’s made me a better player.”

He said he is determined to secure “1,000 yards receiving” this season and to prove he is an All-American talent.

He said he’s not just focused on himself but also building a strong connection with quarterback Byrum Brown, both on and off the field. 

“Once I get the opportunity, I just have to make the most of it,” Yaseen said. “I want to show what I can do and help this team win.”