Jan. 31

Brion Carnes, QB

Bradenton, FL

QB Brion Carnes, dropped by USF, looks at Toppers and Huskers

Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.) three-star quarterback Brion Carnes, who had his Class of 2010 offer withdrawn on Friday by South Florida, is now considering Western Kentucky and Nebraska.

Carnes had taken an official trip to Nebraska last week and the Hilltoppers during a visit this past weekend. He expects to make his choice public on Signing Day.

Carnes, who committed to USF last summer, is cousins with former Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier and WKU head coach Willie Taggart was a standout player at Manatee. The late visits didn't sit well with new head coach Skip Holtz of the Bulls.

Manatee coach Joe Kinnan called USF's actions "classless" in the Bradenton Herald, and added "USF is no longer welcome at our school."

Carnes threw for 2245 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior in helping the Hurricanes go 13-2.

The Bulls have gained a pledge from LaGrange, Ga., athlete/quarterback Jamius Gunsby, who also has offers from Florida and Kentucky.

Jan. 29

Tarean Austin, QB

Tampa, FL

Lobos gain three-star field-general Tarean Austin of Tampa Bay

Hillsborough (Tampa, Fla.) quarterback Tarean Austin has given his Class of 2010 pledge to New Mexico.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect also considered Florida International and Western Kentucky. He had other offers from Iowa State, Michigan State, Purdue, UCF and USF. Cincinnati showed late interest.

"The main reason was I wanted to get away, get out of Florida a bit and see something new," he told the St. Petersburg Times. "I liked everything about it. The mountains, the nice view."

As a senior, Austin passed for 2,132 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Jan. 23

Cairo Santos, K

Saint Augustine, FL

Sunshine State kicker Cairo Santos picks Tulane

Kicker / punter Cairo Santos (St. Augustine, Fla./St. Joseph) has committed to the Green Wave, ESPN's JC Shurburtt reports.

Cairo was also recruited by Georgia Tech, Western Kentucky and Miami-OH.

He made 19 of 23 field goal attempts during his junior and senior seasons, with a long of 57 yards.

Jan. 19

Desmond Kearse, DE

Fort Myers, FL

Speedy Desmond Kearse to the Terps

Desmond Kearse (Fort Myers, Fla./Dunbar) has committed to sign as part of Maryland's Class of 2010, ESPN affiliate Web site InsideMDSports.com reports. Western Kentucky also offered.

Kearse registered 25 sacks as an edge rusher during his junior season and 17 more this fall but could end up at linebacker or safety in college.

"He basically fell in love with Maryland," Dunbar coach Phil Vogt said.

At the Orlando Nike Combine, Desmond, who is the cousin of Tennessee Titans' defensive end Jevon Kearse, posted an electronically-timed 4.49 40-yard dash, 4.25 20-yard shuttle, 31.3-inch vertical and 35-foot power ball throw.

Jan. 18

Kurt Taufaasau, DT

American Samoa, SP

Kurt Taufaasau to ride with the Cowboys

6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive lineman Kurt Taufaasau of American Samoa/New Mexico Military Institute, N.M., has agreed to sign with Wyoming for the Class of 2010.

Troy and Western Kentucky have also offered.

"(Defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery) told me I have a good chance to come in and compete for a starting spot for next season," he told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.