USF Defensive Back Danny Verpaele Named to Freshman All-America Team

Danny Verpaele

The Sporting News has named USF defensive back Danny Verpaele to their third team Freshman All-America squad. It marks the second straight year that the publication has honored a USF player. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas earned third team honors in 2003.

Verpaele, a graduate of Merritt Island (Fla.) High School, started seven games at strong safety in 2004 and finished fourth on the team with 55 tackles, including five for losses and two sacks. He also had a key fumble recovery at UAB, stalling Blazers’ drive at the goal line in what became a come-from-behind win for USF.

Verpaele, a true freshman in 2004, figures to move to free safety in 2005 with the return of senior strong safety Johnnie Jones, who missed the 2004 season with a neck/shoulder injury.