TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Willie Taggart relishes the challenge of trying to make South Florida more competitive in the Big East.

The former Western Kentucky finished a busy first two months on the job Wednesday when he announced a recruiting class of 23 prospects that he's counting on helping the Bulls contend for championships in a new-look conference that's been in decline because of the departure of several members to other leagues.

Taggard replaced Skip Holtz on Dec. 8 and wound up landing a promising group headed by highly regarded defensive tackles Derrick Calloway and Deadrin Senat and defensive back Lamar Robbins despite not having most of his coaching staff in place until well after New Year's Day.