St. Augustine & South Alabama DB Commit Charles “Cube” Gurley Proves to Be a Nightmare for Wide Receivers

A couple of days ago, St. Augustine High School (New Orleans, LA) 2024 defensive back Charles “Cube” Gurley has announced his commitment to play for the South Alabama Jaguars. The 6’2, 180 pound defensive back chose the Jaguars over Indiana, Marshall, Southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi Valley State, Lafayette, Columbia, and Toledo.

“The program is making a lot of noise in the FBS world and has put a number of players in the NFL. Coach Wommack is the man and very straightforward about my future at USA. Facilities are top-notch and academics met my expectations/needs.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

The South Alabama coaching staff did a great job of pitching their message to the talented defensive back from New Orleans and selling him on taking his talents to Mobile, Alabama.

“He said he has watched my development since my sophomore year and feels that my potential is high. I visited campus during the Spring Game and it felt like home. Coach Batoon and Coach Hopson showed me exactly how I would fit into their defensive scheme and it fits my aggressive style of play.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

Aggressive is the perfect word to describe the big, physical cornerback as he has the versatility to play cornerback or safety and he also can tackle among the best at his position in the state as well as backpedal with some of the best receivers in South Louisiana. His combination of skills will help him thrive in the Sun Belt Conference.

“I’m not your typical corner because I like to hit and can play man. They like my size too and said I would be among the biggest defensive backs in FBS football. They also said that I have a good chance to play as a freshman.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

There is no doubt that Gurley’s size sticks out as a defensive back, but to have the big frame and 4.49/40 speed as well makes him a tough cornerback to go up against.

“Definitely my physicality and size. My speed helps too. I ran a 4.49 at Texas Tech camp this summer so I feel like I can cover anybody at this level. My confidence is high and I’m determined to win a lot of games with my teammates.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley
St. Augustine High School 2024 DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley makes it a nightmare for opposing receivers with his big, physical frame and 4.49/40 speed. (Photo taken by KdotRoB)

The old saying goes that iron sharpens iron. That saying is true for Gurley as he competes against some of the most talented skill players in the entire state in the Catholic league including his own teammate Josh Jackson, who recently committed to Tulane.

“The Catholic League produces D1 talent every year so week in and week out I get tested. Iron sharpens iron so my skills improve. Just on my team, I get to cover D1 receivers like my guy Josh Jackson everyday so we make each other better.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

The St. Augustine Purple Knights always have talent and that is certainly the case for the 2023 version of the team this season. Committing before the season has allowed Gurley to turn his focus on his senior season and trying to lead the team to a state championship.

“I wanted to make my decision early so that I could focus on my Senior season. You really only need one school to believe on you. I’m not a hype guy so offers don’t matter. I just want to play ball at a high level and win a state championship with my guys. We have the talent to make that happen for sure. We are hungry.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

Over the offseason, “Cube” as he is nicknamed because he is Charles Gurley III, has worked on being a student of the game and reacting quicker, but physically and mentally, the future South Alabama Jaguar is not lacking confidence in himself and rightfully so.

“South Alabama fans are getting a dawg in me. I’m working hard everyday and am determined to be the best player that I can be. When I step on the field, just know that you’ll get all I got for sure.”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley

Whether it is on Friday nights or on Saturday nights, Charles “Cube” Gurley wants to make wide receivers’ lives a living nightmare.

“Wide receivers call me Baba Yaga from John Wick. They call me the Boogeyman. That’s how I’m coming this year in the Catholic league!”

St. Augustine High School DB and South Alabama commit Charles “Cube” Gurley