Competitive QBs Making Their Case for Starting Spot
August 11, 2015 | Football
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By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA, AUG. 10, 2015 – Head coach Willie Taggart was a high-five machine during 7-on-7 work Monday afternoon.
Under the hot sun, quarterbacks didn't sweat difficult throws one bit as they completed passes consistently downfield on the steamy Morsani Football Complex turf. Standing right behind the signal-callers was Taggart, a former All-American QB, who gave each Bull props for big play after big play.
“The beauty is we're going to have quarterbacks that we're not going to be afraid of. Whoever goes in, we know that they can get the job done,” Taggart said.
Sophomore Quinton Flowers and senior Steven Bench are competing for the keys to USF's new up-tempo offense, and they're not making it an easy decision for coaches so far in camp. Each quarterback has made his case for the starting job with accurate throws and leadership in the new fast-paced approach.
“I think both of those guys are really comfortable with what we're doing now and they're making some of the plays we need those guys to make,” Taggart said.
Flowers got a taste of the action last season as a freshman, playing in five games and starting at SMU. The dual threat from Miami has showcased his quick decision-making skills in camp and said he's focused on staying locked in each day.
“They've given us both an even situation,” Flowers said. “It's either we come out here and do what we've got to do, or we don't. That person that does what he has to do is the person that will be playing. I just have to come out every day and compete.”
Bench, also a dual-threat QB, made three starts in his first two seasons as a Bull and has 15 games of experience dating back to 2012 at Penn State. In an effort to state his case, Bench has been on-target with his throws often this fall and has shown great command while moving the offense down the field.
“I've grown up in a competitive environment. I've played a lot of sports in my day and I've played a lot of football in my day,” Bench said. “Competition is something I love and it's something I really enjoy.”
And while each quarterback continues to raise the competition level in camp, Taggart said he's looking for the guy that can put it all together, especially in 11-on-11 work.
“I think what's best for our football team is for that individual to separate themselves and show this entire team that he can lead this team, be the guy, not turn the ball over and execute,” Taggart said.
Defense Bounces Back in Full Pads
Monday afternoon marked the Bulls' first full-padded practice of the fall and Taggart liked what he saw from the “Bull Sharks.”
Tom Allen's defense swarmed to the football in dominant fashion a day after the offense seized the momentum with big plays.
“I thought we played with a lot of energy on both sides of the football. I saw some good things on both sides of the ball, but I really like the way our defense bounced back from the day before,” Taggart said. “Today the defense responded and played the way we want them to play.”
USF's defense has taken on the “Bull Sharks” name this season and the group looked like aggressive hunters while forcing a series of turnovers during 11-on-11 work.
“They were going and getting the football, whether it was an interception or stripping the ball out,” Taggart said. “We talked about that in our meetings last night – coming out and taking the ball away – and it was great to see from that standpoint.”
Bulls Bits
- Taggart has a lot to talk about when it comes to freshmen standouts at camp. Defensively, cornerback Nate Ferguson continues to catch coach's eye with his all-out effort. Offensively, Taggart has been impressed with receivers Chris Barr and Jordan Reed, lineman Marcus Norman and quarterback Brett Kean.
- Taggart also has a lot of great things to say about redshirt freshman tight end Elkanah Dillon, who continues to thrive in the up-tempo offense. “He's going to be one heckuva talent for us. Every day he's just making plays," Taggart said.
- Only two more fall practices are open to the public, but fans have a unique opportunity to meet the whole team before the season opener. Bulls Fan Fest is set for Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon inside the Sun Dome. Learn about autograph opportunities and much more HERE.
Join the Bulls at Practice
Taggart has opened the first week of fall practice to the public and fans have two more chances to watch the Bulls prepare for the exciting season ahead.
Join the Bulls on Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Morsani Complex on campus. Fans can park in the lot on Sycamore Drive, located behind the Morsani Complex fields and Corbett Stadium on the east end of campus near 50th Street.
Remaining Schedule for First Week of Practice (sessions open to the public)
Tues., Aug. 11 @ 6:30-8:30 p.m. – FULL PADS (full team) – First Two-A-Day
Wed., Aug. 12 @ 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – FULL PADS (full team)
Quote of the Day
“That's why I'm excited about our football team, now we have competitive depth at every position. That's just going to pick all of our games up and you're seeing it day-in and day-out with our guys.” – head coach Willie Taggart.
USF returns 13 starters (5 offense, 7 defense and 1 specialist) for Taggart's third season at the helm. The Bulls will return their top five tacklers (9 the top 12 overall) and players that accounted for 73 percent of the team's tackles in 2014. USF returns 100 percent of its rushing yardage from 2014, including 1,000-yard rusher Marlon Mack, and 50 percent of its receptions and receiving yards.
The USF Football program completed its 18th season and 15th at the FBS level. The Bulls have made six bowl appearances, including every season between 2005-10, and have four bowl game victories. USF has produced 14 All-America selections, 23 NFL Draft picks and reached the No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press Poll in 2007.
