Scott Discusses Fortin And Bulls Quarterbacks As Bulls Prep For NC State
By Joey Johnston
USF coach Jeff Scott has named sophomore Cade Fortin as the starting quarterback for the Sept. 2 opener at NC State, but the big-picture expectation is to have that continuity from week to week.
"That's the best-case scenario, absolutely,'' Scott said Tuesday. "I told Cade there are no lifetime contracts in any profession or any position on our team. But we're going into this expecting him to be our starter and lead us through the season. We'll respond and react appropriately if we need to.
"It's hard to find a successful team that doesn't have an established No. 1 quarterback. Through the spring, summer and fall, our goal was to find our starter, then let the team rally behind him. The guys we have behind Cade are talented and … I feel we can have success with them. But Cade is the established leader of that group.''
Scott said he didn't consider Fortin's ascension as a surprise. He was happy how the team reacted to the news.
"We probably could've made the announcement last week, but we wanted to get through the (final) scrimmage and fall camp,'' Scott said. "It was what I hoped it would be. The goal was to have the team know who the starter was before we announced it.''
Fortin, who was considered the front-runner coming out of spring drills, said he never took anything for granted and worked to improve each day. Fortin played in only two games for USF last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
"We've got great depth at quarterback and we're still competing,'' said Fortin, who ironically made his last collegiate start against NC State in 2018 when he played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. "I know these (other) guys can play, too. I've got to be on my best game and continue to build chemistry with the receivers and the O-line up front.
"I try not to think about (the pressure of being the starter). Preparation is what weeds out nervousness. Getting in the film room, learning our opponent, that builds the confidence and eases the pressure anybody might feel. We're going to play hard and play together. Regardless of good or bad, we're going to stick together.''
Wide receiver Xavier Weaver seemed to speak for everyone when he said, "It's a blessing to know who our starting quarterback is, but I trust them all.''
Who's the backup QB?
Scott said there's not a definitive No. 2 quarterback behind Fortin — yet.
True freshman Timmy McClain, holdover freshman Katravis Marsh and sophomore Jarren Williams will continue to get equal practice reps until some separation is shown.
"The No. 2 guy is probably the one who does the best (in practice) that week,'' Scott said. "I think it's important for their development for them all to go into the game thinking they could be the second guy. Each of them have had good days. If something happened to Cade injury-wise, Charlie (Weis Jr., offensive coordinator) and I could make the decision right there.''
McClain, the leader of an unbeaten Sanford Seminole High School state-championship team last season, has impressed with his elusiveness and reliable arm. Marsh probably has the strongest arm on the team and throws a beautiful deep ball. Williams, who started at Miami in 2019, has the most experience.
Scott said he didn't believe McClain was headed for a redshirt — he could actually play in four games before that decision is made — because he expects him to contribute this season.
"McClain is in a very legitimate position to compete for the No. 2 spot,'' Scott said. "He's also a guy who could be used in different ways. From where we are as a program, McClain is not in the category as far as redshirting. We're going to put our best players out there. McClain is a player we see as having a bright future here.''
Injury situation
Scott said the Bulls suffered two serious injuries coming out of fall camp. Promising true freshman running back K'wan Powell had a knee injury and underwent surgery. He's expected to be redshirted and miss the entire season. Scott said it was a freak injury during a scrimmage, when Powell stepped awkwardly. "I feel bad for K'wan because he was doing well and was probably among our top three backs when it happened,'' Scott said. Meanwhile, freshman wide receiver Christian Helms broke his foot and will miss six-to-eight weeks.
Practice continues
With school in session, the Bulls will continue morning practices this week. Scott said a "mock game'' is planned Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium. In a short week, the Bulls will get in two full practices next week before heading to Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday night's USF-NC State game will be shown on the ACC Network.
