Offensive coordinator Travis Trickett said he's thrilled with the composition of his quarterback room — whether it's Baylor transfer Gerry Bohanon officially installed as the starter, a quality backup in holdover Katravis (kuh-TRAY-viss) Marsh or exciting prospects for the future in true freshmen Byrum Brown and Gunnar Smith and sophomore Jordan Smith.

"It's a very tight-knit group,'' Trickett said Friday. "They push each other very hard. When you have that kind of chemistry in that room, that's big.''

Trickett said Bohanon has earned his teammates' respect while impressing the coaches with his work ethic and ability to become an instant leader.

"GB (Bohanon) has handled the whole situation with complete class,'' Trickett said. "We've all been around guys who have come in and they've played (started) at their previous spot. But GB did nothing but put his head down and earn this the right way. He's been nothing but class the entire time and he has played at a high level. He has been through the wars and you can't buy that kind of experience.

"He has done a good job of making our quarterback room very, very close. He has taken Katravis under his wing and he wants to bring him along. We're very excited about how Byrum Brown is coming along. Those three guys are very close and our meetings are fun.''

Trickett said each quarterback has shown excellent preparation and will have the opportunity to showcase their skills Saturday morning in USF's second full scrimmage of fall camp. Following that, beginning with Monday (the first day of USF classes) the Bulls will begin game-planning and preparing for the Sept. 3 season-opener against No. 25-ranked BYU at Raymond James Stadium.

"BYU is a great opponent and there's a reason why they're ranked No. 25,'' Trickett said. "We have spent most of (the spring and fall camp) with the focus on us, getting to know all our new guys, then seeing the leaps and bounds they have made since the spring. After Saturday's scrimmage, it's going to be full bore for two weeks focusing on BYU.''

Battie's backfield opportunity

Running back Brian Battie, named a consensus All-American last season as a kickoff returner, will have even more of an opportunity in USF's backfield. Last week, Kelley Joiner (496 yards rushing in 2021) broke a bone in his foot, sidelining him for at least six weeks, so the focus will shift more toward Battie and Jaren Mangham.

"Hopefully, Kelley will return midway through the season, so we're hoping for a fast recovery for him,'' Battie said. "But without him being here, of course I need to step up a little more on the offensive side. I'll be ready to handle anything that comes my way.''

Battie will be a player to watch on kickoff returns after last season's sterling performance — setting USF records with 32.5 yards per kickoff return and three touchdowns.

"We know a lot of teams are going to kick it away from me, but we have game plans,'' Battie said. "I'm just going to do my best for the rest of the kickoff-return unit. Even if other guys get opportunities to get the ball kicked toward them, I'm going to do my best to get some big blocks. And when I do get opportunities, I'm going to try my best to put some points up on the board.''

Jacobs shows athleticism

Bulls' right tackle Demontrey Jacobs might not get an abundance of attention on USF's ultra-experienced offensive line, but at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, he's hardly someone to be overlooked.

His size belies his exceptional athleticism. While the O-line gathered for a get-together at the home of offensive line coach Allen Mogridge, Jacobs was the star of an impromptu volleyball game. Jacobs' mother is the volleyball coach at Southern University, so there's a bit of family knowledge. Mostly, though, it was Jacobs displaying his explosive power.

"I feel like I'm pretty versatile as an athlete,'' Jacobs said. "That feels pretty good because sometimes people stereotype offensive linemen as big, fat guys, but there's way more to it than that.''

Mogridge said Jacobs is not only one of his best athletes, but a player who takes to coaching, studies hard and takes it seriously.

"I love the guy,'' Mogridge said. "He has an incredible future.''

–       Go Bulls –