Scott: Every position is up for grabs
No job is secure right now for the Bulls, including that under center.
Speaking to reporters on National Signing Day on Wednesday, coach Jeff Scott said that there will be a battle for the starting quarterback position — and every position for that matter.
“My overall message to the team is that every spot is up for grabs,” Scott said. “We’ve told everybody that we’re going to allow them to compete.”
The field that will battle for the starting position includes incumbent redshirt sophomore Jordan McCloud, as well as recent signees Katravis Marsh (freshman — Hialeah), Jordan Smith (freshman — Lake City) and Cade Fortin (sophomore — University of North Carolina).
Scott said that “in an ideal world” he’d like to name a starter no later than two weeks before the Bulls’ season opener against Texas on Sept. 5.
The one thing that’s settled in the quarterback room is that sophomore Jah’Quez Evans will not be in it. Evans, who spent time last season both at receiver and quarterback in the wildcat formation, made the decision himself.
“I met with Jah’Quez and he … said that he had a desire to go to receiver. He felt like he could really help us at receiver,” Scott said. “And I supported that. … I’m not a head coach that comes in and tells guys you’re switching positions. I’ve never been that way. If you’ve got to force a guy to play a position, he’s not going to be committed enough to be successful for you.”
Scott also hinted that, due to the fact that everyone is learning a new system anyway, some other players may be thinking about switching positions, though he did not go into further detail as to whom.
More Stories
USF women’s basketball dominates Bethune-Cookman in season opener
The Bulls women’s basketball team coasted to a 87-44 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Monday. The win marked the beginning of head coach Jose Fernandez’s 25th season and the Bulls’ 11th consecutive season-opener win. Related: USF’s Jose Fernandez on his 25th season: ‘This is a special place.’ Seven players suited up for their first game in […]
OPINION: Are USF and FAU rivals now? Let’s debate.
Is it time to call USF vs FAU a rivalry? Sure, when the Owls planted their flag midfield at Raymond James Stadium after last year’s inaugural conference matchup — a blowout 56-14 win for FAU — it may have irked some of the Bulls faithful. This season, after a 44-21 win on Friday, the Bulls […]
USF celebrates the life of Amir Abdur-Rahim, announces new tributes in his honor
“Humble.” “Authentic.” “Loving.” These are just a few of the words that resonated through the Yuengling Center on Saturday, as family, fans and members of the USF community gathered to honor the life of late men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Born in Marietta Georgia, Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, including former NBA All-Star Shareef […]
Amid USF’s rocky season, punter Andrew Stokes stands out
As the USF Bulls (3-4, 1-2 AAC) trudge through the season, senior punter Andrew Stokes has emerged as a steady and consistent presence. Stokes has quietly been a standout performer for the Bulls this season, earning national recognition for three consecutive weeks. He was on the weekly honor-roll for the Ray-Guy award from weeks five […]
USF back on the court after Abdur-Rahim’s death: ‘They wanted to play’
USF men’s basketball was on the court just six days after the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim. In fact, they were back in practice just 48 hours after their late head coach died last Thursday due to complications from a medical procedure. To some, that may seem way too soon. But for the Bulls, it was […]
USF’s Kelly Joiner is rising to the occasion in his final season
Graduate running back Kelly Joiner has etched out a starting spot for the first time in his fifth and final season of college eligibility. Joiner, a Clermont, Florida native, committed to USF in 2019, when things looked much different at USF. Although the Bulls finished with a 4-8 record, there was hope for Joiner as […]