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USF quarterback competition expected to last into fall

“It’s a good problem to have,” Bulls coach Jeff Scott said.
 
Miami Hurricanes transfer Jarren Williams, right, is one of the contenders to become USF's starting quarterback this fall.
Miami Hurricanes transfer Jarren Williams, right, is one of the contenders to become USF's starting quarterback this fall. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]
Published March 9, 2021|Updated March 9, 2021

Midway through spring practice, USF understandably hasn’t yet decided on a starting quarterback. Don’t expect the Bulls to name one by the end of spring ball later this month, either.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” second-year coach Jeff Scott said Tuesday.

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It might not be a bad thing. Coming out of last week’s scrimmage, USF still believes it has four valid options to take the first snaps at North Carolina State in September.

Scott continues to rave about Cade Fortin, the 6-foot-3, 222-pound North Carolina transfer whose 2020 season at USF was cut short due to injury. Fortin continues to process information better than he did last year, and Scott called him “outstanding” through seven practices.

Fortin has been splitting first-team reps with Miami transfer Jarren Williams. The former Hurricanes starter is still learning the system and playbook but has shown flashes of high-level play. Sophomore Katravis Marsh and freshman Timmy McClain — whom Scott called “special” — are also contenders.

Katravis Marsh is one of four Bulls contending for USF's starting job this spring. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]

“I honestly believe all four of those guys have legitimate potential to be our starter,” Scott said. “I’m not sure I would say that maybe before we started spring practice.”

But midway through it, the tight competition looks as if it will continue into the fall. Scott would like to decide on a starter about two weeks before the opening kickoff, so the coaching staff has enough time to adapt the game plan accordingly.

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“It’s a good problem to have,” Scott said. “It’s good that we have several guys that I think can legitimately be the starter, but it’s still a problem.”

Also Tuesday, Scott formally welcomed former Tennessee staffer AJ Artis as the Bulls’ director of football strength and conditioning.