USF names Cade Fortin its starting quarterback

USF has named Cade Fortin its starting quarterback, the Bulls announced Monday afternoon on Twitter.

The news is notable but not a surprise. Fortin, a transfer from North Carolina, left the spring with an edge in the four-person competition and impressed coaches early in preseason practices.

“Cade just picked up right where he left off,” second-year coach Jeff Scott said after the first week. “He’s had an outstanding fall camp.”

The 6-foot-3, 221-pound Georgia native was a three-star recruit in high school. He appeared in four games for the Tar Heels and was 23-of-65 for 388 yards and a touchdown in 2018. He also rushed 14 times for 76 yards and a TD at North Carolina.

He was limited with injuries and coronavirus protocols last year but still played in two games with the Bulls. He finished 4-of-8 passing for 39 yards with 39 rushing yards on four carries.

Fortin was competing against Katravis Marsh, Timmy McClain and Miami transfer Jarren Williams for the starting job. Williams started the 2019 season as the top quarterback for the Hurricanes, while Marsh started against Cincinnati last year. McClain is a talented, dual-threat freshman whom Scott has compared to Michael Vick.

Scott said earlier this month that he wanted to wait until the decision was obvious before naming a starter.

USF opens the season Sept. 2 at North Carolina State.

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