Strong says USF QB battle will stretch into preseason camp

Following USF's final practice before Saturday's spring game, Coach Charlie Strong reinforced what has been repeated — and reported — since spring drills commenced.

The Bulls' quarterback competition between fourth-year junior Brett Kean and third-year sophomore Chris Oladokun won't be settled Saturday.

"It's gonna get into fall camp," Strong said. "And we'll know the first game when we roll out there who's gonna be the guy."

Strong's statement echoed what offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert previously has said more than once this spring. Strong wouldn't even say who'll take the first snap Saturday at Corbett Stadium, where the scrimmage will feature an offense-versus-defense format in lieu of an actual intrasquad contest.

First-teamers likely will face first-teamers initially, but even that won't serve as a tip-off for who has the upper hand. Through 14 spring practices, Kean and Oladokun have alternated series with the first-team offense.

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"Everybody's gonna get a chance to play, and everybody's gonna get a chance to play a lot," Strong said.

Strong also dismissed the suggestion of Kean and Oladokun ultimately rotating this season.

"You have to have a No. 1 guy, because what's tough about rotating is trying to get their feet wet," he said.

"So now all of the sudden, this guy goes for two series and he may be hot, you pull him out. And then the next guy goes, but there's gonna be a No. 1 guy and that's gonna be his job. He's won it so he deserves it, and the other guy's there really to help him and to make sure that he stays on and continues with his task."