The 2011 USF Primer: Quarterback

The success or failure of the 2011 season may come down to the play of junior quarterback B.J. Daniels.

Here we go USF fans, the final part of the 2011 Primer. Hopefully you have enjoyed the primer so far as it gets you ready for the upcoming 2011 season. Remember all of the names, stats, and insights we have given you as you cheer on the Bulls during this upcoming season.

We finally get a chance to look at the quarterback situation of the Bulls. The Bulls had a roughs season last year with B.J. Daniels learning the play book of Todd Fitch on the job. The passing game struggled to find rhythm (doesn't help having two starters out) and the Bulls battled to get a touchdown on the board at times. This season, the success or failure of the team rests on the play of the quarterback position. Time to look at who will be making the calls. [keep reading]

Quarterbacks

Projected Starter: Junior B.J. Daniels struggled last season learning the new offense and battling injuries throughout most of the season. The 6-1 214-pound signal caller is healthy this season and with a year of experience under his belt (under Fitch), Daniels should have a better season. Daniels has had competition this Spring, which had pushed him to become a better leader on the field. With the full season of experience, Daniels is hoping to build off of his break out performance in the bowl victory of Clemson and continue to grow as a pocket passer and not rely on his legs as often. Daniels will have to improve on his 13 interception performance (22 interceptions in his career), keeping the ball in the hands of the offense. If Daniels is able to continue to grow in the offense, limit his turnovers, the offense should produce much more this season (averaged only 24.1 points per game in 2010).

Daniels has all the tools needed to be an elite quarterback and lead this team. He has the speed and arm strength and rarely is taken out of a game with an injury. A lot is resting on his shoulders, but if he happens to fail and does not progress, the coaches will be more willing to make a change due to the depth behind him.

Projected Top Reserves: With Daniels as the entrenched starter entering the Fall, the Bulls have 3 other quarterbacks this season behind him that will not only push Daniels to perform at a high level, they will also get some playing time as well.

Sophomore Bobby Eveld is on scholarship now and will be the back-up this season. The 6-4 209-pound quarterback started one game last season for the Bulls, finishing the year 42 for 75 for 454 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Eveld had a rough Spring, getting tackled hard several times in the Spring games, but has the experience (starting 1 game and leading USF in the victory over Miami in 2010). Freshman Matt Floyd is the newest quarterback to join the USF roster. Floyd is part of the 2011 recruiting class, but enrolled early at USF this Spring to get a head start on learning the offense. Floyd made a huge impact during the Spring, showing his arm and ability to call the offense. The 6-1 189-pound freshman from Milton, Florida had a brilliant Spring game and impressed coaches. Fans are very excited about him, but he may not play much this season due to Eveld and Daniels ahead of him. Walk-on freshman Ryan Eppes, 6-1 210-pound sophomore, continues to work hard and is a valuable member of the scout team. Finally, walk-on Brandon Smith, 6 foot, 190-pounds, joined the Bulls this Spring and will push members on the scout team.

Watch Out For: A more consistent passing attack. Last season, the Bulls were thrown into a new offensive system and the growing pains were clear. Add the injuries to key members in the receiving corps, the Bulls struggled to get a consistent down field passing attack going. Look for Daniels to grow as a pocket passer, but still have the ability to escape the pocket when needed. Daniels will have more targets this season, so the offense should grow more.

Strength: Experience and depth. Daniels is the most experienced quarterback in the Big East, playing a total of 27 games over his career, he has also won two bowl games. The Bulls also have 3 quarterbacks on scholarship behind Daniels providing more depth and skill at the quarterback position than last season. Coaches are more comfortable letting Daniels create if needed as well.

Weakness: Inconsistency. Daniels struggled at times this Spring and all of last year. He will have to become more accurate throwing downfield, trust in the coaching, and continue to become a pocket quarterback and not try to scramble on every play. Eveld has shown signs, but hasn't played that much and Floyd is just a freshman.

Outlook: The Bulls are in much better shape this season than they were last year at this point. Daniels is the clear starter and has a full season of experience behind him and all of the skill level needed to be a consistent player in the Big East. If he stays healthy and plays up to his level, the Bulls offense should be much more effective this season.

Rating: 7.5

So that completes the 2011 season, who is excited for the Bulls this year?