USF Open quarterback competition highlights Willie Taggart - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Open quarterback competition highlights Taggart's first spring practice at USF

Posted: Updated:
TAMPA, FL -

Willie Taggart's first spring practice as USF's football coach was full of high energy, faster pace and hip hop music blaring from speakers.

"I'm ready to attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind," said Taggart, who was so excited for the first workout with the team, he wore his practice clothes to bed last night.

The Bulls not only have a new coach, but they will have a new quarterback. B.J. Daniels is gone after starting most of the last four seasons.

As a former quarterback, Taggart is looking first for intelligence in his signal-caller. He also is seeking leadership. "I want a guy who wants to be the guy, not just be the quarterback but a guy who wants to lead this football team," said Taggart.

Senior Bobby Eveld took snaps with the first team Wednesday morning. Sophomore Matt Floyd appears to be his top backup.

Taggart has said he will not name a starting quarterback until August. Meantime, the new QB will have to learn and implement a new offensive system.

"I've learned a ton," said Eveld. "It's a fraction of the offense to far. We just had a walk-through and I was swimming a little bit."

Both Eveld and Floyd have game experience, but last year, little of it was positive.  The Bulls' season was already on the decline when Daniels broke his ankle against UConn. The team went on a tailspin the last three games without him.

Floyd struggled with turnovers. Eveld burned his redshirt to start at Miami, where he quickly suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Now, Eveld is healthy and it's a fresh start for everyone.

"I have a great relationship with all the quarterbacks on this football team," Eveld said. "I think the competition will make us all better."

 

  • 8 On Your Side

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:04:59 GMT
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
    Big health insurance companies are predicting premium increases in 2014  for small employers and people who buy coverage on their own.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
    The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
    Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
    The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Powered by WorldNow

200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: news@wfla.com

Can’t find something?
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General Company.