Spring football’s unsolved mysteries

Posted Apr 3, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Apr 3, 2012 at 12:46 PM

As the University of South Florida football program looks to Friday’s scrimmage—and the program’s two spring games (April 14 on campus, April 21 at Raymond James Stadium)—what are the areas where the biggest news will be made?

What are the unsolved mysteries of USF football?

Bulls coach Skip Holtz said he’ll be closely watching the following:

Cornerback— Rising senior Kayvon Webster seems secure at one corner. The other starter could be a junior-college transfer, either Fidel Montgomery or Josh Brown, although senior George Baker and redshirt freshman Kenneth Durden remain in the hunt. “We’ve got four guys fighting for that second spot,’’ Holtz said. “I don’t know who it’s going to be. We have to let it play out. I could see any of the four winning that spot right now.’‘

Backup quarterback— Who gets the call behind B.J. Daniels? Will it be holdover Bobby Eveld, who already has a few starts and led the 2010 win at Miami, or redshirt freshman Matt Floyd? “That one will probably go the distance,’’ Holtz said.

Running back— Senior Demetris Murray is expected to become USF’s primary ball-carrier. But everyone knows that running-back depth is paramount. With carries at stake, there’s fierce competition between senior Lindsey Lamar, redshirt freshman Willie Davis, junior Marcus Shaw and junior Bradley Battles.

Depth at linebacker— The starters seem established with holdovers Sam Barrington, Michael Lanaris and DeDe Lattimore back in place. Holtz said it’s generally wide open for backup positions, though. “We need to find out which of the redshirt guys are really going to step up,’’ Holtz said. “There still are a lot of question marks on this football team. The thing that excites me is we have a lot of talent to answer those questions.’‘