In our "Out of Spring" series, Orange and Blue News takes a look at spring football for the Illini's 2018 opponents.
Next up, we take a look at the South Florida Bulls from the American Athletic Conference. Illinois plays USF on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Last season in Tampa, USF topped Illinois 47-23, out-gaining the Illini 680 yards to 354.
USF returns 11 starters from the 2017 team that went 10–2, 6–2 in AAC, including a win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl. The Bulls finished the season ranked No 21 in the AP and Coaches polls.
South Florida will have to replace three-year starting quarterback Quinton Flowers, owner of 42 school records, including career total offense (11,802), career rushing (3,672) and total TD responsible for (112).
We caught up with Kelly Quinlan from RunningtheBulls.com to get the lowdown on USF following spring football. Follow Kelly Quinlan on Twitter @Kelly_Quinlan. Follow South Florida football @USFFootball
USF graduated quarterback Quinton Flowers, who was the face of the program. Who are the candidates to replace him, and how did they look this spring?
Kelly Quinlan: The quarterback situation is firmly unsettled. The Bulls had junior Brett Kean and sophomore Chris Oladukon battle this spring, but neither firmly claimed the starting quarterback job and now the South Florida staff are bringing in former Alabama and Arizona State quarterback Blake Barnett for an official visit as a potential short-term replacement. Both quarterbacks are very different from Flowers style wise while incoming freshman Ocatvious Battle may actually be a better fit, but it would be surprising if he won the job with just fall camp to do it.
Of the returning players, who looked like potential playmakers this spring on both sides of the ball?
KQ: Offensively, receiver Tyre McCants will be the main go-to receiver and he was a breakout star late last season for the Bulls. Running backs Elijah Mack and Jordan Cronkrite will be the featured backs in the fall and should pick up nicely where D’Ernest Johnson and Darius Tice left off. Defensively, linebacker Nico Sawtelle and defensive end Greg Reaves are the two standout players. The Bulls lost several key pieces on the defensive line and in the secondary to graduation.
What were some of the best position battles this spring and who emerged as likely starters in those spots?
KQ: The running back battle was far more interesting than was anticipated. Former Florida Gator Jordan Cronkrite expected to battle Trevon Sands, but sophomore Elijah Mack emerged as a real competitor and his skills fit what Sterlin Gilbert likes from a back. I expect both to play a lot in the fall. Many of the other position battles will roll into fall camp like safety and quarterback.
Who were some newcomers and breakout performers to emerge this spring?
KQ: I’ve mentioned Elijah Mack several times; he was a big surprise. Josh Black and Vincent Jackson had big springs on the defensive side at end and linebacker respectively.
Heading out of spring, what questions still need to be answered when the Bulls open camp later this summer?
KQ: Who will be the quarterback? That’s the million-dollar question and the biggest concern for the Bulls heading into next season. They will have ample bodies at linebacker and safety to fill those spots with new bodies, but the quarterback is so important in an up-tempo RPO offense like Gilbert’s. It is hard to imagine there will not be some major growing pains regardless of who gets the nod.
