Quarterbacks shine in scrimmage
The USF offense got some revenge against the defense in Saturday’s scrimmage, and the offense also welcomed back last season’s offensive MVP, junior Brian Fisher.
Fisher, who has been troubled by legal problems and missed a week of spring practice drills, returned Saturday in a limited role. Fisher worked primarily at running back during Saturday’s 100-play scrimmage and scored on a three-yard run during red-zone drills.
Though Fisher returned Saturday, USF coach Jim Leavitt said Fisher won’t practice with the team during the week because he must be in study hall for three hours each day and the times conflict with the practice schedule.
However, Leavitt didn’t rule out Fisher playing in the Bulls’ spring game April 10 at Raymond James Stadium.
After being dominated by the defense one week prior in USF’s first controlled scrimmage of the spring, the offense finally showed some life, scoring three touchdowns and three field goals before red-zone drills, with most of the scores coming from the first-team offense against the first-team defense.
“The offense had an outstanding day,” Leavitt said.
Quarterback was one area of the offense that stood out the most to Leavitt.
“All three quarterbacks looked good. Pat Julmiste had a real good day, and Evan Kraky had an outstanding day.”
Junior Ronnie Banks may have had the most productive day, leading the offense to consecutive scoring drives against the first-team defense. Banks, who has been limited this spring after off-season knee surgery, saw his first real action during this spring’s scrimmages and completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, while also adding a five-yard touchdown run.
Redshirt freshman Pat Julmiste, who Leavitt named starting quarterback earlier this spring, finished 7 of 13 for 113 yards. Backup quarterback Evan Kraky, working mostly with the second team, completed 12 of 24 passes for 86 yards with a pair of interceptions.
Leavitt said Kraky and Banks are battling for the backup spot behind Julmiste.
Junior place-kicker Santiago Gramatica connected on all seven extra-point attempts and four of five field-goal attempts. Two of Gramatica’s made field goals were 50 yards or longer.