Mike White Granted Release to Transfer; What's Next for USF at QB?

The big news from Tampa yesterday was that Mike White, once thought to be the favorite to start at quarterback in 2015, is going to transfer from USF and finish out his college career elsewhere. White, a junior, had started 15 games over his two seasons as a Bull, and has been in what appears to be a wide-open, three-man quarterback competition with fellow junior Steven Bench and sophomore Quniton Flowers throughout this spring.

While head coach Willie Taggert stated after the USF spring game that a decision has not been made about the starting quarterback, it appears White had seen the writing on the wall or wasn’t pleased with the way things were going. Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel may have picked up on something in the spring game signaling a potential move towards Flowers as the starter come fall in the tweet below:

Quinton Flowers getting a lot of the 1st H QB work for USF on the White team while Steven Bench/Mike White rotating for Green.

— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) March 28, 2015

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Regardless of the reps, none of the quarterbacks did much in the spring game, as the only touchdown scored in the 10-9 win for the “Green Team” was a 62-yard scramble by Bench that was the result of a defensive breakdown. However, Bench also went 5-of-11 for 48 yards passing, while chucking two interceptions.

Taggert has insisted throughout the spring that whichever quarterback can lead his offense to the end zone and not turn the ball over will be the starter. Well, after a penalty and turnover-ridden spring game, it doesn’t appear he has that answer yet and now he is losing the most-experienced signal caller he had.

White may not have posted great stats or led his team to many wins while at USF, but many close to the situation believe he gave the team the best chance to win and will be missed on and off the field.

Mike White, transferring from #USF, is class kid, stand-up guy, quite talented. At time when wins were few, he provided best chance to win. — Joey Johnston (@JJohnstonTBO) March 31, 2015

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No matter the situation, Mike White was always a stand-up guy and a pleasure to cover. IMO, his departure will be a big loss for #USF …

— Jeff Odom (@ByJeffOdom) March 31, 2015

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My sense is that Flowers is likely the frontrunner to open the season as the Bulls quarterback in a new, up-tempo spread attack. However, given how quickly and frequently Taggert has gone to the bullpen with his signal callers, I’d expect another season involving some sort of timeshare.

For USF fans, here’s hoping the coaches decide to get Marlon Mack 30 or more touches a game. Otherwise, it may be another long season of offensive ineptitude in Tampa.

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Mike White Granted Release to Transfer; What’s Next for USF at QB?

Alan Draper

Alan Draper

Alan Draper