B.J. Daniels has piled up impressive statistics over the last three years at South Florida. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 6,339 yards and 38 touchdowns while rushing for 1,634 yards and 20 touchdowns in 33 starts.

His numbers to this point place him well within his reach of the all-time Big East total offense record of 10,875 yards set by former Bulls quarterback Matt Grothe. Daniels enters the 2012 season only 2,883 yards behind Grothe.

Last year, Daniels finished with 3,186 total yards.

“B.J. Daniels is a great player,” South Florida head coach Skip Holtz said in the Big East teleconference Monday. “But what I think B.J. has done a fantastic job of is developing mentally, as a quarterback. I’m seeing that relate to his confidence, which is relating to his leadership ability and leadership style. He’s being much more vocal than he has been in years past.”

South Florida endured a rough season in 2011, fading to a 5-7 record and going just 1-6 in Big East play. But a year later, they find themselves right back in the heat of Big East title consideration, with many predicting a quick turnaround for the program. South Florida is picked No. 2 in the Big East preseason media poll, and Daniels is a big reason why.

The redshirt senior is poised to lead the Bulls as they aim to return to a bowl and compete for the Big East title. After opening the season 4-0, USF lost seven of its final eight games to finish with a losing record.

The Bulls didn’t fail in 2011 due to a lack of competitiveness. South Florida lost four conference games by six points or less, along with a three-point loss to Miami (Fla.). The Bulls are confident that attention to detail can turn last year’s losses into victories this year.

“(It’s about) doing the little things,” Daniels said at the team’s media day. “Last year, we got complacent. Starting out as hot as we did … we let the little things go.”

South Florida has an abundance of returning talent around Daniels.

USF’s top six receivers from 2011 are back, including wide receiver Sterling Griffin, who had 530 yards receiving in only eight appearances last season. Three starting offensive linemen and senior running back Demetris Murray, who had eight rushing touchdowns in 2011, give Daniels a veteran group to work with.

Offensive depth is something the Bulls have lacked in prior years, Holtz said.

“We have started fast,” Holtz said in the teleconference. “We’ve had some big wins. But the biggest thing, to me, is that I don’t think we’ve had the depth to withstand the injuries that you go through during a 12-game season. … I don’t think we’ve had the depth to have the quality team that we all want to have.”

With the offensive-minded Holtz in his third year at the helm, the Bulls offensive setup has plenty of stability. Continuity breeds consistency, keeping players from having to relearn the playbook, or new signals and calls.

It all goes back to Daniels, the fourth-year starter chasing conference history. Preparing to begin his final season at the helm, he’s ready to put his acquired knowledge into practice.

“The game is just slowing down for me,” Daniels said. “I’m starting to see things, and looking at different levels. Not just understanding what I need to do, but understanding how to do it, and how to take advantage of the defense.”

Arguably just as important as Daniels’ skill and versatility is his leadership and commitment to his teammates. And as Holtz said, Daniels has evolved into a team leader.

With so many returning offensive weapons, the camaraderie throughout the team can serve as a catalyst for success. Daniels enjoys being around his teammates, and he is excited for everyone on offense to help each other in the coming weeks.

“Right now, I want to make sure that I’m doing the things I’m supposed to do,” Daniels said. “Being a leader on and off the field, helping out the younger guys with plays, and different things like that.

“Personally, it’s not about me. It’s about this team.”

Game of the week:

Kentucky at Louisville, Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m.

Heading into the season ranked No. 1 in the Big East preseason media poll, the Cardinals find themselves in unfamiliar territory, shouldered with great expectations for the season. Sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returns for Louisville, along with a host of offensive and defensive veterans.

Squaring off against an in-state rival and Southeastern Conference opponent, will the Cardinals rise to the challenge and make a definitive statement that they deserve the preseason praise? Or, will they fall short, leading to questions regarding the top of the Big East this season? Besides Syracuse, the Cardinals are the only Big East team to face a BCS conference team this weekend, and conference eyes will be locked on Louisville.

Long time coming

When Pittsburgh takes the field this Saturday for a matchup with Youngstown State, it will mark a special day in its head coach’s career. After serving more than two decades as an assistant in the college and professional ranks, Paul Chryst has finally earned his opportunity to serve as the head coach.

Chryst played quarterback for Wisconsin in the mid-1980s. He proceeded to work in a variety of football-related roles upon graduation, spending time as an assistant in the Canadian Football League before making it to the college ranks, where he served as offensive coordinator at Oregon State and Wisconsin.

Chryst also spent time as a tight ends coach in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.

Published on August 28, 2012 at 1:02 am

Contact Kevin: kmprisei@syr.edu