Tragedy strikes USF starting quarterback Quinton Flowers before first start

Tragedy is no stranger to Quinton Flowers. In part it has played a role in him earning his first start at quarterback for USF in the Bulls game Saturday at SMU.

It has made him tough and immune to pressure on the football field, Bulls head coach Willie Taggart said.

Unfortunately adversity struck again Thursday night when Flowers’ half brother, 24-year-old Bradley Holt, was shot and killed in Miami. Flowers said he would play and dedicate the game to his brother.

Taggart issued a statement: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone in our football program and the USF family are with Quinton and his family as they cope with this senseless tragedy. Quinton is a special young man who has had to endure far more at his young age than anyone should. We will do everything we can to help see him through this difficult loss.”

This story was originally published November 14, 2014 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Tragedy strikes USF starting quarterback Quinton Flowers before first start."