TAMPA, FL. - Brenden Cyr grew up on the baseball diamond. It wasn’t until his freshman year of high school that he shifted his focus to football and playing quarterback.

“I knew I was coming in as an underdog,” said Cyr. “Other kids had played football a lot longer than me, had a lot more experience. I knew that I had to develop a lot quicker because I didn’t have that in-game experience.”

One moment that inspired Cyr to go all in on football was a visit to Tampa and USF.

“I told my parents, I remember being a freshman, I told them ‘man, I wish I could go to school here one day,’” said Cyr, who is very interested in studying economics.

Cyr committed himself to improving every single day. His development took him to Dr. Phillips and then Wekiva for his senior season. One of the key figures in Cyr’s football life was former UCF offensive coordinator Charlie Taafe, who passed away during the 2019 season after his battle with spinal cancer.

“I love him and miss him. I give him full credit for me being where I am today. He meant the absolute world to my family and I,” said Cyr, who would wear a QB towel with Taafe’s name on it. “He started working with me that first freshman year all the way through until the unfortunate events happened. I would work out with him multiple times a week throughout the years and I give him full credit.”

With a heavy heart Cyr pushed through his final season and began the process of making his late coach proud – by making it on to a D-1 roster. That place was USF.

“I got the call that they had a spot on the team and without hesitation I already knew that was where I wanted to go,” said Cyr. “I love the idea that there’s a brand new, whole new coaching staff.  They’re bringing in a brand new philosophy and culture. I know a lot about Coach Scott and what he has done winning national championships at Clemson and I know his work ethic and how he coaches.”

Cyr’s philosophy also lines up with Jeff Scott – if you’re going to do anything, do it better than anyone.

“Best is the standard,” said Scott to his team during their first meeting back in December. “When you’re in the weight room or the practice field, best is the standard. And when that becomes a way of life that is when you ultimately have the success.”

 And that type of success is something Brenden Cyr is ready for.

“I am ready to get working with the team. I am ready to start contributing my share,” said Cyr.