Hilltoppers’ White leads C-USA QBs
Nine of the 12 teams in Conference USA return starting quarterbacks, with especially strong leaders at Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State.
USF transfer Mike White had a career-best season with the Hilltoppers in 2016, passing for more than 4,300 yards with 37 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. New coach Mike Sanford Jr. is a former quarterback and he’ll work to continue to develop the position with White along with Drew Eckels and incoming freshman Davis Shanley.
Brent Stockstill was off to a strong start before suffering a broken collarbone that sent him to the sidelines for the final three games of the regular season. His return in time to play in the bowl game was impressive. John Urzua stepped in and helped during Stockstill’s absence, providing the Blue Raiders with needed experience heading into 2017.
It’s safe to say after coming off a disappointing 3-9 season in 2016 that no job is safe on the Marshall roster. Chase Litton has thrown for more than 5,000 yards over his first two seasons with 47 career touchdowns but even that’s not enough to guarantee him the job heading into spring. Incoming freshman Isaiah Green — a 3-star dual threat quarterback — could push for the job as well.
Miami transfer Kevin Olsen started the first five games for the 49ers last season before losing the starting job to sophomore Hasaan Klugh, who would lead the team to a 3-4 record the rest of the way. The offense showed improvements under the mobile Klugh and will move forward with him this spring, especially after Olsen was suspended from the team following off-thefield issues.
New FIU coach Butch Davis brought in longtime offensive coordinator Rich Skrosky to retool an offense that ranked No. 106 in the nation in scoring offense. Alex McGough, who has 32 career starts under his belt, struggled with his consistency last season, which led to him being replaced by Maurice Alexander, who started the final three games. Changes within the program leave the job up for COMMENTARY grabs in the spring.
The Owls most likely will undergo a major reimagining offensively under new coach Lane Kiffin. The key part of that plan will be bolstering the quarterback position. Kiffin rolled the dice by signing former FSU QB De’Andre Johnson from the junior college ranks to challenge holdovers Jason Driskel and Daniel Parr during spring practice.
The Bulldogs featured the top passing offense in 2016, with senior quarterback Ryan Higgins leading the league in passing yards (4,617) and passing touchdowns (41). Higgins’ exit opens the door for J’Mar Smith to continue the trend of explosive performances by Tech quarterbacks. Highly-touted freshman Elijah Walker and Jack Abraham will provide depth at the position.
The Roadrunners showed vast improvement offensively under first-year coach Frank Wilson. Junior Dalton Sturm has 20 consecutive starts under his belt dating back to 2015 and his growth at the position last season leaves the team in good hands heading into the spring. Depth, however, could be a concern. Incoming freshmen Frank Harris and Bryce Rivers will battle for the backup role.
Freshman Mason Fine won the starting job heading into the second game of 2016, and he finished with 1,572 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. Durability became a concern with senior Alec Morris stepping in for three starts. Morris’ departure means Fine will remain behind center with incoming freshman Cade Pearson and junior college transfer Devlin Isadore providing much-needed depth.
Three different quarterbacks started games for the Miners last season, with sophomore Ryan Metz getting the majority of the time. He started seven games, including the final six of the season. Metz, who completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns, should remain the starter in spring. Zach Greenlee and Kavika Johnson add depth along with freshman Alex Fernandes.
The Monarchs must find a replacement for starter David Washington. Redshirt freshman Blake LaRussa, who saw limited action in 10 games last season, appears to be the favorite to replace him.
In four seasons at Southern Miss, Nick Mullens passed for close to 12,000 yards and 87 career touchdowns. Sophomore Keon Howard, redshirt junior Kwadra Griggs and freshman Marcelo Rodriguez will vie to replace him.
Tyler Stehling started every game last season as a senior for the Owls and finding his replacement will be crucial this spring. Jackson Tyner, J.T. Granato and freshman playmaker Miklo Smalls could all battle for the job.
The Blazers football program returns after a three-year hiatus with four players listed at quarterback, including junior college transfers A.J. Erdely and Joseph Willis.