Ranking C-USA Top Quarterbacks
Niner Report wants to have a little fun heading into the season, as we look at the top five programs at several positions heading into the upcoming season.
First off, we look at the quarterback position, as there are several intriguing prospects that could make the list this season.
#1 Mike White (Western Kentucky)
This past season, he headlined a solid quarterback group throwing for 37 touchdowns, 4,363 yards, and only seven interceptions. He will be the senior leader this year but will have more on his plate this year with WKU only returning four starters from last season.
#2 Brent Stockstill (Middle Tennessee)
Stockstill headlined this group last year and will again be a feature quarterback for C-USA. HE does have his top two weapons at wide receiver returning but will be losing a lot of experience in the backfield. But once again, he should be one of the top names in the conference and only a junior.
#3 Chase Litton (Marshall)
Litton will lead the Thundering Herd this year after coming off a solid season in which he threw for 2,612 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He returns his weapons in the backfield, but Marshall struggled running the ball last year. He also loses his top four receivers, which could see his numbers fall or not live up to the No. 3 ranking. Time will tell though.
#4 Dalton Sturm (UTSA)
Sturm could have a good year for UTSA, building off a season in which he threw for 2,170 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He returns his top four receivers and talent in the backfield. Therefore, with the experience factor playing a big role here, Sturm could sneak up in the conference.
#5 Alex McGough (FIU)
McGough and FIU return a ton of talent from this past season, so they are certainly hoping they can build off their 4-8 season last year (but did hold a 4-4 conference record). McGough completed 58 percent of his passes, threw for close to 1,900 yards, and had 13 touchdowns. Will have to cut down on the interceptions (11) but FIU could be looking to build off this past season.
Just Missed:
Hasaan Klugh (Charlotte): Klugh honestly just missed out on this list. He obviously turned the program around, with the experience he gained this past season and his dynamic ability on the field, he could be one to watch. Will be missing some key weapons from last season but Klugh is one that could find himself on this list by the end of the season.
Ja’Mar Smith (or other LT QB): Whoever ends up being the starter for Louisiana Tech could find himself up on this list. Jeff Driskel had a fantastic season two years ago and Ryan Higgins stepped right in to throw for 4,617 yards and 41 touchdowns. In this offense that loves to throw the ball and produce on offense, Skip Holtz could have another quarterback step in and sky-rocket up the rankings.