SEC 2019: Year of the Quarterback?

by Brendan Paschal

Quarterbacks play a crucial role for every team. In fact, if a coach wants to have any success in the SEC he must find a phenomenal quarterback. For years, Les Miles had some of the greatest talent on both sides of the ball…except at quarterback. And for years LSU could not quite reach the top of the college football mountain. For a team to stand a chance against the best defenses in the country, each program needs an elite quarterback. 2019 looks to have a lot of talent at that position. Here are some QBs that could shake up the SEC.

Terry Wilson – Kentucky

Last year Wilson was basically a glorified running back. He was ranked dead last in passing yards per game in 2018. Yet he ranked second on the team in rushing yards. Wilson has a strong arm, and after spending a year with the team, he could surprise defenses in the passing game. Plus, his leading target, Lynn Bowden Jr. returns. There were some games where all Kentucky could rely on was the run game. Hopefully, this year the Cats can lean on Wilson to throw the ball.

Joe Burrow – LSU

People called Burrow a game manager all of 2018. But they couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, he had weapons all around him, but a game manager is someone you trust to simply put the ball in play and not lose the game. Burrow was a field general last year. He made the plays that led LSU to beat Auburn in the last seconds. Hell he ran half way down the field to seal the win against Georgia.

If you don’t think Burrow is going to shine in his senior season, let me know, so I can tell you I told you so all year long.

Kelly Bryant – Missouri

Trevor Lawrence is one of only two guys that could have kicked Kelly Bryant out of his starting spot. Bryant is a fantastic quarterback with great awareness and poise, as well as talent. People have quickly forgotten that if it weren’t for Bryant, Clemson would have lost to Texas A&M last year.

Jake Bentley – South Carolina

Up. Down. Up. Down. Bentley’s entire college career has been a rollercoaster. 2018 was nothing short of that. In Week 4 Bentley completed only 13 passes in his 28 attempts for 148 yards a touchdown and three interceptions before leaving the game with an injury. The next game against Texas A&M he threw for 223 yards three touchdowns and one interception.

Clemson was one of his greatest games ever. Bentley threw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns versus one interception. Yet, when South Carolina met Virginia in the Belk Bowl he went 17 for 39 with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

It all depends on what kind of mindset Bentley is in. Sometimes he shows up ready to play, while other times he looks like the game is too big for him.

Feleipe Franks – Florida

Much like Bentley, Franks had an inconsistent season. There were times where Franks would second guess himself or hesitate in the pocket, and hesitation kills in the SEC. However, Franks also had glimpses of greatness. We all know what Dan Mullen can produce at the quarterback position. So after another year under Mullen, Franks could be something special.

Kellen Mond – Texas A&M

Mond took A&M by storm last year. He went from the probable backup to Nick Starkel to outright starter. Although Mond had an impressive 2018 there were places he could improve on. Specifically the number of sacks he took (34). With Starkel transferring, Jimbo Fisher is relying solely on Mond. With his athleticism, awareness, and impressive arm talent, Mond could do some damage that we haven’t seen at Texas A&M since Johnny Manziel.