On a recent edition of “SEC For Now” on the SEC Network, former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik ranked his top five quarterbacks in the SEC heading into the 2020 college football season.
According to Chizik, these five signal-callers stand out among their peers.
5. John Rhys Plumlee, Sophomore, 6’0″, 192 lbs, Ole Miss
Key 2019 stat: 1,023 rushing yards (led the team)
Chizik’s take: “He showed spurts of brilliance last year running the football. I know he’s got to improve throwing the football.” On new head coach Lane Kiffin’s influence on Plumlee, “What he could do with this guy could be masterful.”
4. Jamie Newman, Senior, 6’4″, 230 lbs, Georgia
Key 2019 stat: Averaged 7.9 yards per passing attempt.
Chizik’s take: “There has been so much energy out there about him because of what he brought to the table for Wake Forest. He’s a big, athletic guy.” Based on offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s success with quarterbacks in the past, he called the relationship between Monken and Newman “a really interesting match between the two of them.”
3. Mac Jones, Junior, 6’2″, 205 lbs, Alabama
Key 2019 stat: 1,503 yards passing on 141 attempts
Chizik’s take: The weapons around Jones are something he will capitalize on for success. “What I’ve seen Mac Jones do up to this point, particularly his last game against Michigan in the bowl game, I would say that is going to be very interesting scenario in that quarterback room.”
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2. Kellen Mond, Senior, 6’3″, 217 lbs, Texas A&M
Key 2019 stat: 2,897 yards passing
Chizik’s take: “I think they’re destined right now to have…a great year on offense with what Jimbo has done there.” Texas A&M’s returning weapons, and a third year under Fisher, should lend to even greater improvement. “He will probably end his career as the leading passer in the history of the school.”
1. Kyle Trask, Senior, 6’5″, 239 lbs, Florida
Key 2019 stat: 25 TDs, 7 INT
Chizik’s take: “There’s no question in mind. What I saw him do when he took over for Feleipe Franks last year, leading them to an 11-2 season, great win in the Orange Bowl. He’s exactly what Dan Mullen wants…Really picked up the offense. He’s been in the offense now for three years. Dan Mullen is one of the best play callers in college football. There are no staff changes. This guy has a chance to bring an East title, for sure, this year and compete with Georgia.”
Notable absences from Chizik’s top five:
Bo Nix, Auburn — “I think Bo has a great career ahead of him but he lost so many weapons around him,” said Chizik.
Myles Brennan, LSU — Chizik noted the uncertainty surrounding the offense now that offensive coordinator Joe Brady has moved on to the NFL.
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
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