The Arizona State Sun Devils Quarterbacks group is under new offensive management and it is full of battles to observe.
Generally, while we don’t think about it, the back-up QB position is often overlooked–but vital for offensive continuity.
The Sun Devils are going with Emory Jones– Florida transfer. Yet, who is going to be the back-up and 3rd string?
There are a mixture of experience and youth on the roster.
While it is not uncommon to see inexperienced 1st or 2nd year players grab hold of starting positions, it is tough to do when significant talent and experience are in front.
The Quarterback Roster
Redshirt Junior Trenton Bourguet – the longest-tenured member. Career stats: eight passes completed out of 12 attempted, for 115 yards and one touchdown in five games.
- Bourguet brings the experience – 3rd season with the Sun Devils. He has played and performed in meaningful games.
- Before Emory Jones committed to Arizona State, Bourguet did have a leg-up on getting the starting spot.
- Nonetheless, Bourguet has the talent of a #1 starting QB and if he is #2, the team is still in good hands.
Redshirt Junior Paul Tyson – transfer from Alabama. Coming into the season, Tyson has played sparingly: ten passes completed out of 16 attempted, for 150 yards and zero touchdowns in five games in 2021.
- While Tyson didn’t generate eye-popping numbers while at Alabama, he was coached by some of the best in college football.
- Tyson worked with Offensive Coordinators like – Mike Locksley, Steve Sarkisian, and Bill O’Brien during his time in Tuscaloosa.
- He was given time to develop his game (instead of game experience), to adjust to the speed and skill of the college game.
- He has an opportunity to showcase his abilities in Tempe.
Redshirt Sophomore Daylin McLemore – 6’ 3’’ 205 lbs, 4 star recruit and 15th rated dual-threat QB overall in 2020.
The analysis on McLemore coming out of high school:
“McLemore possesses athleticism, size, and strength. A play-maker with his feet, can tuck and run and pick up chunk yardage but prefers to sit back in the pocket and pick apart defenses. Has smooth release with plus arm strength. Needs to continue to develop and take more reps. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter”.
- McLemore is a player that will likely get “blow-out” end of game snaps.
- Nonetheless, McLemore will be utilized as a game manager, when the time comes.
Redshirt Freshman Finn Collins–6’ 3’’ 185 lbs, 3 star recruit and 29th rated pro-style QB in 2021.
- Another player that may see very limited snaps (if any) this season, Collins will use this year to learn how to be a professional and the playbook.
Freshman Bennett Meredith – 6’ 3’’ 195 lbs, 3 star recruit and pro-style QB from Hoover, AL.
- Meredith has the physical attributes and was a late bloomer in high school– does he wait for opportunity or does he want to start immediately?
- Consequently, with new coaches in place–different from his recruiting, eyes will be on Meredith, if he will want to stay past year one.
Outlook
Once the Arizona State Sun Devils Quarterbacks learn the offense, it will come down to – who runs it more efficiently.
Afterwards, the depth chart announcement will release before the NAU game. We will see the players who rose and who fell.
Some of the players listed will play and some will not see the field (depending on circumstances).
Projection
- Emory Jones – starter
- Bourguet – backup
- Tyson – 3rd string
The other young student-athletes [McLemore, Collins, and Meredith] have chances to play some snaps (if needs be) and can “leapfrog” the projected list.