Possible Quarterback Risers: Jarrett Stidham

This upcoming quarterback class is shaping up to be a fun one. The top names are set. However, here are a few names left that could rise up the boards.

Last season’s quarterback draft left many teams deciding to wait for this season. Many names at the top were talented but raw, teams were left feeling like they needed to wait on 2018 to grab their quarterback. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league so many teams are also looking for guys to develop a few years down the road. Every season a couple off the radar signal callers emerge in those top spots, this year’s name might just be Jarrett Stidham.

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Stidham played extremely well backing up Seth Russell for Baylor in 2015. Russell went down with a midseason injury and Stidham stepped in. He played so well for Baylor many thought we might be the next big quarterback name in college football.

Stidham went down with injury towards the end of the season, ending Baylor’s chance at a title. An offseason scandal with Baylor’s Football program caused the firing of head coach Art Briles and the Transfer of Jarrett Stidham to a local Waco community college.

This offseason Stidham transferred to Auburn. Coach Gus Malzahn runs a similar offense at Auburn to the one Art Briles ran at Baylor. At Auburn Stidman should be able to step in and revive the production he had at Baylor.

Auburn will have a crowded quarterback room this season, so it will be on Stidham to win the job. He has a skill set similar to former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, a quarterback Malzahn won a national championship with, so I expect Stidham to have the upper hand.

Stidham is a tall quarterback with a good build. He is listed at 6’3″ However he looks a little taller on film. His weight is listed at 210 so he will need to add a little meat to his frame to advance to the next level.

Jarrett has a big arm. He was able to show his arm strength a lot at Baylor. Briles adapted his offense to show off Jarrett’s arm. Malzahn likes to run the ball a little more than Briles but I expect a similar gameplan to the one he used with Cam Newton, airing the ball out more.

Stidham will need to work on his lower body strength at the next level. His tall frame can look a little clumsy running at times. One of his greatest strengths is accuracy and ball placement. Stidham throws verticle with good touch, especially on outside routes.

What may be more impressive is his short route accuracy. He makes flawless throws on short routes, allowing receivers to maximize yards after the catch.

Stidham has some walls to climb this season. He will need to win the job at Auburn to get into the conversation as the top quarterback. He also has an extra year of eligibility, so he may choose to stay even if he excels. Regardless this season will be a fun one with Stidham. I am expecting big things from him and I think Auburn fans are as well.