Houston quarterback situation is deep, features playmakers

D’Eriq King

If there is a guy molded most like Ward on this roster it’s D’Eriq King. He’s a do-it-all player for Houston that did many things Ward did in his freshman year.

King and Ward were receiver-first players that were brought in to play quarterback sparingly. Ward  was a quarterback at John Tyler High School, but he transitioned to receiver after Johnny O’Korn’s successful freshman season in 2013. However, O’Korn’s struggles in 2014 forced Ward back into the quarterback role. We know his story and his legacy.

However, King’s is just starting his. The talented, four-star freshman put up numbers in multiple categories other than passing. He focused on receiving in his freshman year catching 29 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 56 yards. He also returned 10 kicks for 254 yards and one touchdown. In all, he accounted for 567 all-purpose yards in 2016.

King played some quarterback completing 2-of-3 pass attempts for 20 yards and a touchdown. However, he comes in as the most ill-equipped in terms of quarterbacking. He has zero starts, few pass attempts and is the shortest of the trio at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds.

However, as recent memory has taught us. Having little experience doesn’t mean someone can’t start. Jalen Hurts proved that correct this season, while the size problem mattered little for Ward. He was just 5-foot-11, 185-pounds, and he executed Herman and Applewhite’s system to perfection.

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All three have a real shot at the job, but whoever inherits the system should have a better offense around them. The entire offense returns outside of seniors Chance Allen and offensive lineman Mac Long. The offensive line struggled all year, but they have a year under their belt and are losing Long who started just four games. A strong offensive line will certainly aid the transition to a new quarterback.