Houston Football: 5 breakout candidates for the Cougars in 2017

The biggest loss from last season’s team is undoubtedly quarterback Greg Ward Jr. Lucky for Major Applewhite, though, he was already the offensive coordinator at Houston and is well aware of what he has to work with at the position in 2017. In his first year as a head coach, the former Texas QB can turn to a transfer from his alma mater’s rival to replace Ward.

More: Houston Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Kyle Allen spent two years battling for the starting role at Texas A&M. He played in 20 games and started 14 for the Aggies, but never could develop as a consistent performer for Kevin Sumlin. In 475 passing attempts over two seasons, though, Allen completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 3,532 yards. He threw 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during his time in College Station.

After 2015, though, he withdrew from Texas A&M and elected to transfer an hour and a half southeast to Houston. Last year he sat out as per NCAA rules, serving as the scout team quarterback and mimicking the skill sets of opponents like Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. He will almost certainly earn Ward’s vacated starting role ahead of D’Eriq King and Kyle Postma.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

But he will not be mimicking Ward’s style of play once he gets the starting position. Though his time as the scout team QB might have increased his versatility as a mobile player, Allen was not a dual-threat quarterback at Texas A&M. The passer will benefit from Applewhite’s own experiences and emerge as one of the surprise quarterbacks of 2017. Houston will go as far as their new offensive leader will take them this season.