College Football: 10 surprise QBs who could contend for 2019 Heisman Trophy

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #15 of the Iowa State Cyclones throws a pass before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Gage Gubrud #8 of the Eastern Washington Eagles throws a pass against Logan Tago #45 and Taylor Comfort #56 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Eastern Washington 59-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Gage Gubrud #8 of the Eastern Washington Eagles throws a pass against Logan Tago #45 and Taylor Comfort #56 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Eastern Washington 59-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks put up monster numbers under Mike Leach.

Last season Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for 38 touchdown passes and 4,776 yards. Minshew finished fifth in the Heisman voting because of his ability to thrive in an air raid offense.

Now Washington State will give the keys to the offense to Gage Gubrud. The quarterback is a graduate transfer from Eastern Washington.

During his time at Eastern Washington he finished as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award twice. For those unfamiliar the Walter Payton Award is the FCS version of the Heisman Trophy.

Gubrud was also named 2016 FCS Player of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

Inserting an experienced quarterback like Gubrud into an offense where he can put up massive numbers should be a recipe for success in 2019.

The biggest question is can Gubrud’s success at the FCS level translate to the FBS?