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Sam Houston State Football: Will Bearkats see success in first FBS season?

By Dante Pryor

Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (8) and Sam Houston State Bearkats offensive lineman Moses Johnson (73) in action during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (8) and Sam Houston State Bearkats offensive lineman Moses Johnson (73) in action during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 03, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (8) and Sam Houston State Bearkats offensive lineman Moses Johnson (73) in action during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
September 03, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Anthony Lucas (8) and Sam Houston State Bearkats offensive lineman Moses Johnson (73) in action during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

Who leads the Sam Houston State football offense?

For Sam Houston State football to have some early success, two things must come together offensively. First, the offensive line needs to be consistent and healthy. Second, the quarterback position has to be solidified.

Keegan Shoemaker, Jordan Yates, and Trapper Pannell all saw time behind center in 2022. Legendary Florida head coach Steve Spurrier said, “If you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any.” Quarterback play was a struggle last season and had to improve.

Quarterbacks did not complete 50 percent of passes last season; Shoemaker led the Bearkats in yards and touchdowns. The running game took a by-committee approach with five players with at least 40 carries.

This season, there is competition at quarterback. Head coach K.C. Keeler likely does not want to play two quarterbacks again and hopes Shoemaker or transfer quarterback Grant Gunnell (Arizona/North Texas) makes their mark and takes the job. They like to run the quarterback, so whoever wins the job will likely be dangerous with their legs.

Offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will likely go with running back by committee again this fall. Keep an eye on Jordan Yates; he’s transitioning to running back full-time, which should be interesting.

Wide receiver Ife Adeyi should be healthy after playing four games last season. He and a host of new faces should improve the receiver room. Three transfers add depth to the offensive line, but it’s hard to know how good they are until they play FBS-level competition.

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