The college football regular season is over for most programs. The conference championships are next weekend, then bowling season is upon us and, finally, the NFL Draft is right around the corner. The opportunity for these quarterbacks to make a good impression is dwindling. Here’s how a handful fared over the weekend:
Jaren Hall, BYU: Stock up
35-26 win at Stanford
Statistics:
- 7 of 11 passes completed, 93 yards, 2 TDs
- 11 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD
BYU’s offense was averaging 7.2 yards per carry against Stanford, so Hall didn’t really need to broadcast it often. He uses a lot of bypasses, jet sweeps, inside transfers, etc. Hall was a big part of the ground attack, tracking blockers and extending drives. Arm strength is a question mark based on a field attempt, but his pocket footwork is clean. Some quarterbacks have a natural feel for the game and that’s Hall. There is no unnecessary movement with him.
Nearly half of his passing yards came on a flea flicker to tight end Isaac Rex for 44 yards.
Will Levis, Kentucky: Refuel
26-13 win over No. 25 Louisville
Statistics:
- 11 of 19 passes completed, 188 yards, 2 TDs
- 5 runs, -10 meters
Levis closed out the regular season with strong performances against Georgia and Louisville. Kentucky’s offense has incorporated runs more designed for him, and that appears to have unlocked the transfer from Penn State. The stats aren’t going to blow anyone away, but he was accurate and threw with touch. The placement of the ball was such that the defense had no opportunity to make plays. When playing at or near the line of scrimmage, he showed an ability to throw from different arm angles. In a scoreless game in the first quarter, Levis stood tall under pressure before throwing a quick, on-target pitch on a breaking pattern:
Fans may have seen the last of the Levis in a Kentucky uniform. It’s in his best interest to sit out the bowling game, heal, and be ready to put on a show at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Levis is a contender, however, it’s not safe to rule him out of the bowl just yet.
Tanner McKee, Stanford: out of stock
Lost 35-26 against BYU
Statistics:
- 31 of 40 passes completed, 313 yards, 1 TD
- 5 strokes, -3 meters
BYU’s offensive game plan was discussed earlier, and Stanford’s game plan was almost entirely different. The Cardinal had 42 pass attempts in just 19 carries. That being said, McKee only had one attempt beyond 20 yards. In short, there wasn’t much on-court action in the BYU-Stanford game.
McKee isn’t the most floaty of foot players, so it’s important he comes into an NFL situation where he has a good offensive line and supporting cast. He generally has good pocket awareness but lacks pocket mobility. The junior was throwing with touch and anticipation across the court.
CJ Stroud, Ohio State: Stagnant Stock
45-23 loss to No. 3 Michigan
Statistics:
- 31 of 48 passes completed, 349 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- 2 strokes, -3 meters
Fans criticized Stroud’s performance as he ended his career 0-2 against rivals Wolverines. He used the whole pitch to his advantage and delivered beautiful touchdowns with anticipation. Statistically, his day could have been better, but wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had his first fall of the season. Tight end Cade Stover received an assist for an interception. Stroud appeared to lock in his first read, and Michigan was aggressive jumping those near the line of scrimmage.
On this particular play, Harrison steps the defenseman to the boundary and Stroud hits him in stride for a 44-yard touchdown.
Bryce Young, Alabama: Refuel
49-27 win over Auburn
Statistics:
- 20 of 30 passes completed, 343 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
- 5 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
Young is a leader on the field. He throws into touch and takes what the defense gives him. Alabama doesn’t have the talent it used to have, but receiver Traeshon Holden is a player who was efficient and quick with the ball in open space. The California native will throw into coverage, but the defender often lacks awareness or position to play. On the penultimate offensive possession, Young tried to tackle tight end Cameron Latu sitting in midfield, but linebacker Owen Pappoe was physical with him and jumped into the ball’s path for an interception. There were other defenders in the area. Young enjoys having time to pitch. According to TruMedia, he has the eighth longest time to throw (3.08 seconds) on average.
