It’s time for the 2019 Pypeline True Freshmen Quarterbacks of the Year. These are players that stepped on campus and made an immediate impact with their team. With these guys at the helm, the future is bright for each of these teams.
Quarterbacks
Sam Howell – UNC
Howell was excellent this season for the Tar Heels. He had 40 touchdowns this year, the most by a True Freshman in FBS history. The next 2-3 years will be special in Chapel Hill with Howell leading the way.
Jayden Daniels – Arizona State
Daniels led the Sun Devils to a 8-win season and bowl victory over Florida St. He had 2,943 passing yards, 17 passing TDs, 355 rushing yards, and 3 rushing TDs this season.
Kedon Slovis – USC
Slovis was spectacular this season for the Trojans. He threw for 3,502 yards and 30 touchdowns. He showed good awareness on his throws and has a ton of upside.
John Rhys Plumlee – Ole Miss
Plumlee showed this season that he was a viable Dual Threat option at QB. He ran for 1,023 yards and 12 TDs and had 910 passing yards 4 TDs. I’ll be interested to see where he fits in Lane Kiffin’s plans at QB.
Bo Nix – Auburn
Nix threw for 2,542 yards 16 TDs this season and added 313 rushing yards 7 TDs on the ground. At times, Nix showed freshman mistakes, but overall he showed a lot of heart and potential.
Dillon Gabriel – UCF
Gabriel showed good awareness and accuracy this season, throwing for 3,653 yards 29 TDs and rushing for 78 yards and 4 TDs. The lefty beat out some quality players this season at QB, and he’s the future for the Knights.
Brett Gabbert – Miami OH
Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of Blaine, was someone I said was a HUGE pickup for the Redhawks when he committed. This season he showed he has potential, throwing for 2,411 yards 11 TDs and added 3 rushing touchdowns.
Grant Gunnell – Arizona
Gunnell played sparingly in 8 games this season. He threw for 1,239 yards & 9 TDs, while only throwing 1 INT. He also added 1 rushing TD. If Gunnell keeps developing, he could throw for 25+ TDs next season.
Hank Bachmeier – Boise State
Bachmeier started off his career with a win over Florida State. He threw for 1,879 yards & 9 TDs in 8 games. He also added 1 rushing TD. Boise State has a bright future with Bachmeier under center.
Max Duggan – TCU
Duggan is the future of Horned Frogs football. This season he had 2,077 passing yards with 15 touchdowns. He also added 555 rushing yards and 6 TDs. He’s a Dual Threat quarterback who Gary Patterson will continue to develop.
Ryan Hilinski – South Carolina
Hilinski has a ton of talent and upside. This season he threw for 2,357 yards and 11 touchdowns, also adding 1 rushing TD. The Gamecocks have a nice future ahead if Hilinski keeps developing.
