Quarterback Transfers

For many years there have been quarterback transfers for various reasons just like any other position in the game, but in recent years it has become quite common for field generals to change uniforms. For a period of around thirty years, from the mid 80s until 2011, I can think of only a handful that changed teams: Troy Aikman (OU to UCLA), Jeff George (Purdue to Illinois), Scott Frost (Stanford to Nebraska), Nick Foles (Michigan State to Arizona), and Russell Wilson (NC State to Wisconsin).

It is that last name, that started a new trend. Wilson was the first graduate transfer or “free agent” to take his talents to another school after graduating from NC State. A three year starter for the Wolfpack, Russell moved on to Wisconsin, where there was a talented team - that was missing a key ingrediant. Wilson filled the gap at the QB position, and he proceeded to lead the Badgers to a Big Ten Championship and an appearance in the Rose Bowl. In just the last few years, here are some names who followed this same path: Gardner Minshew, Joe Burrow, Davis Webb, Jeff Driskel, and Jake Rudock. But not all have been successful - just look at two former Notre Dame QBs, Malik Zaire and Everett Golson.

But now there is an even bigger reason that we are seeing QB transfers - whether they are graduate transfers or redshirt freshmen - or even former starters. Coaches today are now throwing talented freshmen out on the field to cut their teeth. And there have been some very successful results - all you have to do is look at Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia (where Jake Fromm has caused a potential three transfers: Jacob Eason, Justin Fields, and probably Tate Martell (because of Fields moving to OSU).

Some might not like the ease that these kids can move around from school to school, but in my opinion it is good for the game…