Small School Quarterback Breakouts for the 2022 NCAA Football Season
Everyone is always looking for the next big thing in football. Quarterback is always the most interesting position to find these breakouts in. I’ve got two small school players to watch this upcoming season; one primed and ready to breakout and one that could resurrect a promising career.
Seth Morgan, QB, VMI Keydets
Seth Morgan out of VMI is ready to make people take notice on a national level. Morgan didn’t get the respect coming out of high school, much like my favorite quarterback last year, Bailey Zappe. He was a pro style quarterback coming out of Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, PA. 247 didn’t have him ranked as a prospect. Morgan ended up signing with VMI in 2019. As a redshirt freshman in over 71 percent of his passes for 1,374 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. Morgan started the final four games when all time leading passer Reece Udinski was injured. He lead the Keydets to the Southern Conference title and the first ever FCS playoff appearance. Last season, Morgan threw for 2175 yards, with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 191 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
Morgan is first and foremost a leader, that’s such an important characteristic for the quarterback. The aforementioned Reece Udinski transferred to rival university Richmond, and Morgan has supported him in his continuation in his career. Morgan even sweeps up the basketball court for the VMI hoops team. He shows good arm strength and better accuracy. He’s got a great touch on the ball and leads his receivers well. His athleticism is underrated, kind of sneaky. Morgan isn’t a running quarterback, but he can run and he can move in the pocket.
I expect Morgan to take a big step forward this season. He showed what he could do in 2020 and while 2021 wasn’t as great as 2020, he’s young and had his first true starting season affected by COVID. I believe he will be a standout this year in the Southern Conference and in FCS in general. While Morgan probably won’t declare this season, it’s a possibility. After a strong performance this year, Morgan should have a wide range of options including the NFL or a transfer to a Power 5 conference.
Jacob Sirmon, QB, Northern Colorado Bears
The second quarterback to watch is a blast from the past. You may recognize his name, especially if you’re a fan of football in the northwest. Jacob Sirmon was the number one player in the state of Washington in 2018. Sirmon was the number six pro quarterback in the nation and the 94th best player in the United States according to 247. He was actually ranked higher by ESPN’s recruiting service as the 27th best player in the nation.
He’s a prototype, built like the perfect quarterback at 6’5” 240 lbs. He showed flashes of greatness in the past. Sirmon completed over 61 percent of his passes at 734 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions at Central Michigan. He performed his best against Missouri throwing for 295 yards. Sirmon also completed over 70 percent of his passes against LSU.
Sirmon has a cannon to go along with his prototypical height and weight. He’s had a rough go of it so far, transferring from Washington to Central Michigan to Northern Colorado. However, he’s still got it. Let’s give Sirmon a chance to really show what he can do. He can still make every throw there is and you never know. Maybe, the Northern Colorado Bears are the team that finally lets Sirmon showcase his otherworldly talents. I’m certainly hoping so.
Final Thoughts on Quarterback Breakouts for the 2022 NCAA Season
Seth Morgan is on an upward swing at VMI and looks to be the next great quarterback coming out of the FCS. Jacob Sirmon is looking to reestablish himself and show his next level talents. Two quarterbacks who are currently on different paths, but looking to end up in the same place, the NFL Draft.
