Who Will Be Number One? 2016 Indiana Hoosiers Quarterback Preview
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Written By Alex Compton
Just like that, one of the most prolific signal callers in Indiana history is gone. Nate Sudfeld is off to the NFL, after a remarkably efficient four-year career. As a senior in 2015, Nate led the Big Ten in passing yards per game, passing yards, total offense per game, total offense, touchdowns, passing, yards per completion, yards per attempt and TD-INT ratio. Sudfeld leaves Bloomington as IU’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (61), passing yardage (7,879), 350-yard games (6), 300-yard games (11), 250-yard games (13), 200-yard games (19), four-touchdown games (5) and three-touchdown games (10),and is tied for first in 400-yard games (1).
He was underappreciated during his career, and his stellar play was not really praised until he either split snaps or missed time due to injury. Sudfeld had to share the spotlight during his career, until he was finally given the keys to the offense in his last two seasons. When he was on the field, he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation, and productivity like that is really hard to replicate, let alone replace. Don’t tell that to Kevin Wilson and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns however, as that is exactly what they aim to do with a new group of quarterbacks in 2016.
The Starter(s)?
Don’t ask Coach Wilson to name a starting quarterback again. He won’t do it until he is good and ready. He has repeatedly said that everyone is in the race and that there are no favorites, etc. However, the battle to become the QB1 is undoubtedly between junior Zander Diamont and incoming Cisco College (Junior College) transfer Richard Lagow.
#12- Zander Diamont
Zander Diamont has been one of Indiana’s more polarizing players so far during his stint at IU. As a true freshman in 2014, he played admirably after Nate Sudfeld went down at Iowa. In six games that season, he was 64-132 (48.5%) for 515 yards, 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions. He also ran for 133 yards and two scores. When Nate went down last year for a few games, it was Zander’s turn again, and he played relatively well. He was 15-31 (48.4%) for 166 yards, without a score or pick. He ran much better in two games than he did in six as a freshman, posting 136 yards and 2 scores on just 18 carries compared to his 55 as a freshman.
While undersized, Zander is much more of a dual-threat quarterback, which can give defenses quite a few different looks. The read option has proved to be effective with Zander at the helm, and he has also showcased a quick enough release to throw slants and swing routes with effectiveness. His smaller stature makes it tough for him to step up in the pocket and make contested throws over the middle, which allows defenses to sit in the flats and wait for him to either run or throw short routes. If he can develop and call upon a consistent deep ball this season, he would become a much more effective passer. He is a really great competitor, but it all comes down to how well he can throw the ball. If he has improved his arm strength and added some weight, he has a legitimate shot at winning the job. If he doesn’t win the job, he will be patiently waiting for his shot yet again in year three, and will most likely play well again when that time comes.
#21- Richard Lagow
It has been a wild ride for incoming Hoosier Richard Lagow so far, but Bloomington appears to be his final stop. Kevin Wilson made Lagow a top priority in the offseason, as the quarterback depth in the past few seasons has been less than desirable. Lagow ultimately chose Indiana, and now finds himself battling to become the man who will take the first snap for the Hoosiers on September 1st.
There has been no indication of Lagow having an edge in camp just yet, but that time should come soon. While he has yet to take a snap at the D1 level, Lagow has the ability to run IU’s offense much like Nate Sudfeld did. Lagow is not Sudfeld, but he is similar in many ways. He has the large pro-style size that Kevin Wilson loves, and he also has a very strong arm. Lagow can make every throw on the field, and this allows for the quarterback to be the catalyst for the entire team. When the offense was humming last season, it was because Sudfeld could make the correct read and deliver the ball on time to allow the offense to play fast and stay on the field. It sounds simple, but Lagow needs to master the playbook and develop chemistry with his receivers in order to try and see a similar level of success. If he can do this, I expect him to be the starting quarterback against Florida International. If he cannot grasp the scheme in time, Zander Diamont could very realistically win the job due to his experience and comfort level within the offense. Time will tell, but Lagow should be fine by the time the season finally rolls around.
QB3
#18- Danny Cameron
Danny Cameron has been around the offense for two seasons now. After a redshirt in 2014, DC had an appearance against Penn State last season after Sudfeld did not play and Zander Diamont got knocked early in the game. In that game, he completed 6 of 15 passes for 65 yards, but also threw a pick. He was thrown into the fire, and got pummeled on almost every time he dropped back. Not exactly the ideal start to a collegiate career, but you have to start somewhere. In year three, Cameron will be a depth guy. Diamont and Lagow will be the top two guys all year unless one of them gets hurt. Cameron’s job will be to push them in practice while also mentoring the younger guys. Cameron brings good size and a solid arm to the table. He struggles with mobility and has a lengthy release, but both of these things appear to be improving. Cameron is a great guy to have in the program, and will always be ready in case his number has to be called upon. He’ll continue to improve as a redshirt sophomore.
QB4
#16- Austin King
At the time, I thought he would become a “steal” in the 2015 recruiting class. 247sports had him rated as the #30 QB nationally, and all signs pointed to him being talented enough to back up Sudfeld as a true freshman. He ended up redshirting to preserve his eligibility, and now heads into his redshirt freshman season as the likely #4 on the depth chart. He has not progressed as much as many thought to this point, but is still on track to compete for #1 reps by the time Diamont and Lagow are gone. King’s focus this year will be on developing his body and his decision-making. He has a really, really strong arm, and is mobile enough to scamper for first downs when the time is right. King fits Indiana’s system perfectly, but there is finally quality depth at the QB position. King could end up as the #3 or even as the #2 by season’s end due to his play alone (not accounting for injuries).
If a few guys go down, King should be ready to take over towards the end of the season. He would not be ready to let it loose and throw the ball 40 times a game, but the coaches would likely be comfortable feeding him a small portion of the playbook to get him going. In a few seasons, King should be ready to lead the offense, and will likely be very successful while doing so.
Redshirt
#3- Peyton Ramsey
Considered more of a “game manager” coming in, Peyton Ramsey has reportedly already begun to turn some heads with his throwing ability and his ability to pick up the playbook. He is somewhat ahead of schedule already, and now actually appears to be a threat to Austin King when Diamont and Lagow are gone. He is another pocket passer with good size, and should be able to develop a consistent deep ball while redshirting this season. Don’t be surprised if you read stories about the 2018 quarterback battle much like the ones you have been force fed for months now about the 2016 battle. Ramsey could be a good one. We’ll see.