Spring Practice 2018 Position Battle: Quarterback

Peyton Ramsey had a solid freshman season in 2017, but can he win the starting job in 2018? Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by: Lauralys Shallow (@ShallowLauralys)

The heart of any offense is the quarterback. For the past two seasons, Richard Lagow has been the pulse of the IU offense. Lagow threw for a total of 4,400 yards and an average of 220 YDS/G during his time at IU. The 6’6 240 pound quarterback played in ten games last season, only missing action against Charleston Southern. In his 2017 campaign, Lagow threw 15 TD and 8 INT. Lagow graduated, but the Hoosiers have a plethora of talent coming in, and Peyton Ramsey saw a good amount of playing time last season.

IU finished sixth in scoring offense in the B1G, scoring 26.8 PPG. IU was also sixth in total offense with 3188 pass yards 25 pass TD and 1561 rush yards. Most impressively, IU was third in pass offense, completing 306/502 passes. The Hoosiers struggled with turnovers. IU’s 13 interceptions was the fourth most in the conference. With two true freshmen and a redshirt freshman likely assuming the role of quarterback, they will have to mature quickly and adjust to the system to limit turnovers.

The Candidates

Peyton Ramsey- 6’2/210-RS-FR-Ramsey played in 8 games during the 2017 season. He threw for a total of 1,252 yards and completed 62% of his passes. He threw for a season high 321 yards on 32 completions against Charleston Southern. Ramsey had his highest completion percentage on the road at Virginia where he completed 16 of his 20 throws. Ramsey threw 10 TD and 5 INT on the season. Ramsey also has a decent running game. He ran for a total of 226 yards on the season and 2 rushing TD. He gained 54 yards on 15 carries against Charleston Southern and 53 yards on 12 carries against Penn State. He finished 6th in pass efficiency in the B1G. Ramsey has the ability to throw on the move and his versatility allows the offense to open up the run game more. I believe Ramsey has an edge right now because of the experience he brings to the quarterback position.

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Michael Penix Jr.-6’3/205-FR- The Tampa Bay native is enrolled in 2018 spring classes, and he has been participating in practices. The lefty threw for 61 TD and only 6 INT in 24 games as a starter at Tampa Bay Technical High School. Penix threw for 2,165 yards with 30 TDs, 5INTs, and a 114.2 QB rating as a senior. He rushed for 449 yards on 37 carries (12.1 average) and 10 TDs his final high school season. Coming into IU, Penix was ranked the No. 13 pro-style quarterback nationally and the No. 54 prospect in Florida by Rivals. Penix brings speed that the other candidates lack. A track athlete in high school, he ran a 22.8 in 200 meter dash. If Penix is as quick to learning IU’s system as he is on his feet, he could put himself in a good position to earn the starting spot. Spring practices and the spring game will be a good way to gage Penix’s chance of securing the starting spot.

Nick Tronti-6’2/205- RS FR- Another quarterback talent out of Florida, Tronti threw for 7,443 passing yards, 72 passing TDs and 20 rushing TDs at Ponte Vedra. The 2016 Florida Mr. Football ended with a 63.1 completion percentage. Tronti’s 72 passing TDs are second only to Tim Tebow (95) in St. Johns County history. In Tronti’s senior campaign, he passed for 3,328 yards and 34 TDs and ran for for 650 yards and 20 TDs. He is ranked No. 32 dual-threat quarterback nationally by ESPN.

Tronti redshirted his freshman season in Bloomington, winning offensive scout team player of the year. While he has not seen any game action, he has a year in the program under his belt. 

Prediction

I like having three viable prospects that could potentially start as quarterback. Each of them are dual-threats and give IU more options on offense. I think the freshmen especially will go through growing pains. The college game is undeniably a huge adjustment. Everyone is fast, smart, and just really darn good. Also, The B1G is one of the toughest conferences in college football. Each of the candidatded could make contributions, and I would not be surprised if all three saw playing time next season. 

Starter- Peyton Ramsey

Peyton’s experience gives him the edge over the true freshmen. Ramsey was able to create plays for IU last season. Once Ramsey got the start over Lagow against Charleston Southern, he proved he was ready for the moment, leading IU to a 27-0 victory. IU opens up the 2018 season on the road against Florida International, and I don’t see a true freshman getting the start over him. Ramsey’s toughness and experience are the main reasons I would deem him starter. 

2nd string-Michael Penix Jr.

While Penix arrived in Bloomington a semester early, I still think he will need more time to acclimate to the college game. He is adjusting to IU’s system and strength and conditioning, but one thing he cannot get in spring practices is a true college game under his belt. I think Penix will see playing time early on in the season, and if he does his job and creates opportunities and points for IU, his play time could increase.  

Contributor-Nick Tronti

Tronti should get some snaps under center as well, and will need to hold off Mike Penix in a race for number two or to steal the starting job. With nothing to lose  but time, Tronti should be able to find his way onto the field. With the offense IU runs and durability issues with Peyton Ramsey, IU will need Tronti to be at the ready.

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