Year in Review: Quarterback
Louisiana Tech (7-6) finished its 2017 campaign with three consecutive victories including their fourth straight bowl victory. The DXL Frisco Bowl win over SMU has Bulldog fans excited for 2018. Over the next few weeks we will take a look back at 2017 and a look ahead to what 2018 may hold for the ‘Dogs. Next up, quarterback.
2017 Quarterbacks:
J’Mar Smith. Rockstar. Those three words surrounded J’Mar Smith throughout the offseason and into the 2017 Louisiana Tech football season after Smith had a great performance on the road in a SEC environment against Arkansas as a redshirt freshman.
Smith is talented. It’s evident when you look at the numerous go-ahead drives he lead throughout the season. Talent is one thing; consistency is another. Smith struggled with consistency throughout the year, which is evidenced by Tech’s passing attack averaging only 230 yards per game.
For the season, Smith completed 56% of his throws for 2,974 yards to go along with 16 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also added 371 yards on the ground with six touchdowns. For a sophomore quarterback, these are good numbers. For a guy with sky high expectations entering the season, more was expected.
In leading Tech to a 51-10 win over SMU in the DXL Frisco Bowl, Smith had a career high four touchdowns. More importantly, it was evident that he was playing with much more confidence, and his teammates fed off of that confidence.
Westin Elliot saw minimal time as Smith’s backup completing 44% of his nine throws for 23 yards and one touchdown.
2018 Outlook:
Tech fans have become accustomed to high level quarterback play for many years. The quarterback play in 2017 obviously took a step back. For Tech to get its first Conference USA championship, the quarterback play must improve in 2018.
Will Smith take a step forward and become an all-conference player? With virtually no experience behind him, that is the anticipation. He has now started 14 games in his collegiate career. Lack of experience is no longer an excuse.
A strong spring practice to go along with a summer of reps with his receivers will go a long way in determining just how good he can really be.
Westin Elliot, along with 2017 signee Elijah Walker and 2018 signee Aaron Allen, will be competing for the backup role. Walk-on quarterback Nate Cox will also be looking to make some noise as well. The 6’8” gunslinger joined the program just before fall practice began in August.
Consensus:
For the first time since 2012, Tech will have the same quarterback in place for consecutive years.
Smith has the talent to be a star. It’s on him and quarterback coach Tim Rattay to fully turn that talent into production.
Improved quarterback play is certainly needed as Tech graduates both Boston Scott and Jarred Craft at the running back position. Will Smith be able to handle the enhanced pressure on his shoulders?
If Smith can throw for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2018, the Bulldogs might finally get over the hump and win their first Conference USA Championship.
Stay tuned to BleedTechBlue.com as we take a look at Dunkin’ Dog basketball and dive into the final recruiting targets with the late signing period on February 7th.