Way Too Early Starting QB Predictions For 2024

With the departure of Cam Fancher, an underlying question must be answered at Marshall: “Who will be the new starting quarterback?”. As we know, the quarterback is, by far, the most glamorous position on the field for good reason. They call the shots, lead the team, address media questions, and essentially become the face of the entire program. For the past 10 years, Marshall has been on the hunt for the next "great one" to step in and take the position. We've seen individuals in the past who seemed to possess the talent - guys like Chase Litton, Grant Wells, and even Cam Fancher - all demonstrating considerable skill. However, in every instance, something seemed to be missing.

Fast forward to the end of December 2023, and the depth at the QB position hasn't been this robust in a long time. At this point, it appears to be a three-horse race for the starting QB job at Marshall. Frankly, I'm okay with any option as all these individuals are talented, possess a good mindset, and seem to embody the qualities of what it takes to be the "face" of a program. Let's delve deeper into each of them.

Cole Pennington

Let's start with the obvious: Cole Pennington. Reviewing Cole's 2023 statistics might seem abysmal (695 yards passing, 0 TDs, and 6 INTs), but understanding the context is crucial. I've never seen a more unlucky QB at Marshall than Cole Pennington thus far. He fell victim to numerous factors that led to poor numbers. Firstly, he grappled with one of the worst offensive coaching staffs witnessed at Marshall. Under Clint Trickett's guidance, the Herd experienced record lows in offensive performance due to an undoubtedly flawed offensive scheme. Fans could accurately predicted play-calling on social media, highlighting the inadequacy. Secondly, Pennington lacked strong support in terms of receiving options. This isn't a knock on the WRs themselves, but watching every game in the 2023 season revealed an unusually high number of dropped passes from this unit. I witnessed Cole throw exquisite passes hitting his WRs in stride, only for them to inexplicably drop the ball.

Overall, Pennington is a talented guy with a good arm and seems to possess a keen sense of awareness. Considering the multitude of WR talent signed in this portal class, I'd feel extremely confident letting Pennington lead the team in 2024.

Braylon Braxton

Initially I was unfamiliar with Braylon Braxton, considering he played for the AAC cellar-dweller Tulsa, but after reviewing his tapes, all I can say is WOW. This guy can do a bit of everything. He excels in scrambling out of trouble, possesses a precise and accurate arm, and seems to exude leadership based on the limited media interactions available online. He's someone with an incredible amount of potential solely based on his talent, but he needs coaching and development to reach his true potential. And what he can be... is genuinely exceptional. My current concern lies in his ability to stay healthy. In 2022, he had a phenomenal year throwing for 10 TDs and only 2 INTs. However, in 2023, due mostly to injury, he managed only 2 TDs and 6 INTs. The question of who will start at QB next year hinges on which version of Braylon Braxton we'll get. At full health, it'll be hard to justify starting anyone else over him.

Mitch Griffis

If you were to look up a starting QB in the dictionary, you might find a picture of Mitch Griffis next to it. Serving as the understudy for Wake Forest and Notre Dame great Sam Hartman for two seasons undoubtedly helped him develop not only his play but also his leadership capabilities. When I assess Griffis, I don't necessarily see the most athletic player on the field. He's reasonably quick, throws a decent ball, and mostly makes good decisions (when his offensive line affords him time). In terms of tangible skills, it's evident that he's a solid ball player. What distinguishes him from Pennington and Braxton is his leadership and PR capabilities. Whenever he faces a microphone, whether after practice, a game, or at a media day, he embodies exactly what you'd want from your starting QB. Moreover, it's clear he's a leader among his peers. He was selected as a captain at Wake Forest last season, showcasing the respect his teammates had for him. I recall an early-season matchup where Wake Forest played Old Dominion on the road and struggled initially. It seemed like ODU might add Wake Forest to their list of ACC teams defeated, until Mitch Griffis rallied his team, turning the game around and securing a victory against an unexpectedly tough opponent. This quality has been absent in Marshall QBs since the days of Rakeem Cato. If Huff indeed gives Griffis the green light for 2024, he'll be an ideal QB to establish a culture of excellence and pave the way for what it means to be a Marshall QB moving forward.

In conclusion, for all the reasons mentioned, I feel confident with any of these three individuals taking over. However, if I had to choose based solely on my gut feeling today, I believe Braylon Braxton is the next in line. The potential upside with his talent is too significant to overlook. Given proper coaching and the opportunity to learn from leaders like Mitch Griffis, the Herd might very well be set for 2024. It's bound to be a tight race. Each of these guys brings something unique to the table, making Spring and Summer in Huntington an intriguing prospect.

Who do I think will suit up at QB in 2024?