The starter.
Baylor Football
QB, Zach Smith (6-3, 225) | Grandview (TX) High School
— It's easy to forget that Zach Smith should have been redshirting during the 2016 season, but an unexpected transfer of Jarrett Stidham while Seth Russell was recovering from neck surgery pushed Smith to be the backup for the Bears last fall.
— After an injury to Russell against Oklahoma, Smith took control of the starting quarterback spot and went on to throw for 1,254 yards and 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions on 62-percent passing against Kansas State, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Boise State.
— Though the video above didn't end in a touchdown, you can see the large variety of throws which Smith is able to make. The most popping aspect, however, is his arm strength and ability to get the ball from far has to sideline without any issue. With a group of receivers who are familiar with catching and blocking for this scheme, it might make sense for this to find its way into the playbook to help protect a shallow offensive line.
— Competing with Anu Solomon for the starting position in 2017, Smith's ability to run the zone read, something that will stay in the playbook, could be his biggest weakness. Though he has improved his foot speed and dropped his weight, Solomon's ability in the run game could be a deciding factor.
— Don't discount Smith's familiarness with the returning players as playing a big role in the decision, either. Smith sacrificed a lot for his teammates in 2017 and they will remember that in the heat of the battle.
Previous: #14 Anu Solomon
30 for 30: #13 Zach Smith — Returning Starter
QB, Zach Smith (6-3, 225) | Grandview (TX) High School
— It's easy to forget that Zach Smith should have been redshirting during the 2016 season, but an unexpected transfer of Jarrett Stidham while Seth Russell was recovering from neck surgery pushed Smith to be the backup for the Bears last fall.
— After an injury to Russell against Oklahoma, Smith took control of the starting quarterback spot and went on to throw for 1,254 yards and 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions on 62-percent passing against Kansas State, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Boise State.
— Though the video above didn't end in a touchdown, you can see the large variety of throws which Smith is able to make. The most popping aspect, however, is his arm strength and ability to get the ball from far has to sideline without any issue. With a group of receivers who are familiar with catching and blocking for this scheme, it might make sense for this to find its way into the playbook to help protect a shallow offensive line.
— Competing with Anu Solomon for the starting position in 2017, Smith's ability to run the zone read, something that will stay in the playbook, could be his biggest weakness. Though he has improved his foot speed and dropped his weight, Solomon's ability in the run game could be a deciding factor.
— Don't discount Smith's familiarness with the returning players as playing a big role in the decision, either. Smith sacrificed a lot for his teammates in 2017 and they will remember that in the heat of the battle.
Previous: #14 Anu Solomon
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