LSU Position Group Breakdown: QB

As we wait for the 2024 season, I’d like to create breakdown for each position of our team. If y’all like this one, I will continue to do these!

QB
Coach Joe Sloan
Starting QB: Garrett Nussmier
Depth: AJ Swann, Rickie Collins, Collin Hurley

Starter Discussion: The son of an NFL QB Coach, Garrett Nussmier possesses a rocket of an arm that is capable of making every throw on the field. He’s been a tiger through and through, patiently waiting for his time to start, and it’s finally here. He stands at around 6’2 210 and will be a redshirt junior when the 2024 season starts. This is going to be his 3rd year under Sloan, and following a Heisman winner will be no easy task. Career numbers in a backup role are 129-219 (59% completion percentage) with 11 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. He saw extensive action against UGA in the 2022 SEC Championship game and played extremely well 15/27 (55%) with 2 touchdowns and 1 pick. Don’t take these numbers for granted, UGA defense was the best in the nation. In his first career start in the bowl game against Wisconsin, he completed 31-45 passes (69%) for 395 yards, 3 touchdowns to 1 pick and was named MVP of the game. A few things stand out from his bowl performance that may foreshadow our 2024 offense. He spread the ball out, with completions to 7 different players. This includes 4 different receivers, 2 running backs, and 1 Tight end. Out of the players to catch a pass, we return 2 of the receivers (Lacey: 6-96, Hilton 3-56-1), both RBS (Williams 3-22, Jackson 1-13), and our tight end (Taylor 7-88). I expect Nuss to continue to build on his rapport with our returning players, on top of the additions of Daniel and Thomas. I think we will also see Anderson, Shelton, and Parker get in on the action.

With Nuss’s gunslinger mentality come mistakes. We have seen him become erratic at times, with overthrows and missing guys high. His lack of starting experience is a negative as well, though I think he has been well prepared for this moment. Will need to consistently throw on the run with boots and play action. Hopefully will be added to his repertoire. Last recorded 40 I found was a 4.82, which puts him on par with Mahomes, Dak, Daniel Jones, and Purdy. Those players display an ability to escape the pocket, but will not break free on runs like we’ve gotten use to with JD5.

Overall, let the missiles fly in Tiger Stadium. Nuss has an NFL arm, and we’ll see some absolute bombs thrown to our pass catchers. There will be frustration as Nuss adjusts to life as a starting QB. There will touchdowns that have you looking on in disbelief of what you just saw, but there will be interceptions that make you do the same. I look forward to seeing Nuss lead our team

Starting QB Grade: B Small sample size to really dig into Nuss and unproven, but 3 years in the system and coming off an MVP performance in the bowl game, I expect him to bloom into a true QB1 under Sloan’s leadership. I expect his grade to grow throughout the year.

Backup Discussion: Order based on projected depth chart

AJ Swann (Redshirt Junior): 6’3, 230 with 2 years of SEC Experience. Career numbers: 222/394 (56%) 2731 yards 22 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. Not a rushing threat. In a transfer portal world where QBS reign supreme, it’s difficult to find an experienced QB willing to transfer in as a backup. SEC experience is vital to the number 2 role, and Swann has exactly that. We all know Vandy is a bottom feeder SEC football team with limited weapons. Swann definitely upgrades here. I look forward to seeing his development under Sloan that hopefully happens strictly on the practice field and in mop up duty, as most do with their number 2 QB. However, his experience in case of emergency is definitely reassuring.

Rickie Collins (Redshirt Freshmen) : 6’2 210 saw his only playing time of the year against Grambling where he completed 2/2 passes for 3 yards, and ran 3 times for 19 yards. Will continue to develop under Sloan. Don’t expect to see much of Collins this year except in games like Nicholls.

Collin Hurley (True Freshmen): 6’1 217 early enrollee who reclassified from the 25 class to the 24 class. Coming in young, (16 or 17), this will definitely be a redshirt year for the youngster. Excited about his potential, but a long way down the road. He needs to be a sponge all year long.

Backup QB Grade: B+ While there is no superstar backup in the room, having an experienced SEC starter serving as your #2 QB is a major advantage. Collins will continue to grow, while Hurley adjusts to college football at such a young age.

There is plenty to be excited about at the head of the LSU Offense.