With spring practice right around the corner for the Hilltoppers, WKUSports.com breaks down the position groups every weekday leading up to March 17.
Today's focus, and the final of our breakdown, is on the Hilltopper quarterbacks.
Last season's success at the quarterback position for the Hilltoppers is welcome documented. Brandon Doughty shattered the WKU record books and cemented his status as a bonafide game changer running Jeff Brohm's up-tempo offense.
Entering 2015, however, Doughty won't surprise anyone like he and the Hilltoppers did early on last season. In all, seven starters are back on offense and four of the top five pass catchers are also back. Behind Doughty in the backup position is also a strength as redshirt junior Nelson Fishback is in the stable as well as promising redshirt freshman Drew Eckels.
Breaking down 2014:
During fall camp last season, Doughty said he felt the WKU offense could become one of, if not the best offense in the country. At the time, the assembled media around him were slightly skeptical. He proved those doubters wrong from the opening snap of the season to the end, throwing for a then-school record six touchdowns and 569 yards in the season opener.
By season's end, Doughty had thrown for a school and conference record 49 touchdowns and led the country with 4,830 yards as well. Doughty's only darkspot on the resume, and one he will likely look forward to in 2015, was the final loss of the season for the Hilltoppers at the hands of LA Tech.
Looking at 2015:
With Doughty back at the helm for one final season, the Hilltopper quarterback room is in good hands. Doughty has spent the offseason training one-on-one with assistant strength coach Domenic Reno who has multiple years of NFL experience and worked with New York Giants and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning.
Behind Doughty, Fishback and Eckels will compete this spring for the No. 2 position. Fishback has been on campus since 2013 after transferring in from Butte Community College. Fishback has one start under his belt, the Troy game in 2013, and has been in the program long enough to be considered the presumptive backup from the start of spring ball on.
Eckels has all of the ability and getting even more reps this spring will be crucial to the freshman's development under center.
Positional Breakdown:
Returning (3):
Brandon Doughty
Drew Eckels
Nelson Fishback
Additions (1)
Will Campbell
Letterman Lost (2)
Troy Jones
Todd Porter
