Early Years (1892-1949)
The early years of Michigan State football saw the emergence of several talented quarterbacks who laid the foundation for the team's future success. One of the most notable early quarterbacks was Jack Bauerle, who played from 1927 to 1929 and led the team to a Big Ten championship in 1929.
Another notable quarterback from this era was Gene Derricotte, who played from 1936 to 1938 and was a key player in the team's 1936 Big Ten championship season. Derricotte's leadership and passing ability helped the team to a 6-1-1 record in conference play that year.
While the early years of Michigan State football were marked by some talented quarterbacks, the team struggled to find consistency and success on the field. However, these early players laid the groundwork for the team's future growth and development.
The Modern Era (1950-1989)
The modern era of Michigan State football saw the emergence of some truly legendary quarterbacks, including Earl Morrall, who played from 1953 to 1955 and led the team to a Big Ten championship in 1953. Morrall's passing ability and leadership helped the team to a 7-1 record in conference play that year.
Another notable quarterback from this era was Steve Juday, who played from 1964 to 1966 and was a key player in the team's 1965 Big Ten championship season. Juday's passing ability and accuracy helped the team to a 6-1 record in conference play that year.
The modern era also saw the emergence of some talented quarterbacks who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, including Earl Morrall, who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, among others.
The Contemporary Era (1990-2019)
The contemporary era of Michigan State football saw the emergence of some truly talented quarterbacks, including Chris Redman, who played from 1995 to 1998 and was a key player in the team's 1995 Big Ten championship season. Redman's passing ability and leadership helped the team to a 7-1 record in conference play that year.
Another notable quarterback from this era was Brian Hoyer, who played from 2003 to 2007 and was a key player in the team's 2002 Big Ten championship season. Hoyer's passing ability and accuracy helped the team to a 6-1 record in conference play that year.
The contemporary era also saw the emergence of some talented quarterbacks who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, including Brian Hoyer, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts, among others.
Recent Years (2020-Present)
Recent years have seen the emergence of some truly talented quarterbacks, including Brian Lewerke, who played from 2016 to 2019 and was a key player in the team's 2017 Big Ten championship season. Lewerke's passing ability and leadership helped the team to a 7-1 record in conference play that year.
Another notable quarterback from this era is Payton Thorne, who played from 2019 to 2022 and was a key player in the team's 2020 Big Ten championship season. Thorne's passing ability and accuracy helped the team to a 6-1 record in conference play that year.
Recent years have also seen the emergence of some talented quarterbacks who are expected to make an impact in the NFL, including Payton Thorne, who is currently a free agent.
Quarterback Stats by Year
| Year | Quarterback | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Jack Bauerle | 1,115 | 8 | 6 |
| 1936 | Gene Derricotte | 1,230 | 7 | 4 |
| 1953 | Earl Morrall | 1,745 | 13 | 6 |
| 1965 | Steve Juday | 2,130 | 15 | 8 |
| 1995 | Chris Redman | 2,475 | 18 | 10 |
| 2002 | Brian Hoyer | 2,785 | 21 | 7 |
| 2017 | Brian Lewerke | 3,140 | 24 | 9 |
Steps to Become a Michigan State Quarterback
If you're a high school quarterback looking to become a Michigan State quarterback, here are some steps you can take:
- Get recruited: Reach out to Michigan State coaches and scouts to let them know you're interested in playing for the team.
- Meet the eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet the NCAA's eligibility requirements, including GPA and standardized test scores.
- Develop your skills: Work on your passing ability, accuracy, and leadership skills to become a top-notch quarterback.
- Attend a Michigan State football camp: Attend a Michigan State football camp to get a feel for the team's culture and to show coaches your skills.
- Stay focused and dedicated: To become a Michigan State quarterback, you'll need to stay focused and dedicated to your training and development.
Tips for Michigan State Quarterbacks
Here are some tips for Michigan State quarterbacks:
- Stay calm under pressure: As a quarterback, you'll face a lot of pressure on the field. Stay calm and focused to make good decisions.
- Communicate with your teammates: Good communication is key to success on the field. Make sure you're communicating with your teammates to get the best results.
- Read the defense: To succeed as a quarterback, you need to be able to read the defense and make quick decisions. Practice reading the defense to improve your skills.
- Take care of your body: As a quarterback, you'll need to take care of your body to stay healthy and perform at your best. Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated.