5. Arizona – Jayden de Laura
After two seasons at Washington State, de Laura transferred to Arizona in January. Arizona had a crowded quarterback room in 2021 and de Laura will provide stability to the position. The Wildcats had five quarterbacks make appearances in 2021. The lack of trust in their quarterbacks led to a 1-11 overall record.
4. Air Force – Haaziq Daniels
2021 was Daniels’ breakout season as Air Force’s quarterback. He led the Falcons to a 10-3 overall record in 2021. When Air Force played San Diego State in October 2021, Daniels had trouble throwing the ball but he rushed for 50 yards against the Aztecs. Daniels wants to have a better performance against San Diego State in 2022.
3. Boise State – Hank Bachmeier
Boise State finished the 2021 season with a 7-5 record in Andy Avalos’s first season. Bachmeier had to make adjustments in a new offense and he managed to pass for 3,079 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Bachmeier will flourish in his second season in the offense.
2. Fresno State – Jake Haener
Haener nearly left Fresno State and returned to Washington before he decided to come back to Fresno for one final season. In Fresno State’s 10-point win over San Diego State in October 2021, threw for more than 300 yards with one touchdown. He played an important role in that win and the entire season. Haener will be an impactful part of Fresno State’s 2022 season.
1. Utah – Cameron Rising
Rising was a part of Utah’s magical 2021 season. The Utes nearly won the Rose Bowl, but fell short against Ohio State. Rising passed for 2,493 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2021. San Diego State will need to plan for Rising to play a major role in Utah’s offense on Sept. 17.
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