Quarterback power rankings: Best college football quarterbacks of 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Houston Cougars quarterback D’Eriq King (4) gains nine rushing yards on a key third down conversion late in the game during the football game between the USF Bulls and Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

9. D’Eriq King, Houston

The rare wide receiver-to-quarterback transition, D’Eriq King made it smoothly in his first season as the starter. He played off a surprisingly successful, shorter campaign in 2017 when he completed 64.2 percent of passes for 1,260 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions as the late-year starter.

So, for 2018, it was 2,982 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 63.5 percent passing. Three games topped 400 yards, helping this Houston offense become one of the nation’s most dynamic groups en route to an 8-3 record with King at the helm.

Not only that, but King was electric on the ground, with 674 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. It turned him into one of the nation’s best two-way threats from the quarterback position and set the stage for what he could do in 2019.

King can raise himself even higher in the conversation of the nation’s best quarterbacks with another stellar season. He is already among the best rushers from his position, and if that efficient play continues throwing the football, there is upside for greater things, pending a healthy return from a knee injury.

There may not be space for a Heisman Trophy campaign, but King can still walk out of this season with accolades and put himself in the conversation with the state of Texas’ other quarterbacks.