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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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Michigan State Quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) passes during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

28. Brian Lewerke, Michigan State

As a redshirt sophomore, Brian Lewerke was on the rise at Michigan State. His completion percentage was inconsistent, but he threw for nearly 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. Along with this, 559 rushing yards and five touchdowns were added, allowing for an effective first full season as the starter.

However, 2018 was underwhelming, to say the least, for Lewerke. He played 11 games, threw for just over 2,000 yards, watched his completion percentage drop to 54.3 and had eight passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions. It was attributed to a shoulder injury, and he missed time to end the season, but this marked a disappointing follow-up to a promising year.

Lewerke last played in a New Year’s Eve Six bowl game, so he should return healthy for the Spartans this fall. There is upside for him to return to form and act as the dual-threat quarterback who made this offense interesting two years ago.

If Lewerke can push 3,000 yards and 30 total touchdowns, it could be a successful senior campaign. At the forefront, he will have the chance to make noise in the Big Ten and push for a return to a top bowl game down the road. There is much to prove to reach that, however.