Ranking the projected starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 for 2023
By Andrew Tineo
10. Donovan Smith, Houston
The Houston Cougars have the tall task of replacing Clayton Tune, the most decorated quarterback since Greg Ward, in H-Town. A new beginning to the league also signals a new quarterback after Donovan Smith spent his past two seasons with Texas Tech.
Smith’s biggest blemish in 2022 was keeping the ball. He threw eight interceptions in the first five games, including three against the Cougars.
One of Donovan Smith’s final runs at Texas Tech was this juke and touchdown…sources say #23 on OU still doesn’t know what planet he’s on pic.twitter.com/i3ptYQ7EvT
— Ben Golan (@BenjaminGolan) December 5, 2022
As what will become a trend in the league, Smith has a legitimate dual-threat ability, and his 6-foot-5 230-pound frame should work beautifully for the Houston offense.
A unit that not only lost Tune but second-round draft pick Tank Dell. Smith’s tall task focuses on limiting the mistakes, and although he still threw at a 64% completion clip, it makes the eight turnovers more frustrating.
His new start under head coach Dana Holgerson gives both a second chance in the Big 12.