Kirk Cousins, Senior, Quarterback, Michigan State
Overview:
Kirk Cousins has overcome quite a few obstacles in an effort to take over Michigan State’s starting quarterback position. After redshirting in 2007 and seeing limited action as a backup in 2008, many thought Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol would arrive in East Lansing and take over the job. The quarterback battle lasted into the 2009 season, but it quickly became apparent that Cousins was the better option. During that season Cousins complete 60.4 percent of his passes and threw for 2,680 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Big things were expected from Cousins in 2010 and he did not disappoint, leading Michigan State to a share of the Big Ten title. Cousins completed an impressive 66.9 percent of his passes during his junior campaign and grew as a leader and a quarterback.
Final Projection:
At 6-3, Cousins has the look of an NFL quarterback. He will not put up huge numbers in Michigan State’s run first offense, but he is a superb game manager and a very consistent passer. What may be most telling is not everything Cousins did well during the 2010 season, but how he reacted when things went bad. The Spartans lost one regular season game against Iowa in which Cousins had an awful game. However, he came back the following week and, even while not playing particularly well himself, led the Spartans to an easy victory over Minnesota.
1/5/12 Update:
Cousins is all about the intangibles. He has the arm and the body to play in the NFL, but it will be his intelligence that gets him drafted earlier than many would expect. In 2011 he threw for 3,316 yards and 25 touchdowns on a team that was supposed to run a lot more than they did. More importantly, Cousins led his Spartan squad through a tough schedule and the team had a great year. Cousins will not have the strongest arm or the best footwork or mechanics of this crop of quarterbacks, but he is worth a third or fourth round pick and could turn into a fine backup who has the smarts and passion to step in and play well when needed.
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