DENTON, TX — OSU’s hiring of North Texas coach Eric Morris comes with a big question: Will Morris’ star quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, follow his coach to Stillwater?
Mestemaker was asked about the possibility Friday after he led the Mean Green to a 52-25 blowout of Temple.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I mean, not really,” Mestemaker said when asked specifically if he’s considered joining Morris at OSU. “I love Coach Morris and everything he’s done for us, and for me specifically, but that’s something I honestly haven’t even thought about. If you’re in the season thinking about what you’re gonna do after the season you’re just missing out on what we play the game for, honestly.”
The redshirt freshman quarterback ranks in the top-three nationally in passing yards per game and passing touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Mestemaker has the third-highest passer grade among FBS quarterbacks.
Under Morris, Mestemaker has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the country despite never starting a varsity game at quarterback for Vandegrift High in Austin.
MUSSATTO: Eric Morris explains why he's leaving North Texas for Oklahoma State football coaching job
North Texas Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) throws a pass against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.Mestemaker would be one of the hottest commodities in college football should he enter the transfer portal.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’ve heard things from the outside and there’s a lot of rumors going on, but I haven’t even given that a thought,” Mestemaker said. “I’m just trying to win this conference and see what we can do in the playoffs.”
Mestemaker completed 20 of 24 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns Friday against Temple. During the game, Mestemaker broke the American Conference’s single-season freshman record for passing yards — previously held by UCF’s Dillon Gabriel.
Morris said he hasn’t had any conversations with his players about the upcoming transfer portal.
“The portal doesn’t open up for a while,” Morris said. “I think December is dead now and obviously there’s only one portal window in January. I don’t say anything to any one of my players about anything besides, ‘Let’s go try to win a conference championship next week.’”
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Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at [email protected]. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker mum on future, transferring to OSU
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