BYU Football: Zach Wilson named to 2019 Players to Watch List

BYU Football fans aren’t the only ones excited for the future of quarterback Zach Wilson. He’s now been named a national player to watch by a prestigious outlet.

After his record-breaking performance in BYU Football’s bowl win, it should come as no surprise that expectations and excitement is high for Zach Wilson’s future.

And it’s not just Cougar fans. On Wednesday the freshman quarterback was named to the Touchdown Club of Columbus‘ 2019 Players to Watch list.

It’s a relatively small list, composed of 29 players who the club believes can deliver standout performances for their team next season.

And if 2018 is any indicator, Wilson will be poised for a breakout year in 2019. He started the final seven games for the Cougars, and while the results were mixed his abilities were on display.

BYU went 4-3 in his starts, and he broke the school’s freshman record for quarterback efficiency rating (157.23). He threw for 1,578 yards on 65.9% passing and 12 touchdowns.

Assuming he stays healthy, Wilson will start the season under center and have an entire year as the leader of BYU’s offense.

More importantly, he’ll have the entire offseason as the No. 1 quarterback, meaning he’ll get more reps and more work with next year’s starters.

Hopefully Wilson will continue to improve his game as his college career progresses. The last two quarterbacks to have successful freshman campaigns both failed to show that improvement year-to-year.

Unlike most lists, the Players to Watch list will honor all 29 of the players at the Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards next month. The club gives out numerous awards at that ceremony, including high-profile ones such as the Sammy Baugh Trophy, the Jim Brown Award, and the Woody Hayes Trophy.