Obviously his play has been a big reason they have been playing better.

He has probably been as good as, and in many cases the best QB on the field in every game he has played .

Impressive because the SBC is loaded with talented QB's this year.

Starting in the spring game last year , the buzz was he could be the starter this year, even though they had a Senior QB with multiple P5 starts coming in , and two redshirt freshman-one that held offer from likes Iowa State, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, etc., and another that had offers from Arizona, Auburn, Utah and Vanderbilt, etc., already on their roster.

While they will almost certainly have to cough up some NIL $ to keep him, if the do you will probably start hearing him being mentioned as possibly their GOAT at the QB position, before he exits his teen's. Most can't wait to see what he can do as a eighteen year old next year.

and Butch Jones should get a little credit.

Looking ahead there is something worth keeping in mind ......... Butch Jones is noted for developing players, much more than recruiting them. Considered one of the best in the business.

Maybe those those 4 and 5 star types at Tennessee, did not feel they needed to suffer the relentless focus on getting better every day under Butch "Sargent Carter" Jones, but those at A-State, like those at Central Michigan and Cincinnati do, and that will become more and more evident over the next few seasons.

"If you're looking for an off-the-radar quarterback headed into the 2024 season, keep a close eye on the Sun Belt. Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor took home Freshman of the Year honors this past season, and he stuck with the Red Wolves instead of hitting the Transfer Portal. He landed on On3's Freshman All-American Team following his college debut, and he showed off a great arm and some impressive timing throws when stacked up alongside the Who's Who of top quarterbacks in attendance."

Complete article: https://www.on3.com/news/2024-manning-pa...ht-lights/

Really don't think even A-State fans realize just how talented a QB they have.

Was a very good HS QB as a 150 something lb 15year old starter as a Junior, who made a huge leap physically as a 16 year old 175lb HS Senior. Enough to get multiple FBS offers. Made another huge leap as he matured into a 204lb 17 year old starter as a true freshman. The expectation is that he will make another big leap this year as an eighteen year old , and will have their fan base talking about him being their GOAT at that position this year.

He is that good. If he had been where most 17 year old's were last year and in HS, probably a 5-Star recruit at some other school this year, and should be a very strong candidate for POY in the SBC.