Paxton Lynch has lead the #13 Memphis Tigers to a respectable 8-1 record while also having the best year of his career. Paxton Lynch a redshirt junior from Deltona Florida and a potential Heisman finalists. The latest Heisman Odds have Lynch currently sitting at eighth. Since 1990 there have been ten players from non Power 5 schools to become Heisman finalists. If Lynch continues to have a completion percentage of 70% and a QBR of 164.5 he should be in Times Square later on this season.
With Lynch’s cannon of an arm, he runs the spread offense down in Memphis fluently while taking a consistent amount of snaps from center. With Lynch’s size( 6’7 245 lbs.) he is a threat when he is mobile as well. His footwork is questionable at times, when his feet are not set the ball seems to sail away from the intended receiver. His arm strength is a great skill that Lynch possess. The Memphis Tigers have watched Paxton Lynch develop into an NFL prospect. Per year Lynch has developed not only into a more technically sound Quarterback, but also a complete Quarterback. Lynch’s Touchdown and Interception ratio has improved per year by 42%. Lynch has thrown at an elite level this year, throwing for 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
In 2014 Lynch only converted 6% of his passes of 25 yards plus(26 attempts out of 413 attempts), this year he has improved and has converted 9% of his passes of 25 yards plus(18 attempts out of 199 attempts). Almost half of the games Paxton Lynch has played in he has completed over 70% of his passes, most notably against Ole Miss(73.6%). Lynch threw for 384 yards 3 touchdowns and one interception, truly an elite performance for one of the best Quarterbacks in the country.
If Paxton Lynch is elected as a Heisman finalist he would be the eleventh player for a Non-Power five school to do so. Previous players to also become finalists Marshall Faulk (San Diego State 1992), Randy Moss( Marshall 1997), and Steve McNair (Alcorn State. 1994). Paxton Lynch would place himself in some college football Legacy and should be a high draft pick.
-Cameron Carter
