5 reasons Pat Mahomes will be a 2016 Hesiman finalist

No. 2

Pat Mahomes has a full year as a starting quarterback under his belt

The sophomore season Pat Mahomes put up would is amazing even if examined in a vacuum. But when put into context, it becomes hard to fathom.

At a school that has produced numerous prolific passers, Mahomes first year as a starter ranks among the best seasons ever. Now, let’s compare his sophomore stats to those of the two best quarterbacks in program history, Graham Harrell and Kliff Kingsbury.

In 2006, Harrell put up 4,555 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. In the 2000 season, Kingsbury threw for 3,418 yards, 21 touchdowns and 17 picks.

Mahomes easily outperformed Kingsbury, whose sophomore year was the first season of Mike Leach’s tenure at Texas Tech. With 4,683 yards passing, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, he compares favorably with Graham Harrell in terms of what each did through the air.

But Mahomes can do one thing Harrell couldn’t; run. With 459 yards rushing, Mahomes total offense in 2015 became 5,112 yards.

The sophomore version of Harrell ran for -66 yards bringing his total offense down to 4,489 yards. He also ran for only two touchdowns brining his total for his second campaign to an even 40.

After all, look at what he did in his first three starts ever in college football.

But in 2015, Mahomes ran for ten touchdowns to up his sophomore total to 46. It is not far-fetched to imagine Mahomes accounting for over 50 touchdowns and decreasing his interception total to somewhere near 10.

Given how much Texas Tech relies upon Mahomes, more than any other school in the nation relies on its quarterback, he could be the highest scoring player in college football next year.

Pat Mahomes has now been through a full Big 12 slate as well as having played against two tough SEC opponents in Arkansas and LSU. The experience he will bring into 2016 should prepare him for just about anything.

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