Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Mississippi State #7
6045, 226, 4.64
Notes: From Richmond Hill, GA. Redshirted in 2014. Backup to Dak Prescott, seeing action in 8 games, completed 11-of-14 passes for 235 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT and rushed 23-127-3 in 2015. Started all 13 games, completed 196-of-361 passes (54.3%) for 2,423 yards, 21 TD, 10 INT and rushed 195-1,375-16 (7.1 avg.) in 2016. Started 12 games, completed 159-of-286 passes for 1,782 yards, 15 TD, 11 INT and rushed 162-984-14 (6.1 avg.) in 2017. Suffered a broken right ankle early in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night and underwent surgery the following day. Earned his degree in finance in December 2017. Played in 2018 while working on post graduate studies. Bulldogs will transition to more of a pro-style offense under new coach Joe Moorhead from what he has run previously, including high school. Completed 145-of-281 (51.6%) for 1,767 yards, 16 TD, 9 INT and rushed 221-1,121-13 (5.1 avg.) in 2018.
Positives: Prototype size. Good all-around athlete. Strong arm. Can read coverages and make all the throws. Can thread the needle. Very tough and competitive. Smart and mature. Difficult to bring down in the pocket. Improving mechanics. Moves well in the pocket. Very good footspeed and mobility. Can tuck the ball, run for positive yardage and really hurt defenses with his feet. Able to get tough yards.
Negatives: Lacks refinement and consistency as a passer. Very much a work in progress with his accuracy. Needs to improve his footwork and platform mechanics. Will throw into coverage at times.
Summary: Still more an athlete than polished passer, but has some potential and the right makeup.
