Whether they played for Group of Five or FCS programs, there are plenty of promising prospects in this year’s NFL Draft who didn’t play in the Power Five conferences.
Here’s a look at some of the best Group of Five quarterbacks who might not go in the first round but could end up providing key contributions for a pro team sometime in the near future.
1. Clayton Tune of Houston
Tune was brilliant in his final season with the Cougars.
On his way to All-AAC first-team honors, Tune threw 40 touchdown passes in 2022, which was third in the country and set a new conference record. He was also fifth in the nation with 313.4 passing yards per game and seventh with 25.7 completions per game.
Tune also tied for first in the country in Pro Football Focus’ passing grades. He led his team to a victory in the Independence Bowl as he was the game’s MVP after completing 18 of 27 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
He was great throughout his career, as he finished second in program history with 104 passing touchdowns.
If he lands in the right situation, he could be in the NFL for a long time.
Read more: NFL Draft: Can Houston’s Clayton Tune Benefit From Brock Purdy’s Success?
2. Todd Centeio of JMU
Centeio went to James Madison after spending the first few seasons of his collegiate career at Colorado State and Temple, and the decision paid off. He was the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in his one and only season with the Dukes.
In 10 games, Centeio completed 64% of his passes for 2,697 yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions. He added 393 yards and seven touchdowns on 94 rush attempts.
Centeio also set the single-game program records for passing yards (468) and tied the record with six passing touchdowns in a game. He also finished top 10 at JMU in a single season for passing touchdowns, passing yards, total offense, completions, and pass attempts.
In JMU’s first season at the FBS level, Centeio helped the Dukes finish with an 8-3 record. He quickly proved he could lead a team to success, and he could do the same in the NFL.
Read more: NFL Draft: Todd Centeio A Possible Late-Round Quarterback Option
3. Jake Haener of Fresno State
Haener became one of the most decorated quarterbacks Fresno State’s ever seen. He’s top five in the program’s history in career completion percentage (68%), passing yards (9,013), and touchdown passes (67).
The last three years, Haener earned all-conference accolades, making the All-Mountain West first team in 2022. Last season, he threw for 2,896 yards, 20 touchdowns, and three picks and was first in the conference in passing yards per game and second in passing touchdowns.
He led the Bulldogs to a victory in the Mountain West Championship, earning Offensive MVP of the game, before helding the team win the LA Bowl.
Haener’s history proves he should be able to find a role in the NFL.
Read more: NFL Draft: Jake Haener Could Be A Late-Round Gem
