HERO Sports is counting down the days until the kickoff of the 2018 college football season on Saturday, Aug. 25, by featuring the best player in the FBS at each jersey number, from 99-1. Each day, from May 18 through Aug. 24, we'll publish one article showcasing the best player whose jersey number matches the number of days remaining.
No. 12 Nathan Rourke
Ohio – QB
Leading UMass, 24-20, midway through the second quarter of an eventual win last September, Ohio faced 3rd-and-6 from their own 29-yard line. Quarterback Nathan Rourke took the shotgun snap and, following a three-step drop, was greeted immediately with pressure.
Rourke, making his fourth career start in his first season with Ohio after transferring from Fort Scott Community College, shrugged off linebacker Colton Calhoun and ran away from Sha'Kai Holines. He found Andrew Meyer on the far sideline for a five-yard gain and while it wasn't enough to move the chains, it was a spectacular play that Rourke made routine during an improbable season for the 258th-ranked recruit in the 2017 JUCO class.
"In terms of being under the radar, that’s the way I would have liked it,” Rourke said last year. “I wouldn’t have liked it any other way. No expectations, just go out, focus on playing football and having fun. That’s turned out pretty well.”
Yes, it "turned out pretty well." He led Ohio to their first nine-win season since 2012 while leading throwing for 2,203 yards and 17 touchdowns, and leading all FBS quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (21).
Rourke is no longer under the radar and is now facing high expectations. He's the best quarterback in the MAC and will be chasing Ohio's first conference championship in 50 years.
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