There will be many new faces this upcoming season for Head Coach Tyson Helton and his staff, but there's significant optimism that these new guys will have an immediate impact for WKU on both sides of the ball. Focusing on the offense only, there are a few transfers that are expected to take on bigger roles this season. QB Jarret Doege, WR Michael Mathison, WR Jaylen Hall, and OL Vincent Murphy. Here are their player profiles for 2022.
Jarret Doege, Sr. QB, Previous Schools: West Virginia, Bowling Green State
Coach Helton has never been one to name his starting quarterback months before the first game of the season, but it would be a big surprise if Jarret Doege wasn't under center to begin the season. This is Doege's third different squad as a collegiate quarterback and he looks to have a great season at his final destination. At BGSU he had a total of 43 touchdowns (39 passing, 4 rushing) and 15 interceptions, before transferring to West Virginia, which is a huge increase in competition from low-level Division I to a Power 5 school. He had some solid seasons at WVU, over the course of three years he racked up 40 touchdowns and 19 interceptions and a record of 17-18. Doege has all the tools around him to be a great QB at WKU, with this offensive coaching staff and weapons, he's in good position to have the best season of his career. With last year's star quarterback Bailey Zappe's now in the NFL, Doege is next in line to be great at WKU.
Michael Mathison, Jr. WR, Previous School: Akron
Michael Mathison, a former three-star recruit, had a great season last year for the Zips, collecting 56 receptions and 706 yards, along with 3 touchdowns. The speedy wide receiver is now in a very high-powered offense that passes a lot more often then other teams. Mathison is good on short routes, deep routes and using his speed to create separation from secondary defenders. He is also expected to have a big role this season, as Jerreth Sterns is now in Tampa Bay playing for the Buccaneers. Mathison is a guy whose game is expected to fill in that spot for WKU this season, as well as some punt/kick returning, because he's shown some flashes in that as well. Look for him to have a big season.
Jaylen Hall, Sr. WR, Previous School: Western Michigan
This guy is the one who should definitely have a breakout year in Bowling Green. Jaylen Hall has a great combination of size, speed, and athleticism, which allows him to make plays down the field and be utilized in a lot of different ways by wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator, Josh Crawford. Hall also had a great year last year for Western Michigan, catching 46 passes for 752 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns. He adds a different dynamic to this offense that will definitely need his playmaking ability showcased for the whole season. At 6'4, Hall is just what QB Jarret Doege needs in his new offense, and I think this could be a great duo in 2022.
Vincent Murphy, Soph. OL, Previous School: South Carolina
Coming from an SEC school, Vincent Murphy has definitely been around the best of the best and he knows what it takes to protect a QB at a high level. Murphy has found a new home at WKU, and he will play a huge role in this year's passing game. With the amount of passes that this offense throws, the entire offensive line will have to pass protect at a high level. Murphy is definitely a player who can come in and have an immediate impact for Coach Helton, especially with the transfers of Mason Brooks (Ole Miss) and Cole Spencer (Texas Tech).
WKU had a great year last year and it was topped off with a bowl win over Appalachian State. Everyone around the team believes that they will replicate the same success this season, but this time with a C-USA championship as well. Each player above will have a deciding factor on whether those things happen or not, but they're optimistic and ready for challenge, as is the entire coaching staff.
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