Skip to content

Dantonio: Lewerke compares favorably to Kirk Cousins, Connor Cook

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Michigan State has been a quarterback factory of sorts in recent years, sending both Kirk Cousins and Connor Cook to the NFL, and Mark Dantonio thinks he's got the next one lined up for the 2017 season.

There's an open competition among four players for the starting job, but Dantonio admitted Brian Lewerke has the upper hand, comparing him to his previous standouts at the position.

"He compares favorably with Kirk Cousins in a lot of ways, and really Connor Cook," Dantonio said during Big Ten Media Days. "They both played in their third seasons, they both started playing in their third season, so they had an opportunity to be redshirted, had an opportunity to be a redshirt freshman, play a little bit and then come on down as a redshirt sophomore."

Lewerke saw limited action before suffering a season-ending injury against Michigan last season, completing 54 percent of his passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns. Dantonio feels he's ready to take the next step and lead the Spartans offense.

"He's got game experience. He's almost up to 220 pounds, he's got a great arm, he's very cool under pressure," Dantonio raved. "I think he understands our players. He knows our players very well, knows things schematically. I think he's a very quick learner. He has all the attributes that we need to be an outstanding, championship-type quarterback."

Lewerke certainly has his work cut out for him with Michigan State's offense, as the Spartans ranked 74th in the country last year in passing, averaging just 222 yards per contest.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox