NFL Draft: Nebraska transfer Tanner Lee impressive early at Manning Camp
Buried on a depth chart full of college football stars is a name that could surprise at the NFL Draft next year
Sam Darnold and Shane Buechele garnered most of the media attention at the 22nd Annual Manning Passing Academy, and for good reason. Both are the rising stars in college football, and could someday make a push into the NFL through the NFL Draft.
One player making waves in Thibodaux with a slightly smaller following was Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee.
A transfer from Tulane forced to sit out the 2016 season, Lee is projected to start for the Cornhuskers in a bitter Big Ten Conference, which includes a trip to Happy Valley to face the reigning champion Penn State Nittany Lions.
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Patrick Woo, College Scouting Coordinator for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, spoke glowingly about Lee following the camp.
“Tanner’s a big-bodied pocket passer with a nice release and can really throw the deep ball. Smart quarterback with a live arm. Had a great week in Thibodaux.”
Moving from a team without a bowl game victory in over a decade to a historic program could be a culture shock for the 6’4 quarterback from Louisiana.
After watching Lee play against Temple in 2015, it was clear why he was so inclined to leave Tunale. Lee took four sacks and multiple quarterback hits in this game, and will now be going to a team that only allowed 15 sacks.
Lee’s performance against UCF that same season might be a much cleaner look at what he can bring to the Cornhuskers in 2017, and possibly beyond.
Every year when the NFL Draft season begins to set in there are names that rise from nowhere. One year it was Carson Wentz, then Jacoby Brissett came out of nowhere. Many believe Josh Allen from Wyoming could be that guy, but my bet will be on Lee as Nebraska competes for a Big Ten championship.