Houston QB D’Eriq King should use redshirt year to switch to WR

Houston quarterback D’Eriq King should use his surprising decision to redshirt to his advantage and make a move to wide receiver, preparing himself for the next level.

Earlier this week, we learned that Houston quarterback D’Eriq King and top receiver Keith Corbin, both seniors, will redshirt for the 2019 season. NCAA rules allow a player to redshirt if they only play in four games in a given season. This means that King and Corbin will both be eligible to play for Houston next season.

This is an odd, but interesting story. With the Cougars starting 1-3 (2-3 after their win on Saturday), head coach Dana Holgorsen wanted to look ahead to 2020. Having King and Corbin around will undoubtedly help Houston compete next season, but it is odd to see the players going along with this.

D’Eriq King is one of the most exciting and explosive offensive players in all of college football. He is a dynamic athlete at the quarterback position who can take any busted play and turn it into a touchdown. He is an extremely fast, quick and athletic quarterback who can do enough with his arm to be successful in college football. However, his adequate passing game will not translate well to the next level.

While we are seeing NFL teams willing to work more with mobile quarterbacks than ever before, King probably has too much work to do to be a legitimate quarterback prospect at the next level. NFL teams will likely be asking him to make a position change when he enters the NFL draft. Personally, I think D’Eriq King should get ahead of the game and make the position change right now.

King is listed at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds. He is lightning quick and can change directions on a dime. He is also a tough player who is not afraid to take a hit. Personally, I think King could have some success as a slot receiver and return specialist at the next level. As long as his hands are solid, King’s explosive playmaking ability would play well out of the slot.

King has an entire year to prepare for this potential position switch and should work towards his future and make this change right away. I am sure that Holgorsen would rather King stick at quarterback and lead his offense in 2020, but that is not what is best for the future of the player.

If Holgorsen cannot get on board with this position change, King has the ability to transfer to any team he wants and he would undoubtedly receive a ton of interest if he decides to go that route.

D’Eriq King is an incredibly talented football player, but he is not an NFL quarterback. He is a gifted athlete who could use next season to give NFL teams valuable tape of him at a new position. Instead of sitting back and hoping for the best, King should take his career in his own hands and make this position change immediately.