Cal Poly Football Position Preview: Quarterback
8/29/2024 5:05:00 PM | Football
When the Cal Poly offense takes the field for the first time Saturday when it opens the 2024 season against San Diego, redshirt sophomore Bo Kelly will be the starter ready to lead the Mustangs this year.
There are five quarterbacks on Cal Poly’s roster in 2024, three of them new to the team with the returners being Kelly and redshirt junior Jaden Jones. Last year’s starting quarterback Sam Huard transferred to Utah following spring ball.
The newcomers feature two college transfers and one true freshman. The transfers are sophomore Jackson Akins, and redshirt sophomore Richie Watts, who spent last season at Buffalo and two years prior to that at College of San Mateo.
Bo has been the most consistent and came in with that experience from last year and the reps he’s got and run with it all camp. He keeps growing and is by no means done but he’s really improved and I’m excited to see how he plays.Head Coach Paul Wulff
Last season, Kelly played in seven games, starting two of them and was 62-112 passing for 630 yards and four touchdowns. His best game came against Idaho where he was 24-45 for 262 yards and two touchdowns. He will now get his first chance as a collegiate player to be a full time starter.
Gallery: Quarterbacks Fall Camp 2024
Bo’s eliminated a lot of mistakes and has just been taking what the defense gives him all throughout camp and has been playing sound, smart football. He’s got enough tools to do all the things you need to do but at the same time play relaxed and that’s allowed him to grow.Head Coach Paul Wulff
Akins is listed as the backup quarterback behind Kelly. Last year at University of Mount Union, Akins was 16-23 on the season for 245 yards, three passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown in the four games he played in.
“Jackson’s done some really nice things in the second half of training camp and has really stepped forward and he’s still adjusting to a new system for him.
Jones is currently No. 3 on the depth chart behind Akins. Jones has experience playing for the Mustangs as in 2022 he started the first three games of the season before suffering a season-ending knee injury during the game against South Dakota.
“Jaden’s shown some really positive things at times during camp, maybe hasn’t been as consistent as he’d like to be, but he’s working and can definitely step in and play if needed.
Fans can get their first look at Kelly and the 2024 Mustangs in the season opener Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. when they travel to face the University of San Diego. The game will air on ESPN+ and locally on ESPN Radio 1280AM/101.7FM.
