Is Stetson Bennett the next Doug Flutie?

 Stetson Bennett and Doug Flutie's collegiate careers could not be more different. Flutie was a Heisman Trophy Winner after all and was a four-year starter at Boston College. Flutie also engineered one of the greatest victories in college football history with a Hail Mary in 1984 to take down then college football power, Miami. Bennett had one FBS offer from Middle Tennessee State and was a walk-on who did not start a full college football season until this past year. However, despite what could be viewed as obvious setbacks, he was able to take Georgia to its first national title in 41 years and in doing so led UGA through the SEC during a time where the talent level was unlike any Flutie would have faced during his time at Boston College. 

Given all of the differences of the two quarterbacks collegiate careers their respective professional careers could be much more similar. Bennett will be labeled too small and simply “not good enough” for the NFL, as was Doug Flutie. Leaving Bennett with options to either play in CFL or play in the USFL, both of which Flutie did, if he wishes to continue playing football after college and make it to the NFL. Bennett signing a USFL contract and entering the league would be an amazing coup, much like it was when Flutie signed with the New Jersey Generals in 1985. Bennett's name identity with football fans has never been higher and can only increase if he goes into the USFL. Every league needs its player face, Bennett could be that for the USFL. Bennett is no different than most players in the USFL, a productive power 5 player who was passed up for their teammates, and just needs time to develop. 


Ultimately, that is what the endgame for Stetson Bennett is by going to the USFL.  Bennett can spend a year or more in the USFL, developing and putting good tape together against other potential NFL talent. This will help bolster his stock with NFL scouts and personnel executives. In turn, it would help the league gain a positive reputation among future players like Bennett, who have a great name identity among a large and rabid college football fanbase and make the USFL an attractive place for them to develop into a professional football player. 



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