Houston had a breakthrough 2015 season, posting a 13-1 record, winning the American Athletic Conference championship and defeating Florida State, 38-24, in the Peach Bowl. Helping the Cougars crash the Power 5 bowl party was their dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Greg Ward Jr.
How impressive was Ward's season? He was one of two quarterbacks to rush for more than 1,000 yards and throw for more than 2,000 yards. The other? Clemson's Deshaun Watson, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist and led the Tigers to the national championship game. Ward was the first Houston quarterback to go over 1,000 yards rushing in a season, and also set a school record with 21 rushing touchdowns. He threw for 17 touchdowns and 2,828 yards, while only having six interceptions.
Ward enters his senior season on the watch lists for the Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp and Maxwell awards.
Pulling back the curtain on the vote
Ward received votes from two of seven CFB 24/7 experts, but both came in the top 15. In CFB 24/7's "16 for '16" series, Ward was rated No. 5 among college football's most freakish athletes and No. 8 among quarterbacks we'd most want to see on the field with the game on the line.
What some of our analysts are saying about Ward
"Ward's dual-threat skills make the Cougars' offense a playground for coach Tom Herman, who is creative enough to get the most out of his ability." -- Chase Goodbread
"Tom Herman knows what he's got in Ward, who is likely to put up another 2,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing season for the Cougars. He'll move to receiver in the NFL, but for now, enjoy his ability to stretch defenses with his arm and take advantage of the space with his feet." -- Chad Reuter
Where do fans rank Ward?
We asked Twitter users who they considered the best player in college football. Ward finished 16th in the fan vote.
Follow College Football 24/7 on Twitter _@NFLCFB_.
