After a breakout season with Incarnate Word, the dual-threat signal caller aims to transform a struggling Miners program while testing his elite potential against powerhouse opponents like Oklahoma.
As UCF has seemingly secured its QB1 for the upcoming season, former Knights QBs have found their standing on other programs.
First, Jacurri Brown earning the starting job at Rice and most recently, EJ Colson being named QB1 at UTEP.
Colson spent his freshman season with the Knights before transferring to the University of the Incarnate Ward. The former Knight burst onto the scene, throwing for 2,142 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, adding 287 yards and three touchdowns with his legs.
With UCF, Colson was limited, redshirting his inaugural season after just 16 pass attempts. However, his first year as a full-time starter looked much different.
In Week 4, Colson led the Cardinals to a win over the eventual regular season conference champion Abilene Christian Wildcats, demonstrating his dual-threat ability.
Colson threw for a season-low 122 yards and a touchdown, but took over the game with his legs.
The 6-foot-1 signal caller ran for 103 yards on 19 carries, scoring twice. The Cardinals blew out Abilene Christian 38-7.
Throughout the season, Colson was smart with his decision making, limiting turnovers and risky throws.
Following his breakout campaign with Incarnate Word, Colson entered the portal, where he made a bold and confident claim to 247 Sports.
"There's no doubt in my mind that I'm the No. 1 quarterback in the portal," Colson said. "And I will be the No. 1 quarterback in college football next year."
Colson had briefly committed to Purdue prior to Incarnate Word, but was now seeking a new home.
Eventually, he landed with UTEP, looking to turn around the Miners latest struggles.
In the last 15 seasons, the Miners have qualified for just two bowl game appearances, cycling through four head coaches.
Following Colson's commitment, he was in a two-man race for the job, battling fellow transfer Raymond Moore II for the starting position.
But, Colson beat out Moore in spring practices, as the team announced via social media.
Now, Colson looks to turn around a program that is amongst the bottom of FBS teams, winning less than ten games in the past three seasons.
Despite these recent struggles, the Miners have some big-time opponents on the schedule, opening the season against Oklahoma before playing Michigan just two weeks later.
UTEP is also slated against Oregon State in Week 4, giving Colson plenty of opportunities to play against some of the best teams in the country.
For Colson, exposure is everything, as he is still just a redshirt freshman.
With another big year, this time at UTEP, Colson could be primed for a jump back into the power four next season.
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