Idaho State’s opening game of the 2015 schedule is 58 days away. In a continuing series, we’ll sift through each of ISU’s position groups and take a look at how they stand coming out of spring practice and heading into fall camp. First up: the quarterbacks.

OUTLOOK

First-year Idaho State offensive coordinator Sheldon Cross will have two options at quarterback when fall camp starts — junior Michael Sanders, a transfer from Scottsdale Community College, and redshirt freshman Tanner Gueller.

Gueller has the advantage in terms of experience in the Bengals’ offensive system. Sanders, however, played 10 games a season ago and finished fourth in the nation in passing yards (3,535 yards) and sixth in passing touchdowns (38) while competing 62.3 percent of his passes.

Bengals coach Mike Kramer has said he will not name a starter until a week before they open the season at home against Black Hill State on Sept. 5. But in the spring, Kramer did leave a hint.

“Very rarely can a freshman or a redshirt freshman carry a team to a national championship, and that’s our goal,” Kramer said. “Our goal is to win the Big Sky Conference championship, get in the playoffs and win the national championship. That hasn’t been done by very many redshirt freshmen.”

If Sanders does show up at fall practice with a firm grasp of the offense, it’s his job to lose. The more Gueller can push him, though, the better.

CONCERNS

Idaho State’s offense was arguably the greatest in the school’s history in 2014. Senior quarterback Justin Arias was a big reason why. It was Arias’ fourth season in the program and second year as the starter. His total and complete grasp of the offense let the Bengals stay on the attack every game, all game.

Whoever starts at QB for Idaho State this fall will not immediately replace everything Arias was able to accomplish from a mental standpoint. No defensive alignment or blitz fooled him.

THE STAR

Sanders has been in Pocatello since June, and the rumblings around Idaho State football are that he’s arrived ready to work. Sanders has been throwing with his receivers to try and build a rapport that only comes with repetition.

By all accounts, folks like what they see. ISU’s offense has all the pieces to be one of the nation’s very best. They just need someone to harness all the weapons. Sanders could be that guy.

PLAYER ON THE RISE

Gueller. He’s the future for Idaho State. It would be easy to infer that the ISU coaching staff doesn’t believe in Gueller since they recruited a junior college transfer in the offseason. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Gueller has the intangibles of a classic quarterback: He’s smart, a natural leader, blessed with a powerful arm. Barring injury, he may be stuck on the bench for the next two seasons, but the Bengals expect mighty performances whenever he does have the opportunity to play.

UNDERRATED PLAYER

Idaho State 2015 signee Robert Kvinsland from Gig Harbor, Washington, is 6-foot-3 and an exciting prospect for for the Bengals. He’s not a runner. Kramer describes him as a player with a quick release, solid arm strength and good accuracy. As a true freshman in fall camp, Kvinsland will not have the burden of expectations. He can focus on learning from the older guys and figure out how to be a Division I college football player.

BOTTOM LINE

Arias won games for ISU last season. He was that good. Sanders or Gueller may not have that ability in 2015 (at least right away). It’s up to Kramer, Cross and the ISU coaching staff to make sure they don’t have to, either. Idaho State can rely on a productive running game and easy passing routes (screens, 5-yard dump offs, short slants) to ensure their new quarterback is comfortable and confident

Maybe by the end the season that QB will be ready to carry his team to key conference victories.