He didn’t have a scholarship. It didn’t matter. Zack Annexstad will be the starting quarterback at Minnesota this season.
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck made the quarterback announcement on Monday, making Annexstad the rare walk on to win a starting job at a power conference. So, will he be the next Baker Mayfield? Let’s slow down just a bit on that one.
BREAKING: @Coach_Fleck names Zack Annexstad starting quarterback. #Gophers #SkiUMah #RTB pic.twitter.com/rTpoyqPxAp
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 20, 2018
Annexstad was a two-star recruit in Minnesota’s Class of 2018. The pro-style quarterback had to walk-on though as Minnesota used scholarships in other positions to enhance the depth on the roster as Fleck continues to build a foundation for the future of the program. But the IMG Academy product held some other offers from FBS programs, including Pitt, Cincinnati, Southern Miss, and Western Kentucky according to his Rivals profile.
In early June, Minnesota’s quarterback depth took a hit when Vic Viramontes transferred shortly after joining the program as a JUCO transfer. The abrupt loss of Viramontes left Minnesota with four quarterbacks lacking experience. Now, Minnesota’s quarterback potential is a bit unknown going in, but Fleck will not be shy about spreading enthusiasm about his new starting quarterback at any given opportunity.
Minnesota opens the 2018 season on Thursday, August 30 at home against New Mexico State.