Is Deuce Wallace the Vanderbilt starting QB in 2019? Looks that way

Vanderbilt’s Deuce Wallace is starting to look like an SEC starting quarterback.

That’s because in 2019 he likely will be.

For now, it’s undoubtedly Kyle Shurmur’s job. Heading into his senior season, Shurmur is one of the SEC’s top returning quarterbacks and a projected NFL Draft pick next year.

More:Why Jay Cutler was shooting iPhone video of Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur

But every team must have a long-term plan at quarterback. So is Wallace on track to be the starter in 2019?

“Yes,” offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said. “I have good confidence in Deuce. He’s very smart, a little bit more athletic than Kyle. (He) doesn’t quite have the arm strength (of Shurmur), but maybe a little bit more of an accurate passer.”

Why Wallace says, 'I will be ready'

Don’t mistake Ludwig’s affirmative response to be a permanent declaration that Wallace will start the 2019 opener. After all, the 2018 season hasn’t even arrived. And incoming freshman Allan Walters, a three-star signee, won’t join Shurmur and Wallace in the quarterback group until this summer.

More:Four Vanderbilt freshmen pushing in spring practice to play in fall

But after a couple of years on campus, college quarterbacks are often separated into two groups: Those regarded as serviceable backups and those projected to start. Heading into his sophomore season, Wallace has convinced coaches that he’s in the latter group.

“(Shurmur and I) both get reps with the (first-team offense), and it’s my job to make sure that whenever I’m out there (execution) doesn’t fall off and to make sure I’m on the same level as him,” Wallace said. “If my time comes, I will be ready.”

Coach Derek Mason praises Shurmur as the captain of his offense, but he said Wallace has closed the gap between the two in the last year.

"Deuce is going to challenge Shurmur," Mason said. "Kyle is a competitor by nature, but I think Deuce has raised his level of play. We saw it last year that the game is not too big for him. And he is focused on making sure that he can be ready if needed and called on."

What Wallace showed in first game action

Wallace, a former Sevier County standout, had already shown some ability as a dual-threat quarterback in practice of his 2016 redshirt year. But his poise in four brief appearances last season impressed Ludwig.

In mop-up duty versus Alabama A&M, Alabama, Ole Miss and Tennessee, Wallace was 11-of-22 passing for 94 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

More:Vanderbilt football: How first commitment of last 10 signing classes turned out

“He went into some situations last year, played in the game and was really unfazed,” Ludwig said. “I really appreciated his mental toughness in those games. I think he’s going to be a really good player.”

Of course, a transition from Shurmur in 2018 to Wallace in 2019 would alter the offense. Shurmur, a pro-style quarterback, is chasing Jay Cutler’s career passing records at Vanderbilt, while Wallace can scramble and break off designed runs.

“I accept that I’m different,” Wallace said. “I’m more mobile, but he’s got a stronger arm than I do. He’s a bigger guy than I am. And, of course, he has a lot more experience.

“But I just try to go out there and play my game.”

Perhaps Wallace’s game will be part of Vanderbilt’s plan in 2019.

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL SPRING SHOWCASE

When: Saturday (3-5 p.m.)

Where: Vanderbilt Stadium

TV: SEC Network

On field: Intrasquad scrimmage, 7-on-7 passing segments, individual drills.

For fans: Free admission, live music, food trucks (open 1:30 p.m.), inflatables, balloon artists, face-painters, carnival games, photo booth, surplus sale (4-6 p.m.) and season-ticket sales.