Trey Lance was 17-0 as a starter at North Dakota State. Before him, Easton Stick was 49-3 as a starter. Before either of them, Carson Wentz impressed pro scouts during his 20-3 collegiate run.
Five years after Wentz's first NFL start, Lance is getting his chance. A calf injury has sidelined Jimmy Garoppolo, so the No. 3 overall pick will start Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.
One former Bison quarterback is excited for the other.
"I definitely did get to know Trey a little bit over the last couple of years, and even going into the pre-draft process," Wentz told Rich Eisen today. "Great kid. Great kid. [He's] got a great head on his shoulders, and I love his upbringing and what he brings from his values and everything."
Lance saw his first extended action this past weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. However, he received most of the practice reps this week and should be more prepared for Sunday's action.
"I'm excited, obviously, but I'm not going to make it bigger than what it is," Lance told reporters this afternoon, shortly after head coach Kyle Shanahan announced him as the Week 5 starter. "I feel prepared, and I had a good week preparing. Honestly, it was pretty similar to how I usually do. Obviously, getting more reps."
Wentz's first start and first five NFL seasons were with the Philadelphia Eagles. An offseason trade sent him to the Indianapolis Colts. It sounds like he's kept an eye on Lance's career, though, and wishes the former NDSU quarterback the best of luck, not just on Sunday but over the course of his career.
"I know he can play," Wentz continued. "He can sling the ball around. He's a heck of an athlete. So, I'm excited to see his career officially begin and, hopefully, flourish."