Breaking down the class: QB room

While the December signing period is still being considered the "early signing period" by the NCAA, it's very clear that the middle of the month is now National Signing Day.

The majority of recruits across the country are signing during this period, leaving the following months into February more of a clean-up process for college football programs.

For the Central Michigan football team, December's signing day was another big one, and it was the first full class under head coach Jim McElwain. The previous class of 2020, while did see some pieces of the puzzle from the head coach, was mostly recruited under the previous regime. Now entering his third full year, McElwain hopes to really get the Chippewa train rolling.

Let's take a closer look at the class in this positional breakdown as Chippewa fans await spring football.

QUARTERBACK

The new reality in college football is the way of the transfer portal. And with the pandemic sweeping America this year, the NCAA has allowed student-athletes a one-time transfer in which they will be eligible to play right away. Enter Jacob Sirmon.

Sirmon committed to Washington back in 2018, but never really stuck. He had a chance this past summer to compete for the starting job, but was ultimately relegated to backup duties. He hasn't played much in his career, but the former 4-star recruit was highly touted out of high school, and it was a surprise to many when he announced his transfer to CMU.

Sirmon is more of a pocket passer, but can use his legs to move around in the pocket. He's got a strong arm and good size. He is expected to compete for the starting job this spring in Mount Pleasant. His presence immediately heightens the QB room, and with the NCAA exemption for 2020, Sirmon will have three years of eligibility left.

For head coaches it is always important to bring at least one quarterback in from each class, and while he was a late addition, Jase Bauer's signing with the Chippewas is a big one.

Bauer is a big time athlete who has won a lot of big games in his high school career. Playing at a top level in Iowa, Bauer committed to CMU late in the fall giving the class of 2021 the big boost it needed.

His strengths can be found within his shoulder, throwing darts up the seems. But what makes Bauer such a good quarterback is his instinct, and his ability to make plays outside of the pocket. At 6'2" and 200 pounds, he's not easy to bring down and he's got great vision on the field.

While it's expected he will take a redshirt this season, Bauer should help push all of the quarterbacks on the roster as he competes during spring practice.

With Sirmon and Bauer on campus, the QB room has been completely transformed to head coach Jim McElwain's liking. Both starters from last season, Daniel Richardson and Ty Brock, will compete for the starting job with Sirmon. It's an interesting group, but one with a lot of talent.

Chippewa fans should not have to worry about shortcomings at the QB position for years to come.