Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez delivered a standout performance in the ACC last weekend, throwing for 20 completions on 27 attempts with two touchdowns and adding 88 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground in a win over Stanford. His dual-threat ability caught the eye of NFL observers as the Washington Commanders search for a mobile quarterback to strengthen their depth chart.
The Commanders have faced a recent setback with Marcus Mariota exiting their latest game due to a knee injury, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round draft pick, as the backup. Kaliakmanis showed promise in the passing game but lacked the mobility to replicate the offense’s designed run schemes that take advantage of Mariota’s and Jayden Daniels’ athleticism. Adding a mobile quarterback with experience in a similar system has become a priority.
Lopez, a redshirt junior in his first year at Wake Forest after transferring from UNC, stands at 6 feet and weighs 220 pounds. While his height falls short of the prototypical NFL pocket passer, his sturdy frame and quick release help him deliver accurate passes with good ball placement. Although he doesn’t possess elite running speed, Lopez’s ability to keep defenses honest with his legs and make plays in the run game offers strategic versatility. His performance against Stanford showcased this balance, with efficient passing and impactful rushing touchdowns.
The Commanders’ need for mobile quarterback depth is clear given their injuries and offensive style. Integrating a player like Lopez could allow the team to maintain its mobility-based play concepts even when starting options are sidelined.
Other players from the college ranks have also drawn attention from the Commanders as potential contributors. Missouri running back Jamal Roberts, a senior standing 6 feet tall and weighing 216 pounds, has impressed with his zone-blocking scheme proficiency and burst through the line. Originally set to be a backup to Ahmad Hardy, Roberts seized the starting role after Hardy’s pre-season injury. In Missouri’s upset win over Florida, Roberts rushed 24 times for 211 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating both power and the ability to break off long runs, though his open-field elusiveness remains limited.
The Commanders have struggled to find consistency in their run game, with Austin Ekeler showing flashes and rookie contributions still emerging. Roberts’ combination of size, straight-line speed, and short-yardage power could offer a physical running back option to complement the passing attack.
In the receiving corps, Syracuse’s redshirt senior Umari Hatcher could provide a sizeable target amid injuries to Terry McLaurin and Jaylin Lane. At 6 feet 3 inches and 190 pounds, Hatcher’s long strides help him gain separation in off coverage, while his catching competitiveness and ability to adjust to the ball make him a reliable pass catcher. However, concerns about his strength remain given his lighter frame. In an overtime win against UConn, Hatcher caught 12 passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns, including a 17-yard touchdown on 4th-and-17 in overtime that kept Syracuse alive.
Hatcher’s route diversity and polish are areas where he could improve to make a smoother transition to the professional level, but his recent performances highlight his potential value as a receiver.
Tight end Randy Pittman Jr. from SMU also drew notice after a game where he caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown against Boston College. At 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, Pittman Jr. operates more like a large wide receiver, lining up in multiple spots to create mismatches. His body control and ability to adjust to difficult catches stand out, though his blocking contributions appear limited. The Commanders have yet to fully integrate their tight ends into the passing game despite a healthy Chig Okonkwo, so Pittman Jr.’s skill set could offer a different option.
As the Commanders deal with injuries and seek to maintain offensive versatility, players like Gio Lopez present intriguing possibilities. Lopez’s mix of passing accuracy and mobility fits the style the team wants to sustain at quarterback, while running back Jamal Roberts and receiver Umari Hatcher could add depth and physicality to the offensive unit. The latest confirmed development remains Marcus Mariota’s injury and Kaliakmanis’s backup role, underscoring the urgency to find a mobile quarterback capable of stepping in.
According to Yahoo Sports.
