By Will Carter
MTN Sports Reporter
February 8, 2021
The MTSU football program has a new quarterback with Power 5 experience. Bailey Hockman transferred to MTSU after starting nine games for NC State last season. He replaces Asher O'Hara, who recently announced he was transferring to Sacramento State after spending the last two seasons as the Blue Raiders quarterback.
Hockman's style of play and size are reminiscent of one MTSU quarterback that everyone should be familiar with: Brent Stockstill.
“We evaluated a bunch of them (QBs) and Bailey (Hockman) really stood out. I like his moxy and toughness. He was a tremendous high school player, and that shows with where he’s been,” said MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill.
Before Hockman wore the red and white for NC State, he wore the red and gold for Florida State. He redshirted his freshman year for the Seminoles, and then sat behind Deandre Francois before transferring to NC State. In 10 games last season, Hockman threw for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“I felt like I had proven myself against big teams and extreme talent. I wanted to step into a team and be a leader. Middle Tennessee is that place,” said Hockman.
Hockman has the opportunity to do just that as he joins newly signed freshman quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, redshirt sophomore Mike Diello, and freshman Gabe Carroll.
MTSU opens the 2021 season on September 4 against Monmouth.