Why replacing Brent Stockstill's leadership next season is key for MTSU football

NEW ORLEANS — It will be hard to replace Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill.

Not only will his production on the field be difficult to maintain, but so will the impact he has had on the team from a leadership standpoint since he became the starter in 2015. He's been the face of the program along with his father, coach Rick Stockstill, since then. 

But the younger Stockstill's playing days are over. Saturday's New Orleans Bowl loss against Appalachian State was his final contest. It's imperative for the Blue Raiders to have someone step up and fill the leadership void Stockstill leaves behind. 

Here are a few players who might be able to step into a leadership role next season:

Khalil Brooks

Khalil Brooks has been one of the faces of the defense this season. The outside linebacker was named Second Team All-Conference USA. Brooks, who will be a redshirt senior next season, will be counted on to replace the leadership of fellow linebacker Darius Harris, who graduates. Brooks can be a little soft spoken, but is intense on the field with his relentless play. 

Reed Blankenship

You would be hard pressed to find anyone who has had more of a breakout season than sophomore safety Reed Blankenship. Entering Saturday's bowl game, Blankenship had a team-leading 101 total tackles with seven pass breakups. The Athens, Ala. native will be a key member of the secondary along with fellow safety Jovante Moffatt. 

Josh Fannin

Offensive lineman and team captain Chandler Brewer is graduating along with fellow offensive lineman Robert Behanan. Center Josh Fannin is the next in line. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin recently said that Fannin has been one of his favorite players to watch this season. Fannin has started every game this season entering the game against the Mountaineers.  

The next quarterback

Asher O'Hara stepped in for Stockstill when he went down with an ankle injury early in the second quarter that caused him to miss the rest of the game. Whoever becomes the quarterback of the team next season — O'Hara, Chance Nolan, Luke Shiflett or someone that is a part of the recruiting class — will have to step into a leadership role to run the offense.

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@dnj.com and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.

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