Is Khristian Martin Fresno State’s starting quarterback?

The Maryland transfer appears to be the favorite to take over the starting signal-caller job as the Bulldogs prep for their first Pac-12 season in spring practice.

Offensive coordinator Josh Davis praised Martin.

“Athletically, his arm strength stands out, as does the physical size, a 235-pound guy who can run a little bit. So that’s exciting to help us when we don’t have the right play call, improvise, and make plays off schedule is a huge part of how teams win championships,” Davis said.

“We’re excited about that. So Khristian’s been a blessing, man. He’s up early every day. He’s in my office almost when I arrive with a couple of questions, and then he goes and takes care of his body.”

Others competing for QB1 are Jayden Mandal, the only experienced returner but coming back from elbow surgery; Jonathan Craft, a redshirt freshman; and true freshmen Deagan Rose from Clovis High School and Jacob Chambers from Rancho Cucamonga High School.

Davis said no decision is coming soon. As of now, this spring is similar to last spring when E.J. Warner transferred to Fresno State from Rice. Unlike Martin, though, Warner came to the Bulldogs with tons of starting experience. Martin, who is a sophomore in eligibility, completed 11 of 17 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown in limited duty for Maryland last season.

“It’s not going to be a spring ball decision, I can promise you that. We’ll see how they grow through the summer. I want all five guys in the room to continue to grow and root for each other and perform,” Davis said. “Khristian and Jayden Mandal are the top two guys in this room right now, no doubt. But coach Matt Entz will make that decision.”

Martin: Already a Graduate

Martin is the biggest in the quarterback room at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds and is considered to have the strongest arm. He called the competition “friendly” so far.

“I want to be the starter just as bad as every other quarterback on the roster. I don’t think anybody wants it more than another. We all want the same goals. We all want to go to the NFL. It’s just a matter of what you do on any given day and being consistent with that,” Martin said.

Martin said he’s enjoyed the Fresno weather and Fresno State’s legacy of producing NFL quarterbacks.

“I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t know where Fresno, California, was as far as geographically, but it’s a pretty scene here with the mountains always in the distance. So I’m really enjoying that piece,” Martin said.

He has yet to speak with the Carr brothers — David and Derek, who both now live in the Fresno area. Martin said he wants to meet them “to pick their brains.”

There are some familiar faces from his Maryland days. Brian Ferentz, now the team’s offensive line coach, coached Martin at Maryland. He also played one season with wide receiver Ezekiel Avit, who transferred to Fresno State last season.

“He was the quarterback who was throwing to me. I was in the second group, my second year at Maryland. I got used to his long and strong arm,” Avit said.

Martn also expects his mother to visit for the April 25 spring game.

The Highland Springs, Virginia, native entered the University of Maryland with 70 credits and redshirted one season. He said he still needs to enroll in a master’s program but is taking classes to earn a certificate in AI education.

Avit Bulks Up, Works on Speed

Avit caught 28 passes for 255 yards last season but had no touchdowns. That motivated him to switch his uniform number from 84 to 0. He said he had “zero offers” as a high school junior before attending a Maryland camp and impressing coaches to earn a scholarship.

“Last year coming up short on the touchdowns — I mean, I feel like I was still a great player, but it’s going to put a target on me to just know that I’m looking at the jersey number and it’s just going to remind me of last year,” Avit said.

He has also bulked up in the offseason, adding 10 pounds to reach 201. He said that has not affected his speed.

“I’ve cut my 40 at least by a second. It is going to help my game by separating at the top of routes, beating guys on the go-ball. I’d say top-end speed is something I prioritize. So working on my plyometrics, getting my knees right are things that all I’ve been doing this season,” Avit said.

Bulldogs Boast a Lot of Continuity

While the quarterback and the conference may be changing, several things remain the same. Entz returns, as do all but one of his coaches. That includes his offensive and defensive coordinators.

The coaching staff’s only loss was offensive line coach Zach Crabtree, who moved to Purdue. Ferentz received a promotion to OL coach from tight ends coach.

Fourteen starters return, including six on the offensive side. Only one significant contributor, tight end Richie Anderson III, transferred out and that was to Texas A&M. ESPN ranks Fresno State in the middle of the 138 FBS programs for returning production (63rd with 53% return production, fourth among Pac-12 teams).

The Bulldogs are taking the week off for spring break. The team resumes with practice No. 4 of 13 on April 8.