Trey Lance was back at North Dakota State this past weekend to participate in a charity softball game hosted by another NDSU first-round quarterback in Carson Wentz.
Wentz, who was traded from the Eagles to the Colts this past spring, was able to offer some words of wisdom to the San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback after the team traded up to select him.
“There are going to be a million things pulling you in one direction, then the other direction, pressure, expectations, all these things,” Wentz said, per Matt Maoiocco of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “But I know Trey. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He’s young, age-wise, but he’s very mature. I know he’s going to be just fine. He’s in a great situation. They have a great culture there in San Fran, a good coaching staff. So I know he’s going to do a great job, and I’m excited for him. I just keep telling him to be himself: ‘Don’t let any of those things change who you are, change your values, change your perspective on football. Just go play.’”
Wentz has certainly had a tumultuous experience in the NFL thus far and if anyone knows the ups and downs of the league and can share those experiences with Lance, it is Wentz.
As a rookie with the Eagles, Wentz showed some promise before having a breakout season in 2017 in which he went 11-2 and tossed 33 touchdowns to seven interceptions over 13 games but was lost for the season after tearing his ACL in Week 13 against the Rams.
The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl behind Nick Foles, with Wentz returning the following season but injuries disrupted his season again as he struggled to recapture the magic of the 2017 season.
Things came to a head with Wentz and the Eagles last season, the worst of his career with a league-leading 15 interceptions, and he was benched for rookie Jalen Hurts which ultimately led to him being traded to the Colts.
Lance will likely start the season behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo in San Francisco, who will be on a short leash after some disappointing seasons.
It is possible that the two North Dakota State quarterbacks are squaring off against each other later in the 2021 season when the Colts play the 49ers on Oct. 24.
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