This week, CUSportsNation.com is taking a look at the five most talented football players on Colorado's 2018 roster. Checking in at No. 1 is redshirt junior quarterback Steven Montez.

MORE: No. 5 - Evan Worthington | No. 4 - Drew Lewis | No. 3 - Juwann Winfree | No. 2 - Travon McMillian

2017 Outlook: Because Colorado missed a bowl game in 2017, it's easy to forget just how good Montez's season was. He set impressive CU records in games of over 400 yards of total offense in a season with three as well as throwing 172 consecutive passes without being intercepted. Montez completed 228-of-377 passes for 2,975 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on the season. He had three games in which he threw for three or more touchdowns. Montez also added three rushing touchdowns and had 20 runs of 10 yards or more.

2018 Projection: Montez should be able to take "the next step" in order for him to be one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12. He has all of the arm talent in the world and has very good receivers on the outside in Juwann Winfree and Kabion Ento to get the ball to. Montez has a new offensive coordinator in Darrin Chiaverini, and that will only help Montez's game, in my opinion. I thought the offense did not have much balance last year, but the 2018 projection for Montez in his second full year as the Buffs' starting quarterback looks very bright.