Deity's Top 10 College QB's of '06
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by user Deity
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame, Sr. - Projected to be the #1 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and pre-season favorite for the Heisman Trophy, the Fighting Irish have high expectations for senior Brady Quinn. Rightfully so after Quinn exceeded expectations and led the Irish to the Fiesta Bowl. He also threw for 32 touchdown passes and almost 4,000 yards. Quinn has one of the best arms in the league, he's smart and he's destined for greatness.
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan St., Sr. - Stanton didn't put up great numbers like Quinn, but he was very efficent in '05. Drew already the Spartans most accurate QB in their history as he's completed 64.1% of his passes in his two years. In 2005, Stanton threw 22 touchdowns and completed 66.7% of his passes. His rushing numbers went down in 2005, but it was because of the new system by head coach John Smith. He has a great mix of arm strength, athletic ability, and size.
3. Troy Smith, Ohio St., Sr. - Smith may be the most athletic QB in the nation this year. He's also already has been dubbed as a great leader. In '05, Smith threw for 16 TD's and had a 62%. Though he is a pass first QB, he's got great speed and has been effective on the ground running for 611 yards and 11 TD's last year. Smith has a chance to prove that he's truly a special player this year and could go very early in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
4. Kevin Kolb, Houston, Sr. - One of my personal favorites, Kevin Kolb is one of the most complete QB's in the nation. Kolb has good arm strength with nice touch, he makes good decisions, and he's an efficent runner despite his lack of speed. Kevin has started every game since attending Houston and he's thrown over 9,000 yards, 55 passing TD's and 17 rushing TD's in his three years.
5. Jordan Palmer, UTEP, Sr. - I know your probably sick and tired of hearing about Peyton and Eli Manning. I KNOW you're sick of hearing about Michael and Marcus Vick. Now there's a fresh new set of brothers in town...Carson and Jordan Palmer. Jordan isn't just walking into the footsteps of his brother Carson, he's also continuing the tradition of top-tier QB's in the MAC. The MAC has already produced QB's such as Roethlisberger, Leftwich, Pennington, and Charlie Frye. Jordan passed for 3,503 and 29 touchdowns in '05 and he's also got a great arm. The only knock on little Palmer is that he's had recent injury problems like his brother Carson.
6. Pat White, West Virginia, So. - Ah, the first underclassman to make the list. White fits in great into coach Rodriguez's option offense. He ran for 952 yards with 7 TD's as a freshman. Once he gets more comfortable in the offense, his passing numbers should go up. This guys got great potential and could end up having a breakout year in '06.
7. Drew Tate, Iowa, Sr. - Tate has a chance to climb the ranks in the Iowa University record books as he's 4th in career completions and 5th in passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense. Tate improved on his interception rate last year as he only threw 7 in '05 compared to 14 in '04. He threw for 2,828 yards and 22 TD's in '05. Though Tate is only 6 feet tall, he has a good mobility and can throw on the run.
8. Brian Brohm, Louisville, Jr. - Brohm would have been rated higher if did not tear his ACL late last year, but he seems to be making a good recovery and should start the season as the Cardinals QB. Brian still managed to throw for 2,883 yards with 19 touchdowns in 10 games. Interestingly, Brohm has a chance to be the fourth Louisville quarterback drafted in the last 7 years. But Mark Redman, Dave Ragone, and Stefan Lefors have not enjoyed much success at the next level. Brohm has a quick release had has alot of throwing power, which may help him at the next level.
9. Chad Henne, Michigan, Jr. - Henne has taken alot of heat this past year despite putting up some good numbers. Though he did throw 23 touchdowns and pass for 2,500 yards, the Wolverines had their worst record since 1984. Most people attribute his poor play to the loss of key recievers Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant. 2006 could be a breakout year for Henne.
10. Chris Leak, Florida, Sr. - Leak also took a step back in '05. In '04, Leak threw for 3,197 yards and 29 touchdowns. Now with new coach Urban Meyer, it seems that either Leak may not fit well in the system or just needs more time. Leak threw for 2,639 yards and only 20 touchdowns in 2005. Leak has good throwing mechanics and has been dubbed with great poise. It should be interesting to see how Leak and Meyer coexist in 2006.
Honorable Mention: Sam Keller, Ariziona State; Jeff Rowe, Nevada; Trent Edwards, Stanford; JaMarcus Russell, LSU; Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
Date
Thu 06/08/06, 12:13 am EST
