The following list is comprised of Quarterbacks who are not yet household names (unless you are a diehard fan of that specific team) but have shown the ability to lead their teams to victory. Although still not considered in the league with guys such as Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, Logan Thomas, Tyler Wilson and Aaron Murray which as of right now I consider the top 5 QB entering the fall, expect a few from the following list of 16 to have outstanding season’s. As all 16 returning starters look to lead their teams from subpar records, to bowl berths and magical runs, experience and former starts go a long way. Put a a few of these guys on rosters that are as loaded up as USC, LSU and Oklahoma these names would be seen in a new and broader limelight. Check out Wall of Fame Sports.com
B.J. Daniels Sr. South Florida, 6-0, 223- With 38 TD’s through the air the past 2 seasons Daniels is the classic duel threat (602 YDS, 6 TDs rushing), leading an offense that averaged 249.6 passing yards a game in 2011. With both WR’s back; if Daniels can stay healthy he has the ability to elevate a mediocre USF program to an above 500. record. Team Record: (5-7)
Derek Carr Jr. Fresno State, 6-3, 201- Brother of highly touted David Carr and we all know how that turned out. However this is still college, and Carr has shown the ability to pass with efficiency and confidence as he put up over 3,500 YDS and 26 TD’s in 2011. If 14 other returning starters can rally around Carr, look for the Bulldogs to make waves in a weakened Mountain West Conference. Team Record: (4-9)
Alex Carder Sr. Western Michigan, 6-2, 225- Guy is a stud posting 61 career TD tosses to only 26 ints. With great size and arm strength Carder could start at many more noteworthy schools around the country despite a below 500% record in 2011. Tossed 7 TD’s vs. Toledo last year and has thrown for over 7,000 yards the past 2 seasons. With 11 returning starters watch for Carder to throw the hell out of the ball in 2012 and exit with a bang. Team Record (5-7)
Seth Doege Sr. Texas Tech, 6-1, 200– Any Tech QB must be able to throw the ball, however doing int with a 68.5 completion percentage elevates you into a new discussion. At only 6-1 Doege has proved to be a formidable and poised smaller gunslinger. With Eric Ward (84 catches, 800 yards, 11 TD’s) returning at WR expect Doege to have a solid season and again surpass the 4,000 yard passing mark. If the defense can come along, Texas Tech may be able to stay competitive in the Big 12 as their passing game should remain strong. Team Record (5-7)
James Franklin Sr. Missouri, 6-2, 225- Blew up the Big 12 accumulating over 3,800 total yards in 2011. With the ability to run as well (981 yds, 17 TDs in 2011) and freshman standout Dorial Green Beckham in the mix at WR, Franklin’s strong play is the Tigers only chance to make a statement in the SEC. If he can fully recover from off season shoulder surgery, Franklin could easily enter the 3,000/1,000 offensive yard club. Damn! Team Record (7-5)
Bryn Renner Jr. North Carolina, 6-3, 215- Is extremely efficient leading the ACC in 2011 despite the Tar Hells overall record of winning record. With 26 TD to 13 picks last season Renner should continue to improve now that he is not injured with a spurred bone in his foot. Only a Jr. Renner should have an excellent campaign in 2012 as star running back Giovani Bernard will take a load off the youngster’s arm. A new up tempo offense and the return of Erik Highsmith at WR should also help. On 9/23/11 Renner was 22/23 as the Tar Heels beat James Madison 42-10. Team Record (7-6)
Ryan Nassib Sr. Syracuse, 6-2, 229– With 44 career TD passes and great size Nassib should continue to improve as 15 starters return, including the bulk of the offensive line. Look for Nassib to build on 22 TD passes and a record above 500. In 2010 Nassib proved he could lead a subpar squad to 8 wins as they beat Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl, look for similar results this up coming season. Team Record (5-7)
Jeff Tuel Sr. Washington State, 6-3, 225- Injuries have been a problem, but if Tuel can sustain his health he could be a factor as his feet and past success are too noteworthy to pass up. With good size, strength and Leach at the helm, expect Tuel to have a bounce back season. Proving he can play at a high level Tuel had 18 TD’s passes to 12 interceptions in 2010 posting an efficiency of 133.3 Team Record (4-8).
Colby Cameron Sr. Louisiana Tech, 6-2, 205- With only 3 interceptions in 7 starts, Cameron enters the 2012 season with confidence and more importantly experience that could give a Bulldogs, a team that returns 14 starters the push they need to edge to get over a 24-31 bowl loss to TCU. With 13 TD passes and 3 picks Cameron has shown an ability to be extremely efficient. Team Record (8-5)
Mike Glennon Sr. NC State, 6-6, 232- Trailing only Philip Rivers as far as school records Glennon threw 31 TD passes last season and has the size and strength scouts love. If NC State can build on 2011 it is scary to think what the huge QB could do in the ACC. Team Record (8-5)
Jordan Wynn Sr. Utah, 6-2, 202 – With a 13-6 career record as a starter despite 2 shoulder surgeries in 10 months, Wynn has the know-how to lead Utah to victory in the Pac-12. In my opinion Wynn rests as the #2 QB in the Pac-12 behind signal caller Matt Barkley. With 2 returning Sr. WR’s and a solid defense look for Utah to potentially make waves in the Pac-12. Look for Wynn to return to the hype that once surrounded his name when he started as a true freshman. Boast 31 TD passes and 16 picks over his 3 year career. Led Utah to a (10-3) record in 2010. Team Record: (8-5)
Tino Sunseri Sr. Pittsburgh, 6-2, 215- With Ray Graham, returning receivers and new coach Paul Chryst look for Sunseri to improve upon last year when he threw 11 TD to 10 interceptions. If some things can come together the athletic QB should be able to improve upon a below sub acceptable record in 2011. With 28 career TD tosses and 5,302 career passing yards Sunseri has proved his is capable of throwing the rock. 2012 will prove to be his biggest test yet. Team Record (6-7)
Teddy Bridgewater So. Louisville, 6-3, 208– Started 10 games as a true freshman and posted 14 TD’s to 12 interceptions. Will be the lead man for an up and coming Louisville team that returns 12 starters from a promising 2011 squad and is getting strong press around the country. As Bridgewater will surely get more comfortable, look for the young QB to become a household name by the end of this up coming season as Louisville is expected by many to be a solid squad. Priority #1 protecting their young QB. Team Record (6-7)
Tyler Tettleton Jr. Ohio, 5-11, 198 – A smaller QB that has proven to be a warrior as he rushed for over 600 YDS and 10 TD’s last year. Additonally Tettleton threw for 28 TDs and a 64.2 completion percentage. If all keeps going well, Tettleton could prove to be a smaller version of Tebow during his final years at Ohio. Has what it takes to become an elite QB in the MAC conference. Led the Bobcats to a (10-4) record in 2011, with 12 returners including a WR, a TE and 2 linemen…Watch out! Team Record (10-3)
Blaine Gautier Sr. Louisiana Lafayette, 6-0, 205- Had an impressive year in 2011 passing for 23 TD and only 6 picks. Gautier passed for 470 yards and 3 scores to beat the Aztecs 32-30 in the New Orleans Bowl. Gautier broke former school standout Delhomme’s single season records with 2,901 passing yards. Despite playing in only 9 games this past year Gautier led the SBC conference in passer efficiency. Team Record (10-3)
Collin Klein Sr. Kansas State, 6-5, 226- After moving from WR to QB Klein has proved to be a force under center. With 1,141 rushing yards and 1,918 yards through the air Klein should scare opponents once again with his ability to take off. As Klein scored 27 rushing scores in 2011 look for the big QB to build upon the passing game as defenses will be aiming to stop the big man and his legs. Team Record (10-3)
