Best of the Best: QB’s

This is the first installment of what I’m calling “Best of the Best”, where I’ll be ranking the Top 3 players for each position.

First up – Quarterbacks. The ACC is actually pretty well off with signal callers this year. My Top 3 are all valid candidates for an All-ACC selection if they can replicate their success last season.

Next Up: Running Backs

1)Christian Ponder, Florida State
2009 Stats: 227-330-2,717 YDS (68.8%) 14 TD/7 INT 147.70 RATING
The Seminoles gun slinger has all the tools NFL scouts drool over. He has a cannon for an arm, lightning fast decision making and stands at 6’3″. Exactly how good he can be was evidenced by his performance in a win at North Carolina, which has one of the best defenses in the NATION. He completed 33 of 40 passes for 395 yards and 3 TD’s, and most importantly – no INT’s. Ponder was on pace last season to secure a decent spot in this years draft until an ill advised attempt (yes attempt) at a tackle when Clemson S DeAndre McDaniel picked him off late in the 4th quarter of the Seminoles 40-24 loss to the Tigers.

That decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Florida State faithful – another year in Tally for Ponder. The Florida State offensive line returns all 5 starters in 2010, and the wide receivers will be solid despite the loss of leading receiver Rod Owens. Don’t be surprised to hear Heisman talk if the Noles can produce some ‘W’s.


2)Russell Wilson, NC State
2009 Stats: 224-378-3,027 YDS (59.3%) 31 TD/11 INT 147.77 RATING
No player in the nation made a splash like Wilson did in his Freshman year. He became the first freshman to be named All-ACC, and had an astonishingly low 1 INT for 275 pass attempts to go along with 17 TD’s. The 2009 season didn’t see a sophomore slump as he finished 1st in the league in passing TD’s, 1st in total TD responsibility, 2nd in passing yardage (252.2 per game) and was responsible for a total of 35 TD’s (2nd most in ACC history).

His passing and scrambling skills are obvious, but what sets Wilson apart from other quarterbacks is his field vision and constant knowledge of the situations around him. Unfortunately for State fans, 2010 will be the dual-sport stars final season seeing as he was drafted in June’s MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies. It’s unfortunate (well for college football fans) because he was actually on pace to eventually pass Philip Rivers on the career list for career TD passes and career TD responsibility.


3)Jacory Harris, Miami
2009 Stats: 242-406-3,352 YDS (59.6%) 24 TD/17 INT 140.09 RATING
After guiding the Canes to a 3-1 record through arguably the toughest 4 game stretch in the  NCAA last season, Harris started garnering Heisman talk – and rightfully so. He had averaged 252 Yards and threw 8 TDs against some of the toughest defenses in the nation. Despite Miami finishing 3rd in the ACC and winding up in a mediocre bowl, Harris’ numbers were still strong. He finished 1st in the league in Passing Yards per Game, 3rd in Passing TD’s and 4th in Passing Efficiency.

This team lives and dies by Jacory’s play. In their three regular season losses, he rolled up 8 INT’s and only 3 TD’s while completing a paltry 53% of his passes. The 2010 version of Miami’s offensive line should provide ample protection and their wide receiving corps will be lights out, so Harris should put up even better numbers this season. He’ll end up being the difference between a trip to the ACC Title game and another so-so bowl.

Just missed the cut

• Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
• Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
• Kyle Parker, Clemson