Over The Pylon

Quarterback. It’s arguably the most important position in all of sports to get right, and a team’s fortunes can be made by finding ‘the one.’ However, that is no easy task. We’ve all heard the big names, and it will be no surprise to anyone if next winter Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota or Bryce Petty is walking up onto the stage to collect the Heisman Trophy.

The most talented college quarterbacks are household names over the entire country, and opposing defences fear them. Aside from the big names, there is always a Johnny Manziel in 2012, or a Jameis Winston in 2013 who becomes a superstar, and the 2014 college football season will be no different, so who can we expect to take the next step to become one of the true elite college QBs.

Dylan Thompson, South Carolina: Despite continuous success with the Gamecocks, coach Steve Spurrier had never really found a trustworthy QB until Connor Shaw, now departed for the NFL. Thompson will step into the starting role having experienced playing time alongside Shaw, and could be set to make an instant impact.

Trevor Knight, Oklahoma: Knight had a rather disappointing 2013 season, until he went ballistic on Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, throwing for 348 yards and 4 TDs against a defense packed with NFL talent. The Sooners may have found themselves a future star.

Kyle Allen, Texas A&M: The 5 star true freshman QB is locked in a battle to replace departed legend Johnny Manziel, no easy task in itself. However, Allen comes to A&M with huge talent, and if he can beat out Kenny Hill for the starting job and turn that talent into productivity, could leave the 12th man asking “Johnny who?”

Malik Zaire, Notre Dame: Despite the return of experienced QB Everett Golson, Zaire had a huge spring and has created a genuine QB battle. If his upside can win the job, he could be poised to break out and become the next big Fighting Irish quarterback.

Hutson Mason, Georgia: Following a similar theme to Kyle Allen at A&M, Mason has some huge shoes to fill after the departure of the legendary Aaron Murray. However, he is surrounded by talent and showed he could play in the Bulldogs’ spring game.

Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati: Somewhat of a forgotten man, the former Notre Dame transfer sat out last season, and his potential could be enough to hurdle him over experienced QB Brendan Kay. There is no doubting that the former 5 star recruit has the talent to make a huge impact on the Bearcats.

Filed under: NCAA |