ESPN is giving Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford a lot of attention.
In a video for ESPN.com, Scout Inc.'s Todd McShay (also an ESPN analyst) broke down Stafford's progression from high school to college. Among other things Stafford was compared to Brett Farve, he has the ability to drive the ball downfield throwing on the run, shows a lot of touch on underneath routes, but trusts his arm and legs too much not to mention he had a gambling mentality ('aka' he's a chucker).
Last season, Stafford started as a freshman in place of injured senior Joe Tereshinski III, but threw 13 interception to only seven touchdowns with a meager 1,749 yards. With Stafford, came plenty of tough lessons as Georgia lost to Vanderbilt and Kentucky in the same season for the first time since 1973. However, the Bulldogs won each of its last two regular-season games, then rallied from a 21-0 deficit to stun Virginia Tech 31-24 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Head coach Mark Richt, who coached Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke as an assistant at Florida State, hopes Stafford's second season will be much smoother now that he's been working in the offense for nearly two years. Todd McShay shares Richt's opinion.McShay gave three reasons why Stafford is primed for a breakout season including working as a starter all last year, plus Stafford's supporting cast can't get worse according to McShay and talent eventually has to take over. All that said McShay thinks Stafford could emerge as a top quarterback in the SEC at the end of 2007, which would also make him an elite quarterback in the nation.
Sorry Todd, here are five quarterbacks who enter the 2007 season better than Stafford and will remain there.
John David Booty, USC - Fifth-year senior John David Booty begins the season as the undisputed leader of the Trojan offense. Scouts say he has a stronger arm than previous USC quarterback Matt Leinart. A year ago, Booty chucked 29 touchdowns with only nine picks and racked up 3,347 yards. The bar has been set high for USC quarterbacks by Carson Palmer (2002 Heisman winner with No. 4 finish) and Leinart (2004 Heisman winner and AP championship in 2003, BCS title 2004 and No. 2 finish in 2005). Booty wants to prove he is not the weak link and has the tools to do so.
Colt Brennan, Hawaii - It's unfortunate that Brennan plays in Hawaii, but he's the real deal. Brennan threw for 5,549 yards and 58 touchdowns last season. His NCAA record-setting statistics were incredible: nine games with 400 yards passing or more, two or more touchdown passes in every game (eight games with five or more) and a 72-completion percentage. Brennan ought to compete for the Heisman this year, but it's unsure whether the voters will stay up and watch.
Brian Brohm, Louisville - Brohm decided to return for his senior season much to the delight of Cardinals fans. He stands fourth all-time at Louisville in career passing yards with 6,751 and 41 touchdowns. Brohm is the school recorder holder in completion percentage, third all-time in school history in total offense and the Big East record holder with eleven 300-yard passing games. He is a legitimate Heisman candidate.
Sam Keller, Nebraska - Keller is back after sitting out a year due to transfer rules and should win the Huskers' starting job. Keller possesses a strong arm and quick release. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns at Arizona State during 19 games between 2003 and 2005. Keller was a backup for ASU in his first two seasons in the program. Keller owns ASU's second-best career completion percentage and will showcase his talent in the Big 12 this year.
Andre' Woodson, Kentucky - Woodson is the best at his position in the SEC. He boasts a strong, accurate arm and enters 2007 with streak of 162 consecutive passes thrown without an interception, a Kentucky record. Woodson led the SEC last season with 270 passing yards per game. He threw for 3,515 yards, 31 touchdowns while completing 63 percent of his attempts. A surprise name for some to be tossed around with the best quarterbacks, but Woodson should garner a lot more attention this year.
1 comment:
I really don't know much about Stafford, but I have a hard time getting on the SEC QB bandwagon. In a conference that passes as a means of opening up the running game, I have a hard time getting past my dislike of the SEC (Sunken into Ennui Conference) in atempting to take an objective look at its obviously overwhelming level of talent... However, I do like Andre Woodson enough to place him somewhere in the list of top 5 QBs this year. Although it depends on how he performs in his senior campaign, he definitely has the "measurables" that the NFL looks at when selecting franchise QBs. He's 6'5" 230lbs and has an absolute cannon for an arm. If he played for a trendier SEC team he'd get the attention he deserves, but I don't think NFL scouts will forget that he actually competed against other SEC teams when throwing for 3515 yards and 31 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions.
I would add Chase Daniel and Colt McCoy to your list of QBs to watch out for. As a loyal OU fan I have a hard time liking either one of these guys, but they both have that special something that you must have in order to succeed at the next level (is that called an "unmeasurable"?). Both might be a little young to be included in this list, but they are very solid and will undoubtedly be the "John David Booty"-like QBs of college football seasons to come.
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