FAVORITE TEAMS

Hey everyone, this is way too early to assume these will be the prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft. Yes, a few of these players will be gone after this season, but it remains to be seen with the rest of the players. Also, things will change before and during the season. Offseason injuries, transfers, off the field issues, and such and such are still a thing. Don’t fret because this is a long offseason.

10) MCKENZIE MILTON (SR) – FLORIDA STATE

Formerly freshmen Milton came in as part of the UCF rebuild after the team went 0-12 in 2015. In his first start against formidable Maryland, he played well and nearly won in overtime if not for his fumble. He proved that UCF could compete in the future. After a 6-6 season, Milton has not lost a game in his active career, winning 23 straight (27-6 overall with UCF), and leading to an upset over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. In 2018, his gruesome injury against USF looked like a career-ending one. However, his recovery process and impressive Florida State spring game performance shows he could bounce back and become a story for the ages depending on the Seminoles’ season. If he performs like his 2017-’18 self with better ball control, his name could be mentioned with other top quarterbacks by draft time.

9) MALIK WILLIS (SR) – LIBERTY

Liberty in a very short time of the FBS shut down plenty of doubters. They became potentially relevant thanks to former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn-transfer quarterback Malik Willis. Liberty dominated their schedule with a 10-1 record and Willis was the reason for their success. They won two of three games against Power 5 opponents (Syracuse and Virginia Tech) and nearly upset at North Carolina State. He threw 2,260 yards for 20 touchdowns and led the team in rushing for 944 and 14 touchdowns. His best game was against Coastal Carolina, demolishing them for 357 total yards and four rushing touchdowns “single-handedly”. Most of his drives led to scores and fields, minus the interceptions and a VERY questionable and unnecessary fumble by his teammate that shouldn’t have happened. The 2021 schedule is about the same, but their tough matchup is the last three games at Ole Miss and home games against Louisiana and Army. Willis could lead the Flames to another 10-win season. Depending on his performance, he could be on the outside looking in as the first Liberty quarterback drafted in program history.

8) CARSON STRONG (JR) – NEVADA

I watched this kid in person from Week 1 in their big upset against Purdue back in 2019. I asked, “who is this guy?” I heard Carson Strong and my response was, “I like this guy as Nevada’s quarterback”. He’s got arm strength and good accuracy downfield. The only downside is that he’s a pocket passer, but he has an opportunity to improve his resume with the majority of players that also return on both sides for the Wolfpack. He led the pack to a 7-2 record last season, including two wins straight over both Fresno State (since 2015 and 2016) and San Diego State (since 1945 and 1946). If he improves on his accuracy, his decision-making, better footwork, and possibly win a couple of big road games, his draft stock could rise by draft time.

7) BROCK PURDY (SR) – IOWA STATE

While other quarterbacks like Jacob Park, Kyle Kempt and Zeb Noland all led to Iowa State’s program’s rise from the grave, Brock Purdy made sure this program stayed afloat and climbed amongst the Big 12’s best. Under Purdy’s guidance and leadership, the team went 23-10, are 4-5 against ranked opponents in 3 seasons (best run in program history), made their first ever conference championship appearance, and were a possession away from taking it. He averages 66 percent passing and broke school records along the way, including having a record 3982 yards and a record 27 passing touchdowns. Returning for one more season with the Cyclones makes him and Iowa State a dark horse for the conference championship return and much more. If he handles Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas all in one season, Heisman could be in the cards for him too.

6) LEVI LEWIS (SR) – LOUISIANA

Lewis is the most underrated quarterback in college football that people rarely watch. He went 22-5 throughout his career, including winning 10-plus games back-to-back for the first time in program history. As a starter in two seasons, he pushed Mississippi State all game in 2019, went toe-to-toe with Appalachian State twice in 2019 before they won against them for the first time last season, upset Iowa State last season and won back-to-back bowl games. The stats aren’t eye-popping but his success with the Ragin’ Cajuns is beyond impressive. He chose to return for one more season and could lead the Cajuns to a 3-time 10-win season. Consider watching Louisiana this season and see what he does. Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray opened the door for short, mobile NFL quarterbacks, and Levi could be next in line.

5) KEDON SLOVIS (JR) – USC

When J.T. Daniels was supposed to be THE guy to lead USC back to prominence, he goes down with a serious injury and Slovis takes over> He not only saved Clay Helton’s coaching job, but he gives new life to the Trojan’s football program. He’s 12-5 in two seasons and was part of the Cardiac Trojans in 4 of 6 games in 2020 before Oregon put an end to their run in the conference championship. He’s smart and has a good arm, but it’s advised that he improves on his footwork. He’s named early for the Heisman race, but the back end of the 2021 schedule includes roads at Notre Dame and Arizona State and the last two home games at UCLA and BYU. Achieving that and potentially a conference title rematch with Oregon could put him in that conversation and more depending on where USC goes after early December.

4) JAYDEN DANIELS (JR) – ARIZONA STATE

Daniels is the lightest quarterback amongst active quarterbacks returning with just Levi Lewis in front, but he showed a lot of grit and swag. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and ran for 355 while scoring 20 total touchdowns…as a freshmen. He also led the team to a huge upset win over quarterback Justin Herbert’s Oregon after being that close to a potential playoff appearance. Even though Daniels couldn’t produce those numbers last season during COVID times, he’s forgiven as long as he shows that similar style and improvement in his overall play this season. If the Sun Devils overcome a challenging 2021 Pac-12 schedule and upsets USC, Daniels could be the Heisman dark horse and decide whether to stay or leave for the NFL next season.

3) SPENCER RATTLER (SO) – OKLAHOMA

Rattler was the biggest hyped quarterback for the Sooners and everyone anticipated his chance to play. His first “exhibition” game last season showed the Sooners’ offense has a bright future. Unfortunately, some of his performance in the next game was an issue, and most of it came in the second half during conference play. Inconsistency plagued him in games against Iowa State twice, Kansas State, Texas (sidelining him for the rest of the second quarter), and Baylor, but he also showed that he can be dangerous with his arm and legs. He’ll improve on his overall play-making ability during the offseason and he could lead the Sooners to a place they haven’t seen in two decades. Depending on how he does in 2021, he may decide on his NFL future.

2) SAM HOWELL (JR) – NORTH CAROLINA

Coach Mack Brown returned to UNC with an opportunity to rebuild and retool the program. He needed a quarterback to follow his vision and Sam Howell answered the call as a true freshmen. That season, he threw for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He led the team to back-to-back upset wins over South Carolina and Miami at the beginning of his career. He was also a 2-point conversion away from a major upset win over Clemson. Despite a slow start last season during the COVID-era, he still threw for 3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions again while having to scramble a bit more. They managed to win eight games and make their first Orange Bowl appearance. His numbers improved and could be better this season too. He’s in the hunt for the Heisman, a Coastal title, and a chance at an ACC title after Trevor Lawrence’s departure for the NFL. Howell will play with new faces in the skills position, and his experience, talent, and leadership could set him apart in the draft if he chooses to leave early after this season.

1) JT DANIELS (JR) – GEORGIA

JT Daniels sits at number one for a reason. This former five-star Mater Dei quarterback was the reason for what USC could’ve been and now the reason for what Georgia could become in 2021. He went 6-6 with USC in two seasons and went down with a season-ending injury against Fresno State before transferring to Athens. He made his first start with the Bulldogs against Mississippi State and went 4-0 while throwing 10 touchdowns to 2 interceptions last season. I will be frank, Cincinnati was his only true test after wearing a Bulldogs uniform. He will be tested in his first game against Clemson before the playing in the thick of the SEC, including Auburn and Florida. If he succeeds that, wins the conference championship, and potentially more, he’s likely the Top 3 quarterback in the NFL draft and could go first out of the group.

OTHER QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH FOR

DILLON GABRIEL – UCF

DESMOND RIDDER – CINCINNATI

PHIL JURKOVEC – BOSTON COLLEGE

D’ERIQ KING – MIAMI (FL)

HANK BACHMEIER OR JACK SEARS – BOISE STATE

ANTHONY BROWN – OREGON

DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON – UCLA

TUALIA TAGOVAILOA – MARYLAND

TANNER MORGAN – MINNESOTA

SEAN CLIFFORD – PENN STATE