As we dive deeper into the rankings we start getting into the sleeper quarterbacks like David Isabelle or quarterbacks that haven't secured a starting role yet, like Steven Sheffield. Both could turn out to be fantasy starters, but come with a fair amount of risk, as do many on this list.
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 30 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 7
We're taking two leaps of faith here: One, that Sheffield will win the starting quarterback job. Two, that Tommy Tuberville won't screw up the great thing that Mike Leach had going. Sheffield will spend the rest of July recovering from a broken left foot, but he should be good to go for fall camp. But with a quarterbacking group that also includes Taylor Potts, Seth Doege and Jacob Karam, drafting any Red Raider quarterback will present a bunch of risk. Sheffield and Potts are the biggest boom or bust picks in the 2010 draft.
2009 Stats: 101/136 Pass 1219 PaYd 14 PaTD 4 PaINT (-41) RuYd 2 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 132.66
2010 Projs: 266/418 Pass 3094 PaYd 24 PaTD 8 PaINT (-9) RuYd 2 RuTD Pts: 262.86
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 14 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Could quarterback David Isabelle have fantasy owners and UAB fans saying, Joe Webb Who? Isabelle was the team's second leading rusher with 228 yards, and he carried a 9-yard average last season. Isabelle was shaky in UAB's first scrimmage this spring, but ripped off 124 yards and a score on 17 carries in their second. He also added 172 yards and two scores through the air. Isabelle then posted 222 yards of total offense and two scores in just a half of play in UAB's spring game. A definite sleeper candidate at quarterback, Isabelle has a very high fantasy ceiling.
2009 Stats: 6/14 Pass 39 PaYd 1 PaTD 0 PaINT 288 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 42.36
2010 Projs: 126/231 Pass 1575 PaYd 13 PaTD 9 PaINT 915 RuYd 8 RuTD Pts: 262.50
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 2 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Vittatoe's passing numbers in 2009 were nearly identical to his 2008 campaign. That is except he threw 16 fewer touchdowns. Vittatoe's drop in touchdown production is a direct correlation to the emergence of Donald Buckram. It is hard to imagine Vittatoe getting near his 33 touchdowns from 2008, but it is equally as hard to believe he will throw only 17 touchdowns again.
2009 Stats: 224/408 Pass 3308 PaYd 17 PaTD 13 PaINT (-83) RuYd 0 RuTD 1 PaConv 1 RuConv 1 Fumb Pts: 204.02
2010 Projs: 228/412 Pass 3224 PaYd 25 PaTD 10 PaINT (-45) RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 260.46
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 103 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Nesbitt's 28 total touchdowns from 2009 are impressive, though most fantasy owners will be scared away by the fact that only ten came through the air. Fair enough, as it will be difficult to rely on Nesbitt as an every-week fantasy starter. He could only hit the magical four-score fantasy mark on two occasions last season, and demanding fantasy owners need more frequent explosions. And it's hard to even spot start Nesbitt against porous run defenses, because he may end up handing off much more than he runs. Great leader, gutty player, but a fantasy risk.
2009 Stats: 75/162 Pass 1701 PaYd 10 PaTD 5 PaINT 1037 RuYd 18 RuTD 9 Fumb Pts: 329.74
2010 Projs: 63/132 Pass 1208 PaYd 8 PaTD 4 PaINT 812 RuYd 15 RuTD Pts: 259.52
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 67 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Cousins is a very talented quarterback who struggled with late-game decision-making during his first season of regular playing time. Now, with a whole bunch of weapons back at WR and TE, there is a very good chance we see Cousins push 30 scores, which would make him one of the Big Ten's top fantasy quarterbacks. Though week in and week out consistency could be a problem for fantasy owners, the kid can really wing the pigskin, and this job is no longer one he'll be forced to share.
2009 Stats: 198/328 Pass 2680 PaYd 19 PaTD 9 PaINT 60 RuYd 0 RuTD 1 Recs 2 ReYd 2 Fumb Pts: 209.40
2010 Projs: 221/369 Pass 2954 PaYd 25 PaTD 9 PaINT 23 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 258.46
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 23 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Bass is an interesting young signal caller. He's not the sure-fire #1 guy, and his numbers from a season ago don't wow you. However this former Maryland signee is an impressive athlete, and if it clicks then we could have something.
2009 Stats: 53/81 Pass 673 PaYd 6 PaTD 4 PaINT 180 RuYd 1 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 78.92
2010 Projs: 179/320 Pass 2213 PaYd 18 PaTD 11 PaINT 586 RuYd 4 RuTD Pts: 257.12
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 120 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
Word out of spring ball was that Arnaud was improving mightily as a passer, and if this indeed the case then we'll have a very undervalued quarterback. The problem with Arnaud is that he's not really a BCS fantasy factor, and there are so many great quarterbacks in the offensively-inclined Big 12 that he gets lost in the shuffle. The senior is the man, and he'll break out on occasion. However his production will be too inconsistent to consider him a regular start in anything more than deep Big 12-only leagues. Oh, and his team is gonna stink too.
2009 Stats: 179/304 Pass 2017 PaYd 15 PaTD 13 PaINT 622 RuYd 7 RuTD 2 PaConv 3 Fumb Pts: 252.88
2010 Projs: 185/314 Pass 2070 PaYd 16 PaTD 12 PaINT 632 RuYd 6 RuTD Pts: 254.00
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 89 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 9
Northwestern has produced some very good but under-the-radar fantasy quarterbacks over the years, going back to Zak Kustok and continuing with C.J. Bacher and then Mike Kafka. We like Dan Persa to continue this trend. He brings all that is needed to run the NU offense: accuracy, smarts and the ability to scramble when the opportunity presents itself.
2009 Stats: 20/34 Pass 224 PaYd 2 PaTD 2 PaINT 167 RuYd 0 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 33.66
2010 Projs: 227/392 Pass 2657 PaYd 14 PaTD 11 PaINT 433 RuYd 7 RuTD Pts: 253.58
Home Games: 8 EOS Off: 74 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
This was supposed to the be the spring that Newton and John Brantley faced off for the right to take over for Tim Tebow. Instead the former five-star recruit has found a fresh start with Auburn. Newton was brought in for one reason and it wasn't to sit the bench. He won the starting job out of spring ball, and he'll enter fantasy drafts as maybe the nation's most intriguing BCS quarterback...except, ironically, for maybe John Brantley.
2009 Stats: 0/0 Pass 0 PaYd 0 PaTD 0 PaINT 0 RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 176/286 Pass 2412 PaYd 21 PaTD 10 PaINT 266 RuYd 4 RuTD Pts: 253.08
Home Games: 4 EOS Off: 6 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 6
While we're saddened at the thought of a football season without our friend Rusty Smith, we are fans of Jeff Van Camp. Like Trusty Rusty, Van Camp is a large quarterback who'll throw against a bunch of crappy defenses. He was forced into duty when Rusty went down, and Van Camp threw 12 touchdowns against only two picks, with those only two interceptions coming against UAB. This Owl has the look of a very nice fantasy fill-in when injuries and bye weeks strike.
2009 Stats: 109/184 Pass 1372 PaYd 12 PaTD 2 PaINT 19 RuYd 3 RuTD 1 PaConv 1 Fumb Pts: 144.78
2010 Projs: 242/412 Pass 2669 PaYd 24 PaTD 8 PaINT 28 RuYd 2 RuTD Pts: 249.56
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 65 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
As impressive as Carta-Samuels was as a true freshman last year, he was named the team's most improved player following spring ball. The Wyoming offense will continue to evolve into a more explosive unit, and Carta-Samuels will be the driving force. A great keeper prospect, look for Carta-Samuels to provide enough fireworks to emerge as a solid QB3 to start when the matchups are just right.
2009 Stats: 191/326 Pass 1953 PaYd 10 PaTD 5 PaINT 366 RuYd 3 RuTD 1 Recs 30 ReYd 1 ReTD 1 PaConv 1 Fumb Pts: 193.72
2010 Projs: 210/353 Pass 2320 PaYd 18 PaTD 9 PaINT 356 RuYd 3 RuTD 1 Recs 28 ReYd 1 ReTD Pts: 245.20
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 101 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Clayton went from 18 touchdowns against four interceptions in 2009 to 13 touchdowns and 12 picks in 2009. This is not going in the right direction. And with new coach Bobby Hauck coming to town there's no guarantee that Clayton will be the man. Both Mike Clausen and Caleb Herring will get a shot at the gig. However the odds are on Clayton, and while he'll bring big-point potential each week, you'll want to look elsewhere.
2009 Stats: 196/326 Pass 2230 PaYd 13 PaTD 12 PaINT 238 RuYd 3 RuTD Pts: 185.00
2010 Projs: 204/341 Pass 2348 PaYd 20 PaTD 12 PaINT 301 RuYd 4 RuTD Pts: 244.02
Home Games: 0 EOS Off: 42 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
Ryan Lindley threw 10 more passes in 2009 than 2008, and he completed three fewer. However he threw for about 400 more yards with seven more touchdowns but seven more interceptions. What the hell is my point? Lindley took more chances last year with Brady Hoke at the helm, and with better decision making and a healthy Vincent Brown teaming with DaMarco Sampson we could see Lindley push towards 30 scores. We're thinking he makes strides.
2009 Stats: 239/437 Pass 3054 PaYd 23 PaTD 16 PaINT (-131) RuYd 1 RuTD 1 PaConv 2 Fumb Pts: 223.06
2010 Projs: 241/440 Pass 3064 PaYd 25 PaTD 14 PaINT (-95) RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 241.06
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 21 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
Moniz missed most of spring ball and and there are still the lingering questions from his personal leave from the team. Reports have him working hard to get his way back in the squad's good graces and he should exit fall camp as the starter. However his TD:INT ratio and under 60 percent completion percentage (not good in the Run N' Shoot) is a concern. He's another that we could have grossly over or underrated. If you do invest in Moniz then you'll want it to be as your third of fourth quarterback.
2009 Stats: 180/318 Pass 2360 PaYd 14 PaTD 10 PaINT 143 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 178.70
2010 Projs: 245/424 Pass 3040 PaYd 21 PaTD 15 PaINT 167 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 240.30
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 107 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
24 touchdown passes, good. 17 interceptions, bad. Both the Miami offense and team as a whole are looking at making that next step, and both will depend heavily on Jacory Harris and his improved decision making. His thumb surgery in January will not be a factor whatsoever, and we're looking for Harris to again post a touchdown total somewhere in the mid-20's.
2009 Stats: 242/406 Pass 3354 PaYd 24 PaTD 17 PaINT (-199) RuYd 1 RuTD 2 Fumb Pts: 230.26
2010 Projs: 238/388 Pass 3177 PaYd 24 PaTD 11 PaINT (-152) RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 239.88
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 49 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 9
Steve Spurrier spent the offseason tearing apart Stephen Garcia, so much that it's hard not to view the Ball Coach as a caricature of himself. Garcia has gotten better, and this could be the year he puts it all together...after all he's got to run out of years at some point. Putting it together at South Carolina likely means a ceiling of 25 scores, which would make him a factor in SEC leagues.
2009 Stats: 239/432 Pass 2862 PaYd 17 PaTD 10 PaINT 186 RuYd 4 RuTD 4 Fumb Pts: 239.08
2010 Projs: 225/397 Pass 2679 PaYd 20 PaTD 9 PaINT 175 RuYd 2 RuTD Pts: 238.66
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 32 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 8
One need only look at the Poinsettia Bowl to see sufficient evidence that Jordan Wynn is going to be a top signal caller, and a BCS factor in 2011 when the Utes move on up to the Pac-10. This sophomore will turn the run-first Utah offense into one that will feature the pass. He's going to get stronger as he matures, and in a very short time we'll have a top fantasy quarterback.
2009 Stats: 104/179 Pass 1329 PaYd 8 PaTD 4 PaINT 15 RuYd 0 RuTD 1 PaConv Pts: 96.66
2010 Projs: 210/348 Pass 2646 PaYd 22 PaTD 9 PaINT 59 RuYd 2 RuTD Pts: 237.74
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 20 OL Ret: 1 Off Ret: 5
Enderle and his Vandals had a great 2009 season. He was a more efficient passer, throwing two more touchdowns and eight fewer interceptions than he did in 2008. Oh, and he threw for over 800 more yards. There are some questions on the offensive line, but in Maurice Shaw and WR/TE Daniel Hardy there are two nice receiver options. And Enderle's coach, Rob Akey, sounds like Sgt. Slaughter, so he's got that going for him.
2009 Stats: 192/312 Pass 2906 PaYd 22 PaTD 9 PaINT (-55) RuYd 0 RuTD 1 PaConv Pts: 226.74
2010 Projs: 196/325 Pass 2924 PaYd 24 PaTD 8 PaINT (-78) RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 237.16
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 26 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Rumor has it that Ross Jenkins did his first ever backflip when it was announced that Sonny Dykes and Tony Franklin were going to run the Louisiana Tech offense. This kid has shown an ability to make very good decisions, and this is evidenced by his 24 career scores against only eight picks. There is talent in place, a soft schedule and an offensive system that is going to be incredibly explosive. However, watch out for Steven Ensminger. He will push Jenkins in fall camp.
2009 Stats: 172/290 Pass 2095 PaYd 17 PaTD 5 PaINT 73 RuYd 2 RuTD 1 PaConv 2 Fumb Pts: 197.10
2010 Projs: 198/328 Pass 2386 PaYd 21 PaTD 8 PaINT 135 RuYd 3 RuTD Pts: 236.94
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 94 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
Foles is joined by six other Wildcat offensive starters that will return for 2010, and we're looking for continued growth from the big gunslinger. Foles, originally from Austin, Texas, signed with Michigan State out of high school. Then, just as it appeared he'd battle Kirk Cousins for the starting job, the Spartans welcomed back one-time commit Keith Nichol and Foles headed to Tuscon. Now the 6-5 talent not only has great collegiate potential, but he appears one who'll get a serious look on Sunday. The Pac-10 boasts the likes of Locker, Luck and Barkley, but it wouldn't surprise us if Foles bested all of them statistically in 2010. This kid can throw it, and the offense provides him plenty of opportunities to do so.
2009 Stats: 260/410 Pass 2485 PaYd 19 PaTD 9 PaINT (-73) RuYd 3 RuTD 1 Recs -9 ReYd 2 Fumb Pts: 205.20
2010 Projs: 258/406 Pass 2604 PaYd 23 PaTD 8 PaINT (-67) RuYd 3 RuTD 1 Recs -8 ReYd Pts: 236.66
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 93 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 9
He ain't Randel El, but Ben Chappell isn't too shabby. It's rare that a Hoosier quarterback throws for 3,000 yards, but this senior came up just 63 shy of that magic number last season. He shined against Illinois and Wisconsin, and was pretty steady in the others. Sure he has no value beyond Big Ten leagues, but against the right opponent he'll post some huge numbers. This is a good offense, and it's piloted by a very underrated signal caller.
2009 Stats: 267/427 Pass 2937 PaYd 17 PaTD 15 PaINT (-9) RuYd 3 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 206.58
2010 Projs: 274/434 Pass 2997 PaYd 22 PaTD 14 PaINT 1 RuYd 2 RuTD Pts: 235.98
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 114 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 5
Following a not-so-great spring there were rumblings that Newsome, the presumed starter at quarterback, may not emerge as the man to start this season. His experience and bulldog running style should be enough to maintain the starting role. But with so much young talent behind him, it is tough to recommend drafting Newsome at this point.
2009 Stats: 8/11 Pass 66 PaYd 0 PaTD 0 PaINT 95 RuYd 2 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 24.14
2010 Projs: 177/301 Pass 2156 PaYd 17 PaTD 11 PaINT 392 RuYd 5 RuTD Pts: 235.44
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 54 OL Ret: 2 Off Ret: 6
If ever a player needed a change of scenery it was Robert Marve. Everything the Florida native did at Miami was full of drama, and clearly a move was in everyone's best interest. Following a year off and an impressive spring it's been announced that Marve will enter 2010 as the starter in West Lafayette. Even with the torn ACL suffered by tailback Ralph Bolden the Boilers will boast some nice offensive talent. While you should keep in mind that Danny Hope, not Joe Tiller, is coaching this squad, Marve will be one of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Still he'll only warrant draft day consideration in conference-only leagues.
2009 Stats: 0/0 Pass 0 PaYd 0 PaTD 0 PaINT 0 RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 236/394 Pass 2792 PaYd 22 PaTD 15 PaINT 139 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 233.58
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 48 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 6
Boo reshirted last year due to a shoulder injury, and his return in 2010 will go a long way towards improving a Bobcat passing attack that ranked 106th nationally. He'll be a steadying force, and 25 touchdowns are not out of the realm of possibilities.
2009 Stats: 17/30 Pass 194 PaYd 1 PaTD 0 PaINT 21 RuYd 0 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 15.86
2010 Projs: 187/312 Pass 2314 PaYd 19 PaTD 9 PaINT 257 RuYd 3 RuTD Pts: 232.26
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 110 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
Taylor will lead what will be one of the greatest Virginia Tech offenses ever in 2010. When Boise leaves Landover on Labor Day evening we may have a national star on our hands, provide his backfield mates don't steal too much of the show. Taylor made huge strides as a passer in 2009, and he's all set to put it all together. Still we're concerned that in order to keep him safe the Hokies will have him run less and less, and this definitely cuts into his fantasy potential. Taylor won't post great numbers with enough consistency, but he'll break out in enough games to make him one to play when matchups are right.
2009 Stats: 136/243 Pass 2311 PaYd 13 PaTD 5 PaINT 370 RuYd 5 RuTD 2 Fumb Pts: 227.44
2010 Projs: 135/245 Pass 2288 PaYd 16 PaTD 5 PaINT 305 RuYd 3 RuTD Pts: 226.02
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 29 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 8
Jamarr Robinson had a great spring, couple that with solid performances at the end of last season, including 129 yards rushing against Virginia Tech, and the Terps' quarterback spot looks to be good hands. Robinson will be a solid option in deep ACC leagues when the matchup is right, but is only a sleeper in BCS leagues. Any consistent Terp production will likely come from Da'Rel Scott, not this redshirt junior.
2009 Stats: 46/85 Pass 460 PaYd 2 PaTD 0 PaINT 229 RuYd 0 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 53.30
2010 Projs: 165/300 Pass 1848 PaYd 14 PaTD 7 PaINT 512 RuYd 5 RuTD Pts: 225.12
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 80 OL Ret: 3 Off Ret: 7
ECU is switching to a Texas Texas-style offense. Wornick becomes a factor should he outlast Boston College transfer Dominique Davis, which isn't a sure thing at this point. If so he has a good receiving corps to work with, led by Dwayne Harris. Watch this quarterback battle and offense closely this summer/fall.
2009 Stats: 0/0 Pass 0 PaYd 0 PaTD 0 PaINT 0 RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 242/429 Pass 2666 PaYd 23 PaTD 10 PaINT (-24) RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 222.24
Home Games: 6 EOS Off: 55 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
Murray has the potential to be a very good Dawg quarterback, however this is a program where even Matt Stafford didn't make a fantasy impact. Murray will manage games, and Georgia will play good football. He will be asked to protect the ball, and this will not lead to huge statistical outputs.
2009 Stats: 0/0 Pass 0 PaYd 0 PaTD 0 PaINT 0 RuYd 0 RuTD Pts: 0.00
2010 Projs: 195/325 Pass 2340 PaYd 24 PaTD 10 PaINT (-32) RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 220.40
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 68 OL Ret: 5 Off Ret: 10
Ask me to name one of the nation's more underrated quarterbacks and Scott Tolzien will roll off the tongue. I know his numbers (16 touchdowns against 11 picks) don't jump out at you, but this kid throws a really pretty pass and he improved considerably as the season went on; in fact eight of his 11 picks came in the season's first seven weeks. Down the stretch he threw for more than 235 yards in each of his last four contests. Play-action will lead to some big plays in the passing game, and Tolzien will be one of the Big Ten's top quarterbacks.
2009 Stats: 211/328 Pass 2701 PaYd 16 PaTD 11 PaINT 4 RuYd 2 RuTD 2 Fumb Pts: 194.44
2010 Projs: 213/328 Pass 2747 PaYd 20 PaTD 8 PaINT 5 RuYd 1 RuTD Pts: 220.38
Home Games: 7 EOS Off: 45 OL Ret: 4 Off Ret: 7
Relf presents a nice run-threat option and a natural fit for Dan Mullen offense, though he'll probably split snaps with the strapping Tyler Russell, who is a better passer. Wait to see how this one plays out before investing a draft pick.
2009 Stats: 22/41 Pass 283 PaYd 5 PaTD 3 PaINT 500 RuYd 2 RuTD 1 Fumb Pts: 97.32
2010 Projs: 109/197 Pass 1217 PaYd 10 PaTD 6 PaINT 812 RuYd 7 RuTD Pts: 219.88