It's been over four months since signing day and a lot has transpired since then. So it is time to dust off our initial look at the incoming quarterback class and see where we stand heading into August camp.
Many of the quarterbacks on this list still haven't thrown a pass in an official practice or taken a hit by a college linebacker. So much of this is still wild speculation.
Tate Forcier, Matt Barkley and Russell Shepard still top the list. Not a surprise since the trio was on campus this spring competing for jobs. Shavodrick Beaver slides up a few spots to join the three after a strong showing this spring. If Beaver pulls the upset at Tulsa he'll leapfrog to the top of our freshman rankings.
Forcier has the clearest path to earning a starting spot. His skill set is a good fit for the Rich Rodriguez offense. Although I worry about him getting McGuffied this fall. At 6-foot-1 and 185-pounds, Forcier is going to take a pounding. Unlike sending Sam McGuffie out to handle kickoff duties fresh off missing a game due to a concussion, Rich Rodriguez and staff better use more common sense if they expect to keep Forcier healthy for a full season.
Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger, Josh Nunes and a few others lose some ground as it looks like they are destined for redshirts.
Derek Carr and Austyn Carta-Samuels can be added to the mix of freshmen that could earn a starting spot this fall. Austyn was not on campus this spring, and you'll want to take a wait and see the approach to the Cowboys' new offense this fall. But Carr was around this spring, and he worked his way into the quarterback derby at Fresno State. Being the younger brother of former Bulldog standout David Carr you have to believe he's going to get a solid look.
Next up we'll be taking a look at the running back previews, sleepers & keepers as well as a second look at the freshmen.