Signal calls: Hot QB battles
These will be the "Eight Most-Watched Quarterback Battles" for SN Top 40 teams when camps open in August. Good luck, fellas.
1. Notre Dame: Demetrius Jones, Jimmy Clausen, Evan Sharpley.
Each brings a markedly different skill set to the field, making this an even more vexing choice. Jones knows the offense best, but he's nowhere near the passer that Charlie Weis is used to working with. That's why I think this battle will come down to Jimmy Clausen vs. Sharpley.
My choice: Jimmy Clausen ... as long as he's healthy. What the heck? The Irish don't appear to be an elite team this fall, given the personnel losses at key offensive skill spots. Plus, the defense -- a sore spot under Weis -- remains the ultimate work in progress as it implements a 3-4 scheme under a new coordinator. Why not just write off this season and build for the future under Jimmy Clausen's stewardship?
2. Oklahoma: Sam Bradford, Joey Halzle, Keith Nichol.
Bob Stoops swears he isn't fretting over making a pick. And, I have to believe him, given Stoops' track record of finding competent passers.
My choice: Bradford. He's green but impressed on the scout team last year. And Bradford has a package of skills that can be brought along slowly because of a great supporting cast.
3. Wisconsin: Tyler Donovan, Allan Evridge.
The Badgers are loaded, save for one teensy problem: quarterback. In fact, that's why we shied from picking Wisconsin to win the Big Ten. We could be proven wrong (and I hope so) if a steady hand emerges under center.
My choice: Evridge. The lefty has nifty feet and an emerging arm, meaning he could develop into the team's most dangerous weapon at the spot in -- well -- years.
4. Ohio State: Todd Boeckman, Robbie Schoenhoft.
Think "Craig Krenzel." That's good. One thing looks almost certain no matter who wins the job: Ohio State's offense figures to look a lot like Krenzel's 2002 national title team's, relying heavily on the run and controlled passing game.
My choice: Boeckman. I like the fact he knows the system best and is a coach's kid. He's ready.
5. Florida State: Xavier Lee, Drew Weatherford.
When I talked to new FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher recently, he expressed no angst over who would be his starter. "I think the competition is good," he said. "I like having two options who both have experience."
My choice: Lee. He may not be as polished as Weatherford. But if Lee's playmaking skills can be harnessed, he'll be a difference-maker. And Weatherford never will be a difference-maker. Put another way: We know what Weatherford is; Lee remains a tantalizing, unpolished gem.
6. Miami: Kirby Freeman, Kyle Wright.
Wow. This sorta is like picking between Larry Storch and Pauly Shore in a "best actor" competition. Well, it may not be that bad -- is it?
My choice: Wright. Freeman had a chance to seize control last year -- and didn't. I say stick with Wright, whose experience finally could pay dividends in a stellar senior year. OK, a "kinda strong" senior year.
7. TCU: Marcus Jackson, Andy Dalton.
No one thinks "offense" when discussing the Horned Frogs. It's all about the "D" in Fort Worth, baby. Still, a serviceable quarterback is needed. Marcus Jackson emerged as the top guy after spring drills, but the battle will rage on in camp.
My choice: Take Marcus Jackson. He's the better athlete and a decent passer. And who can forget how he saved the day in a win over Baylor last year when starter Jeff Ballard got hurt?
8. Boise State: Taylor Tharp, Bush Hamdan.
These poor lads get to try to make fans forget Jared Zabransky and his Fiesta Bowl magic. Tharp is the vet, a steady hand who has dipped his toe into action. Hamdan is a newbie.
My choice: I'm told Hamdan is more athletic and cut from a similar mold as Zabransky. He's my guy.
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