2012: The REAL Year of the QB

Happy Thursday Cougs!

I thought it was funny, watching the NFL draft this past weekend, and hearing experts rave about the quarterback talent in the 2011 class.  Four quarterbacks heard their name called in the first 12 picks, including a certain one Mr. Jake Locker.  I even heard one expert refer to this years’ draft as “the year of the quarterback.”

I’m not buying it…at all.  In fact, I’m willing say that the talent in this up-coming seasons’ Pac-12 class alone will exceed that of the entire first round of this draft.  That’s not to knock on the QB’s taken this year…but the Pac-12 QB’s will just be THAT GOOD next season. 

One could argue that last years Pac 10 Quarterback class even was stronger because Locker was in the mix.  I disagree, and that’s not to take anything away from Locker.  Setting aside from my opinions on his potential at the next level, Locker didn’t have a great year last year statistically.  His 55.4% completion percentage was worst among Pac-10 starting quarterbacks last year. 

While the quarterback play was exceptional last year, I am expecting to see a whole new level in 2011.  In fact, I’m expecting it to be the best I’ve ever seen.  Consider how young this crop was last year.  Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Darron Thomas, Jeff Tuel, Ryan Katz, and Brock Osweiler were ALL either redshirt or true sophomores last year.  Nick Foles and Steven Threet were only Juniors.  They will all be returning, a year more seasoned from the start of last fall.  I expect big things.

Obviously I can’t make that claim without Andrew Luck.  Watch him, and tell me he’s not one of the best college quarterbacks you’ve ever seen….I dare you.  Scouts are convinced he’s a once-in-a-decade prospect.  His 32-8 touchdown to interception ratio, 70.7 completion percentage, and 453 rushing yards last season did nothing to do but reinforce that perception.  Watch him and you will see what happens when an incredible football acumen blends with exceptional athletic ability.  Teams should LOSE to draft Andrew Luck.  

While it would take an act of God for Andrew Luck not to be the number 1 overall pick next year, he might be accompanied in the top 5 with another Pac-12 gun-slinger in Matt Barkley.  Barkley was the number one overall high school prospect coming out of Mater Dei in 2008, and he has a great chance to live up to all the hype this year.  In his very first 2012 NFL mock draft, draft guru Todd McShay has Barkley going at number 3 overall.   

Then it’s easy to forget about Darron Thomas.  All he did was lead his team to the National title game and put up filthy numbers on the way (2,881 yds, 30 TD, 9 INT, 61.5 comp. %).  While his game might not translate the best to the next level, it’s hard to ignore his production and his teams’ success because of it.  He will be an intriguing prospect down the road. 

A better NFL prospect will be Arizona senior Nick Foles however.  According to Tony Pauline of TFYdraft.com, Foles is the 15th ranked overall prospect in the draft next  year, ahead of Matt Barkley at 19.  If Foles can prove that his knee woes are behind him (suffered a sprain by a Travis Long hit against WSU), he could emerge as a high draft pick next year.  Despite his time missed from the injury, he still put up silly numbers (3,191 yds, 20 TDS, 10 INTS, 67.1 comp. %).

And then there’s Jeff Tuel.  This is a WSU Football Blog after all.  Anybody who has heard me talk about Tuel lately has heard nothing but raving.  I got the chance to watch him in the Spring game this year, and I left beaming about this young man.  He looks part of an All-Conference selection, and while he might not attain that in 2011, he has a chance to be the best QB in the conference in 2012.  Don’t believe me? Well Ted Miller of ESPN.com called Tuel “The best quarterback most of the nation has never heard of.”  

Still don’t believe me? Then take it from Andrew Luck, who when asked about Tuel, said “He’s a hell of a quarterback. I have a lot of respect for him.”  

While his numbers last year weren’t spectacular (2,780 yds, 18 TD, 12 INT, 59.8 comp. %), they are still very good considering how horrendous his offensive line was.  With that unit expected to be much improved, added with a returning group of talented wide receivers, Tuel has a chance to grow immensely from a promising sophomore year.  No pun intended, but he has all the “tools” to be great and there is no doubt, he is the hope of a team starving to win. He is an important part of an unbelievably talented crop of Pac-12 QB’s this year.  

Go Cougs!!!