With college camps opening soon, I thought it might be fun to rank a talented crop of Pac 12 QB’s. I don’t think a single guy on this list is bad. All of them are going to be interesting to watch. Khalil Tate may be a little low on some peoples lists, but then again, that may be personal bias. Enjoy!
1: Justin Herbert
The hands down most NFL ready QB in the Pac 12. He returns armed with a great backfield and the nation’s top recruiting class around him. Needs to work on his accuracy but has all the tools to be a top five pick in next years draft, easily.
2. KJ Costello
People sleep on KJ Costello, but he was phenomenal last year. The Cardinal QB threw for 3,500 plus yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. There is no reason not to believe he won’t be great in 2019. The number one concern will be how he adapts to losing his number one target J.J Arcega Whiteside to the NFL draft. If Costello has a great year, don’t be surprised if he has NFL draft buzz in late November.
3. Jacob Eason
He transfers from Georgia. That’s why he’s this high for me. I trust Kirby Smart to evaluate QB’s. Washington might be better off with Eason this year than they were with Jake Browning. In fact, I know they will be. Eason was able to compete with much tougher SEC defenses. Honestly, I struggle to see a scenario where he doesn’t completely light up the Pac 12.
4. Tyler Huntley
Coming off a serious shoulder injury I have Huntley at four. Though the three games before he was injured last year, were the best of his career. He could very well compete with the likes of Herbert and Costello for the title of top QB in the Pac 12. His skill set doesn’t really transfer to the NFL though. He’d have to have a Heisman type year to be drafted in the first three rounds in my opinion.
5. JT Daniels
This ranking is more a vote of confidence in Clay Helton. USC’s offenses showed flashes of brilliance last year. I believe JT Daniels, who is a Sophomore now and has a year of experience behind him, is special. I would expect him to spend at least two more years in college but in 2021 he might be one of the drafts top prospects.
6. Khalil Tate
This shows what I value in a QB. A more pro style approach. Khalil Tate might be one of the best athletes in the Pac 12 when healthy. That said, he’s not an elite passer and struggles with turnovers through the air. He ranks down here purely based on the fact that I don’t like QB’s that can’t throw the football.
7. Steven Montez
Had good moments at CU last year. Isn’t anything special, but isn’t a detriment to the offense. In a word he’s meh. So he sits here in these rankings.
8. Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Haven’t seen a ton from him. Though he tore apart Washingtons stellar defense last year. Massive potential. Another year in Chip Kelly’s system will help continue to mold him.
9. Gabe Gubrud
Replacing one of the Pac 12’s most entertaining players in 2018, Gardner Minshew, is going to be a tough task. Is Gubrud up to the task?
10. Chase Garbers
Struggles with placement on the deep ball. Isn’t anything special. A good college game manager.
11. Jake Luton
In many ways, what made Oregon State’s offense semi-fun to watch last year, was Jake Luton. He wasn’t the worst in the Pac 12. So he’s not the worst on this list.
12. Dillon Sterling Cole
Honesty time, never seen him play, read some decent things about him, can’t make a judgement call until I see him on the field.
