2009 ACC Football Unit Rankings: Quarterbacks

8 - North Carolina Starter: T.J. Yates
2008 Stats: 81-135 (60.0%), 1,168, 11 TD/4 INT, 153.6 Rating, 166.9 YDSPG
2008 Rankings: 7th in YDSPG, 8th in TD Passes
Spring Game: 5-8, 96 Yards

Back-Up: SO Mike Paulus
Spring Game: 12-15, 51 Yards

After blowing up for nearly 2,700 Yards in '07, Yates suffered a sprained ankle against Virginia Tech, side—lining him for seven games.

He still managed to pass for over 1,100 Yards and 11 TD's to go against only 1 INT.

He's a pro—style passer, and is probably drooling at the opportunities his receiving corp will give him. Not much of a scrambler, so he needs the O—Line to step up and give him time.

8 - Maryland Starter: Chris Turner
2008 Stats: 214-374 (57.2%), 2,516, 13 TD/11 INT, 119.3 Rating, 193.5 YDSPG
2008 Rankings: 3rd in YDSPG, 5th in EFF, T-4th in TD Passes, 5th in Comp%
Spring Game: 15-21, 235 Yards, 2 TD's

Back-Up: SO Jamarr Robinson
Spring Game: 12-21, 253 Yards, 3 TD's

After a good freshman year in '07, Turner continued to impress with a standout year last season, finishing in the top five in the four major passing categories.

I think what impresses me most is his ability to place the ball exactly where the receivers need it.

Definitely not a running threat, so pressure is key for defenses. If he locks in—he will burn you, plain and simple.

Unfortunately for Turner, his top two receivers from '08 are gone, although he does have Torrey Smith back, giving him a set of hands he's comfortable throwing to.

10 - Clemson Starter: Willy Korn
2008 Stats: 26-38 (68.4%), 216 Yards, 1 TD/1 INT, 119.6 Rating, 36.0 YDSPG
2008 Rankings: N/A
Spring Game: 12-25, 144 Yards, 0 TD's, 2 INT's

Back-up: Kyle Parker
2008 Stats: N/A
2008 Rankings: N/A
Spring Game: 13-21, 171 Yards, 1 TD

With Cullen Harper gone, the QB position was supposed to fall into the hands of Willy Korn.

After receiving a medical redshirt in '07, he saw limited time as a back-up. Following the firing of Tommy Bowden, Coach Dabo did what many Tiger faithful were hoping for—competition and a 'best QB plays' mentality.

Against Georgia Tech, Dabo planned to use a dual-QB system, but Korn was injured early in the game—an injury that ultimately led to him only attempting 14 passes the rest of the season.

If he stays in good health and the O—line holds, Korn should be effective enough to allow superstar CJ Spiller to do his thing.

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