National Signing Day 2012: Best QB Recruits Who Will Turn Programs Around

No position can turn a program around quite like the signal callers. There are a few that will deliver major returns for programs over the next three or four years. Lets take a look at the kids who have a chance to really make a huge impact for programs that need a boost.

T.J. Millweard - UCLA

UCLA has been a very mediocre 77-73 since 2000; they have finished a season ranked only one time in that time span. This is not the once proud and formidable Bruins' football program. Much of that is due to the fact that they have not had a solid signal caller most of that time. Only Drew Olson has eclipsed the 3000-yard passing mark this century.

That is about to change, as T.J. Millweard is primed to lead UCLA to respectability in the PAC-12. He won't exactly do it by himself; the hiring of Jim Mora, Jr. will have a lot to do with it. Mora brings defensive expertise and NFL experience that will be important in building a more balanced Bruins' team.

Millweard is 6'4", 225 pounds; he is a good athlete with a strong arm. He is still honing his accuracy, so he won't likely see the field until his sophomore year. Kevin Prince or Brett Hundley figure to get the majority of the snaps this year, but Millweard is a better overall prospect because of his athleticism.

Mora coached Mike Vick during his time in Atlanta, and the mobile QB and capable RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett made a formidable backfield. Millweard could be the QB that fits into that type of offensive attack for Mora at UCLA.

His skill set is similar to Vick's though not quite as athletic. His ability to scramble, keep plays alive and through deep will make him a great weapon. As his body fills out, he may be a slightly smaller version of Ben Roethlisberger.

Millweard will have a solid stay as a Bruin.

Zach Kline, UC Berkeley

Another California school in need of a pick-me-up is Cal. Cal has been successful under Jeff Tedford to the tune of a 79-48 record, but their primary goal of winning the PAC-12 hasn't been reached. They need a solid QB to take the next step in that direction.

The Golden Bears snagged Zach Kline from nearby Danville, CA. Kline will also have to wait his turn, as he will learn behind Zach Maynard for a year. Kline is not a great athlete, but he is extremely accurate and fundamentally sound.

Rivals.com compares him to Chad Pennington, and that translates to a winning QB, especially on the collegiate level. Kline could be an awesome leader and stabilizing force in the Golden Bears' Power-I scheme.

He is ultra confident and a great fit for Tedford's system. Kline just may have the most success of any of these players on a collegiate level.

Gunner Kiel, Notre Dame

Kiel's recruitment was a bit of a circus, but he finally settled on Notre Dame.

Much is expected of Kiel, and he will perform under the biggest microscope of any collegiate recruit. He is regarded by rivals.com as the top pro-style QB in the nation, and he's going to Notre Dame. It doesn't get more pressure packed than that.

Kiel also has the best shot at playing year one than any of the other players listed here. I believe the Irish should sit him in his first year, allowing him to learn from Tommy Rees; but the pressure to win and the lure of Kiel's talent may just be too much to ignore.

The Irish are always under pressure to win, but this year is especially important. The Irish have rung up back-to-back 8-5 years in Brian Kelly's tenure. They were expected to turn the corner this past year, but the program did not progress, as the identical record indicates.

Kiel has the talent to produce, especially on a talented Irish squad. All but two of the Irish' five losses was by one score. Those are the types of games that great play at QB can change. Kiel's arm strength, fundamentals and underrated athleticism offers those possibilities.

Rivals.com compares him to Peyton Manning; that says about all you need to know right there. 

It is unclear whether Kiel will play in his freshman year, but when he does take the field, he will usher in a successful and memorable era in South Bend. Kiel's signing at Notre Dame marks the beginning of a return to better days.