2013 NFL Draft: 10 Quarterbacks That Could Steal the Spotlight from Matt Barkley

Tell me if you’ve heard this before: A highly touted college quarterback from the west coast, who just passed up the chance to make millions in the NFL in order to return to school, is about to enter the upcoming season as basically the consensus favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and become the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL draft.

If that sounds strangely familiar, that’s because it is. As a matter of fact, this will be the third consecutive offseason we will encounter such a scenario.

This year, it will be USC QB Matt Barkley who will assume the role as college football’s coveted cover boy from Andrew Luck, who held the position in 2011.

Since last January when he announced that he would be returning to Stanford for his junior year, we had to hear all about how Luck was a "once in a decade" type of quarterback prospect, who was head and shoulders above every other player in college football.

While Luck ultimately fulfilled the preordained destiny set up for him by the sports media and became the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, it turned out that he wasn’t the dominant figure who was supposed to run away with the Heisman Trophy, as Baylor’s Robert Griffin III emerged and stole away both his thunder as well his award.

It was eerily reminiscent to what we witnessed the year before when Washington QB Jake Locker, the preseason media darling of 2010, was bypassed by Auburn QB Cam Newton.

Newton rose up to become the breakout star of the 2010 season and he ran away with the Heisman Trophy and eventually became the No. 1 selection of the 2011 NFL draft, a slot many had forecasted for Locker just a few short months before.

Two years in a row we watched the media build up two highly touted quarterbacks from out west, and each time we saw them get overtaken by breakout sensations who swooped in to snatch away their spotlight.

It’s a trend Matt Barkley will now obviously be looking to break in 2012.

Like his former conference counterparts Luck and Locker, Barkley could have entered this year’s draft and been a Top 10 pick, but he instead chose to return to USC, which ensures he’ll now receive the same type of treatment that his predecessors did in the years before.

Will Barkley break the streak and show he is truly superior to every other player in college football and not only win the Heisman Trophy, but also cement his status as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2013 NFL draft?

Or, will he become synonymous with Luck and Locker and be forced to watch as some other quarterback comes along and steals away his spotlight?

Only time will tell, but here’s a look at the quarterbacks that could potentially give Barkley a real run for his money during the 2012 season.

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Tyler Wilson caused quite a bit of buzz back in 2010 when he was unexpectedly forced to replace an injured Ryan Mallett against Auburn.

Wilson ended up putting together a very impressive performance that day, completing 73 percent of his 34 attempts for 332 yards and four touchdowns and leading the Razorbacks offense to 43 points in what turned out to be a losing effort to the eventual national champs.

That surprising showing left many wondering just exactly what Wilson would be capable of in 2011 when he was handed the starting job full time.

The Arkansas native certainly didn't disappoint his home-state fans last year, as he threw for 3,638 yards and hit 24 touchdown strikes to just six interceptions, and led the Razorbacks to an 11-win campaign and a top-five national ranking. 

Wilson's sensational junior season should help him garner plenty of publicity and attention throughout the offseason, and he should enter his final year in Fayetteville as both a Heisman finalist and a top prospect for the 2013 NFL draft. 

The 6'3'', 220-pound senior physically reminds me a lot of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, and he obviously possesses the necessary arm strength, accuracy, field vision, pocket awareness and intangibles to be a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. 

Wilson still has some work to do to show scouts that he truly belongs in the "elite" category. However, if he can lead Arkansas to an SEC championship and show scouts he can fight trough the adversity of losing head coach and mentor Bobby Petrino in the offseason, he's got the chance to really become a national star in 2012. 

Wilson is a better pure prospect than Ryan Tannehill, who went eighth overall to the Dolphins in the 2012 draft. This season, he's going to have the perfect opportunity to prove himself against some of the toughest defenses in the country such as Alabama, LSU and South Carolina. 

If Wilson can survive the gauntlet his team will face in the SEC West and if he can lead the Razorbacks to a conference championship and a BCS bowl game, he should have scouts and fans alike hollering about his pro potential. 

Tyler Bray, Tennessee

Tyler Bray has played in just 16 games during his two years at Tennessee, but he's given NFL scouts a lot to like in that small body of work. 

It started back in 2010 when Bray took over the starting quarterback duty and helped lead the Volunteers to four straight wins to end the regular season. It continued in 2011, when Bray helped guide the team to a 3-1 start before breaking his thumb against Georgia in early October.

That injury prevented Bray from showing what he could do against the stout defenses of Alabama, LSU and South Carolina.  However, he'll now have his opportunity to prove himself in 2012, and if he performs like he's capable of, he could emerge as one of the top overall prospects for the 2013 NFL draft. 

The 6'6'', 210-pound junior has matured a lot, both physically and mentally, over the last two years, and he now looks ready to show what he can do for a full season behind center. 

Bray has the type of size, arm strength, poise and natural passing instincts that you look for in a standout quarterback prospect, and if he can put together a full season's worth of consistent play in 2012, he should solidify his status as one of college football's top signal-callers. 

With dangerous receivers such as Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter at his disposal, Bray will have the type of explosive weapons he needs to do some serious damage to opposing secondaries this season. 

Tennessee may not be considered a factor in the SEC East race before the season starts, but if Bray steps up and plays at the high level he's capable of, the Volunteers have the chance to really put together a surprisingly strong campaign in 2012.

Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

We're going to find out a lot about Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas in 2012.

Two of the main things we'll learn is whether or not Thomas is the type of leader that can put an offense on his back, and whether or not he's the type of quarterback that can make his surrounding cast better. 

After losing RB David Wilson, who led the ACC with more than 1,700 rushing yards in 2011, and receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale, who combined for 121 catches last season, Virginia Tech's offensive skill positions will be made up of young and largely unproven players this season. 

That means Thomas is going to have to step his game up and do more with less in 2012. 

In his first season as a starter in 2011, the 6'6'', 262-pound junior proved to be one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, as he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns and added another 469 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. 

Thomas reminds me a lot of Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman, as he's a similar type of big, mobile signal-caller who has been blessed with rare size and physical gifts.

Although he's going to have to improve on his overall accuracy, coverage recognition and decision-making before he can square off against NFL-caliber defenses, you have to be encouraged with what Thomas showed in 2011.

If receivers like Dyrell Roberts and Marcus Davis can step up this season and help him out, Thomas should be one of the most dangerous and explosive playmaking quarterbacks in college football in 2012.

There simply just aren't many other quarterbacks in the country who have as high of a ceiling as Logan Thomas does.  

Geno Smith, West Virginia

One of the big storylines surrounding Dana Holgorsen's arrival in Morgantown before the start of last season had to do with how QB Geno Smith would handle the transition to Holgorsen's pass-happy Air Raid-style offensive attack. 

In his first year under Holgorsen's tutelage, the strong-armed Smith proved to be a perfect fit for the system, as he ended up finishing fourth in the country with 4,385 passing yards. He also finished the season with a extremely impressive 31-7 touchdown-interception ratio and a 152 overall passer rating. 

The most notable game of Smith's 2011 campaign was the 70-33 annihilation of Clemson in the Orange Bowl, when the Mountaineer signal-caller torched the Tigers for 433 yards of total offense and accounted for seven of his team's 10 touchdowns. 

That masterful performance helped gain Smith and the West Virginia offense plenty of national acclaim, and it's now raised the bar for the team's first season in the Big 12 this year. 

Picking on secondaries from Connecticut and Louisville is one thing, but doing it against defenses the caliber of Texas and Oklahoma, which are stacked with future high NFL draft picks, is quite another. 

It should be interesting to see how the 6'3'', 214-pound senior handles the step up in competition this season.

As a WVU alum who's watched Geno's progression very closely over the last few years, I believe he's got what it takes to be one of the showcase stars in the Big 12 this year. 

Smith has as much natural arm talent as any other quarterback in the country, and with an offensive guru like Holgorsen calling the shots and explosive receivers like Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey both returning, everything seems to be in place for him to have a monster senior season. 

It's been fun to watch Geno grow over the last few years, and he's got a chance to top off his Mountaineer career with a bang in 2012. 

Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised at all if we're talking about Geno Smith as a Top-15-caliber NFL draft pick by the time next April rolls around. 

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Landry Jones was one of the most hyped-up players in college football going into the 2011 season. (That tends to happen when you're the quarterback of the No. 1-ranked team in America.) However, Jones and the Sooners both turned out to be big disappointments last year. 

While the one-time Heisman favorite didn't necessarily have a bad season—as he did throw for more than 4,400 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2011—the fact that he proceeded to disintegrate down the stretch after WR Ryan Broyles went down with an injury is certainly cause for concern. 

The 6'4'', 229-pound senior signal-caller made the wise decision to return to Norman instead of entering the 2012 NFL draft, given that his pro stock took a major hit late last season. 

Jones does have the type of size and arm strength to one day develop into a Matt Schaub-type passer in the NFL, and he'll now have the opportunity to show scouts he's got what it takes to lead his team to the promised land in 2012. 

Even though Broyles may be gone for good now, Oklahoma will still have one of the best wide receiver corps in the country, led by Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds, and Jones will have plenty of weapons to work with this season. 

While he may not be the most clutch quarterback prospect, and while he may not be the truly elite player that he was once made out to be, Jones does have evident starter-caliber skills, and he has the type of tools to develop into a successful starter in a wide-open passing attack in the NFL. 

Oklahoma will enter the 2012 season as one of the favorites to win the Big 12, and with the type of talent the Sooners have returning, they could very well be in the hunt for a national title as well. 

If Jones can step up in pressure-packed games and beat the likes of Notre Dame, Texas, Oklahoma State and West Virginia, he'll demonstrate to scouts he has what it takes to excel on the big stage.

2012 will either be a season of redemption or a season of ruination for Landry Jones, and it will be interesting to see how he ultimately answers his newfound critics. 

Aaron Murray, Georgia

I'll say it now, I think Georgia belongs on the short list of national title contenders going into the 2012 season, and if the Bulldogs aren't ranked in the preseason Top 10, it'll be an injustice.

All the pieces for a championship contender are currently in place down in Athens. If coach Mark Richt can install some discipline in the locker room and keep his players focused on the task at hand, Georgia has the type of talent on both sides of the ball to make some major waves this season. 

The face of the team will once again be QB Aaron Murray, who is coming off a great sophomore season. Last year, Murray threw for more than 3,100 yards and hit 35 touchdown passes as he helped lead the Bulldogs on a 10-game winning streak and helped them capture an SEC East division title. 

The 6'1'', 211-pound junior has proven he's one of the most reliable leaders in college football, and now he'll have the chance to solidify his status as one of the top signal-callers in the country in 2012. 

Murray may be small by NFL standards, but his lack of size hasn't prevented him from finding substantial success against some of the best competition that college football has to offer. 

The former 5-star recruit out of Tampa's Plant High School has one of the best arms in the game, and he's got all of the intangibles and personality traits NFL teams are looking for in a potential franchise quarterback. 

Murray's height may ultimately prevent him from ever becoming a Top-10 draft pick. However, if he can lead the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship in 2012, and if he can bring home Georgia's third Heisman Trophy, he's going to go shooting up draft boards and rocket himself into the conversation with the rest of the top quarterback prospects for the 2013 NFL draft. 

A.J. McCarron, Alabama

A.J. McCarron definitely looked like he wanted to make an emphatic statement with his performance in the BCS National Championship Game against LSU last season. And after stepping up and leading the Tide to a dominant victory, it seemed like he got his message across loud and clear. 

Going into the second matchup with the Tigers, McCarron was made out to be just a game-manager who simply hopped on the train with the nation's best running back and the sport's most dominant defense and somehow found his way to the title game. 

While part of that may have been true—as the first-year starter obviously wouldn't have gotten the Tide to the BCS championship without his tremendous supporting cast—McCarron proved that once he got there, he certainly belonged with the big boys, as he shined on the sport's biggest stage. 

The 6'4'', 205-pound junior finished his first year with more than 2,600 passing yards and a solid 16-5 touchdown-interception ratio, but more importantly than that, he also finished with 12 wins and a BCS championship trophy to show for his efforts. 

The former 4-star recruit out of Mobile, Ala., has shown he obviously has the type of skill set to succeed at the next level. Now it will be up to McCarron to prove he's truly an offensive leader, as he will become the focal point of the team's offense in 2012. 

McCarron has the size, arm strength, decision-making skills and overall intangibles NFL teams are searching for. He's simply going to have to show scouts he's the type of definitive difference-maker that can carry a team to victory based on his ability. 

While he may not be the most polished quarterback in college football, there's no denying McCarron is one of the most talented signal-callers in the country, and he's got what it takes to shine in 2012. 

E.J. Manuel, Florida State

Florida State's E.J. Manuel has as much natural physical ability as any other quarterback in college football. The former highly touted 5-star recruit out of Virginia Beach arrived in Tallahassee with great expectations to live up to. However, despite showing some tremendous flashes of his promising potential during his time as a Seminole, Manuel has yet to fully live up to his high school hype. 

The supremely gifted 6'5'', 245-pound senior signal-caller will now have one last chance this season to show off his skills for the college football world and the pro scouts to see.

Last year, Florida State started off the season ranked as a Top-5 national title contender, but a disappointing 3-3 start quickly erased all hopes of winning a BCS championship. 

Still, you have to give credit to Manuel for rallying the 'Noles and leading them to a 7-1 finish down the stretch. The ultra-talented signal-caller may not have had the season he was hoping for, but he still finished the year with a very respectable 65 percent completion percentage and a 151 passer rating. 

Now, it will be up to Manuel to learn from the mistakes he did make in 2011 and rise to the occasion when the pressure is on in 2012. 

Florida State is almost guaranteed to be ranked in the Top 15 when the season starts, and the Seminoles will be considered one of the favorites to win the ACC this season. 

We already know that Manuel possesses the physical tools and skills to be a star, but we've yet to see No. 3 will his team to a championship yet. 

When I was down in Jacksonville at the 2010 Gator Bowl to see Florida State battle West Virginia, I remember watching Manuel step out onto the field as a redshirt freshman and play a nearly flawless game as he led the Seminoles to a 33-21 victory. It was one of the most impressive individual performances I've ever seen from a young college player.

Manuel has it in him to be an elite quarterback, but the question is whether he will finally reach his enormous potential in 2012.

Keith Price, Washington

"Jake who?"

That's the question Keith Price had many Washington fans asking early on last season when Price stepped into the starting role, replacing former state hero Jake Locker and leading the Huskies to a hot 5-1 start to the 2011 season. 

Price came out firing on all cylinders and showed no signs of stress as he threw for more than 1,400 yards and hit 21 touchdown strikes in his first six games as a starter last year. The problem was, Price and the rest of the Huskies stumbled during the stretch run of the season, finishing the year on a 2-5 slide to end the season. 

The 6'1'', 195-pound junior did manage to redeem himself with an eye-opening performance in the Alamo Bowl against Heisman-winner Robert Griffin III and Baylor. Although Washington ended up falling 67-56 in a wild shootout, Price earned national respect for his performance, as he threw for 438 yards and accounted for all seven of his team's touchdowns in the losing effort. 

It's strong showings like that one that really reveal what type of rare physical skills the budding star signal-caller possesses. 

Price has the type of arm and explosive passing ability to pick apart any secondary he faces, and he also has the athleticism and mobility to scramble around and threaten defenses with his legs. 

While Washington likely won't win enough games for Price to be considered a truly legitimate Heisman candidate this season, it's not out of the question to think he could put up the same type of big numbers that RG3 did in 2011. 

Price may be a bit small and frail by NFL standards, but there's no doubt he's got a big-league arm, and he seems like he should be ready to prove his worth to scouts with a breakout junior campaign in 2012.  

Casey Pachall, TCU

Big 12 fans, I'm warning you now, TCU is going to be a serious threat in the conference in 2012, so you better not just simply dismiss the Horned Frogs as some second-rate team. Gary Patterson has been building a sleeping giant down in Fort Worth for the past few years, and he'll now have the opportunity to prove his team belongs with the BCS big boys. 

TCU has one of the strongest running back trios and one of the best receiver trios in the country, and at the center of all of that offensive skill-position talent is a big, strong-armed fire-thrower named Casey Pachall. 

Last year, Pachall had the unenviable task of replacing Andy Dalton, one of the most successful and consistent college quarterbacks of all time. However, if Pachall was feeling the pressure, he certainly didn't show it, as he stepped into the starting role and completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,921 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the Horned Frogs to their sixth double-digit win season in the last seven years. 

The 6'5'', 226-pound junior reminds me a little bit of a more athletic version of Ryan Mallett, and he's got the type of prototypical size, arm strength, accuracy and leadership ability NFL teams are looking for in a potential starting quarterback. 

With Pachall back at the helm, the Horned Frogs should have one of the most explosive and potent offensive attacks in the country in 2012.

If TCU rises to the top of the Big 12 this season, and if Pachall takes the necessary next step in his development, the big Texas native could develop into a legitimate Heisman contender and a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2013 NFL draft. 

The Wildcards: Collin Klein and Denard Robinson

At this time last year, this year's No. 2 draft pick Robert Griffin III was being labeled as an intriguing, athletic specimen who still had a lot of work to do to prove that he was an NFL-caliber quarterback. 

Two college quarterbacks that will enter the 2012 season with similar reputations are Michigan's Denard Robinson and Kansas State's Collin Klein. 

After what we saw last season, you could easily make the argument Robinson and Klein are the most dangerous running quarterbacks in college football. However, neither of them has shown yet that they have the arm strength, accuracy or passing prowess to be anything more than a special package-type of Wildcat quarterback in the NFL. 

Still, the two senior signal-callers have one final season to make a big impression on scouts, and it remains to be seen what they'll do with the opportunity. 

We knew Robinson was a special player after his magnificent start to the 2010 season, but last year it was Klein who elevated himself from preseason afterthought into legitimate Heisman contender, as he ended up accounting for 27 of his team's total touchdowns. 

Klein's rise to stardom was truly remarkable to watch. 

How many of you had Kansas State ranked as a Top 15 team before the start of last season?

Nobody? Good, because I didn't either. 

Robinson and Klein are special collegiate players who have the chance to be two of the biggest stars of the 2012 season. 

The question is, though, will they prove that they are NFL-caliber passers?

While I certainly don't think they have the same type of arm talent as previous breakout dual-threat quarterbacks such as Cam Newton and RG3, I wouldn't be surprised if the two athletic signal-callers really opened up some eyes with their versatility in 2012.