Updated Rankings of the Top 10 2015 Quarterback Recruits

The 2015 quarterback class is packed with talented prospects and future college stars. A strong crop of California passers places this group among the strongest we've seen this decade.

Through one month of their senior seasons, we've been able to develop a stronger sense of how these playmakers are trending in terms of development. After extensive film review and previous discussions with many of the top recruits, here's how we rank the top 10 quarterbacks in this class.

We place a premium on potential and promise, favoring refined fundamentals over high school statistics.

Honorable Mentions

Credit: 247Sports

Texas commit Zach Gentry is a dual-threat talent.

Jake Browning (Folsom, California)

The 6'2", 185-pound passer has posted prolific numbers during his career at Folsom High School and the result is a rise on state statistical leaderboards. Browning, who is 5-0 this season, broke California's touchdown passes record (146) and passing yards record (11,022) before the third game. 

He has 2,021 passing yards and 34 total touchdowns this season, displaying excellent precision. The Washington commit is completing 71 percent of passes with just one interception, per MaxPreps.

Deondre Francois (Orlando, Florida)

The Florida State pledge rose to prominence at Olympia High School in Orlando but transferred to IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) for his senior season. Francois didn't exactly get off to a smooth start under new head coach and Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke, throwing one touchdown and four interceptions through two games.

Francois has since found his rhythm, tossing 10 touchdowns and no picks during a four-game win streak, per MaxPreps. He displayed one of the strongest arms at Elite 11 finals this summer but occasional erratic accuracy gives him a crucial detail to iron out moving forward.

Zach Gentry (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Gentry is a rare breed of quarterback who possesses a massive frame (6'7", 230 pounds) and mobility. The Eldorado High School standout surprises many with his rushing abilities and is difficult to bring down in the open field.

He flashed a special blend of skills in a recent win over Mayfield High School, maintaining his team's perfect record with 286 rushing yards, 261 passing yards and six total touchdowns, per William Wilkerson of Scout.com. Gentry committed to Texas over Tennessee and Oklahoma State in May.

10. Sam Darnold (San Clemente, California)

School: San Clemente High School

Size: 6'4", 208 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to USC over Oregon, Duke and Northwestern

Success

Sam Darnold was supposed to breakout as a national star during his junior season. He opened the 2013 season with offers in hand and high expectations in place.

Instead of bursting onto the scene, he suffered a foot injury that required surgery. Darnold recovered from the setback and showed off an expansive skill set during the summer camp circuit, including an appearance at Elite 11 finals.

Those performances were enough to warrant multiple scholarship offers and Darnold committed to USC in July, giving the Trojans two quarterbacks on this list (stay tuned). However, questions about his capabilities remained in place at the start of this season and he had plenty to prove in order to shake a "mystery man" moniker.

"I've done my best to work on everything I can as a quarterback to prepare for this fall," Darnold told me after an Elite 11 session. "I'm trying to step my game up and see where I can go from here. You'll see cleaner mechanics. I think my decision-making is going to improve and really just understanding how to attack defenses."

Darnold, who began his senior campaign with just seven varsity touchdown tosses, is proving he's more than just a summer camp star. Through five games, his efforts include 1,145 passing yards, 24 total touchdowns and just one interception, per MaxPreps.

Scouting Report

Darnold looks like he would be a lumbering runner but he picks up steam in a hurry, evidenced by a season average of seven yards per carry. His rushing style is more Tim Tebow than Johnny Manziel, resulting in some serious collisions that Darnold often plows through.

His footwork while setting up for pass attempts still remains a work in progress, particularly effecting the precision of intermediate targets. However, his accuracy has improved over the course of the season, including a 70-percent completion rating during the past three games.

There's a lot to like about the raw product Darnold brings to tne field and he could rise up this list upon postseason film review.

9. Travis Waller (Anaheim, California)

School: Servite High School

Size: 6'3", 190 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to Oregon over Ohio State, Northwestern and Notre Dame

Success

Travis Waller has matured as a pocket passer this season, becoming a far more balanced threat in the process. He exhibited impressive rushing skills in 2013, gaining 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, but often abandoned downfield options to tuck the ball and run too early in his progressions.

We've seen more patience from Waller so far this season, especially in terms of touch on tosses that extend beyond 30 yards. He's always managed to supply zip on throws but now seems to understand how he can use additional air underneath the football to find receivers in stride with better timing.

Waller impressed earlier this season against nationally top-ranked Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nevada). He evaded pressure in the pocket while collecting 282 yards and a touchdown through the air, per Matt Prehm of 247Sports.

Of course, his running abilities were also on full display during the national television broadcast. Waller rushed for 155 yards and a score.

Scouting Report

Early signs of Waller's strides as a passer were evident during his time at Elite 11 finals and The Opening this July in Oregon. He built on that performance to become a much more consistent quarterback in 2014.

A delivery that was once too often elongated appears shortened, allowing him to release the ball in less time. His velocity continues to impress as Waller drops well-placed darts where only his receivers can corral them.

His blend of improved intermediate passing and elite mobility make him an ideal candidate to thrive as a Duck. 

"I think Oregon is a great fit for me and gives me a chance to do the things I do best," Waller told me. "I can't wait to get up there and get better."

8. Drew Lock (Lee's Summit, Missouri)

Credit: 247Sports

School: Lee's Summit High School

Size: 6'5", 195 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to Missouri over Ole Miss and Tennessee

Success

Drew Lock dismantles defensive secondaries with a beautiful downfield ball and can also create with his legs. That combination creates a player with the high-ceiling potential to become one of this year's most feared quarterbacks.

"I've been working to improve every part of my game," Lock told me at Elite 11 finals. "I think I can be a top prospect in this class."

He completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,062 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2013. Lock is on pace to obliterate those totals this year.

His completion percentage is up to 69 percent as a senior. Through six games, he's passed for 1,655 yards, 20 touchdowns and just one interception, per MaxPreps.

Lock becomes a dual-threat in the red zone, evidence by a career-high six scoring runs this season.

Scouting Report

Lock, the son of former Missouri offensive lineman Andy Lock, is a two-sport star who also excels on the basketball court. He offers outstanding athleticism for a passer of his physical stature and is difficult for defenders to bring down in the backfield.

His right arm is the greatest attribute on a large frame, as he manages to fire lasers to different areas of the field with ease. Lock is exceptional at creating time in the pocket and releases passes with velocity even when his feet aren't set.

There's plenty of room to add weight, which will protect him as a runner and provide more potential for power on throws. He has the makings of a multi-year starter in the SEC.

7. Ricky Town (Ventura, California)

School: St. Bonaventure High School

Size: 6'4", 205 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to USC over Alabama

Success

Ricky Town, who initially pledged to Alabama last summer, became a building block for USC head coach Steve Sarkisian in late January. Based on film study and his progression during Elite 11 finals, few high school quarterbacks can match his mental capacity.

He routinely makes strong decisions, even as a play is breaking down, and does a great job avoiding unnecessary mistakes under pressure. Town, who threw for 2,400 yards and 23 touchdowns as a sophomore, has continued to progress as an intelligent passer.

His completion percentage has hovered in the 70-percent range as an upperclassman. Town's ability to read and react against various defensive schemes heighten his chances for success at the next level.

"I'm really excited to get to USC and do whatever I can to make something special happen there in the future," he told me in July.

Scouting Report

You have to love Town's maturity level on and off the field. He's a well-spoken young man who understands the nuances of an offensive attack. 

Mental aptitude aside, there are some concerns about his lack of smoothness in the pocket. He doesn't look quite as fluid as some of the more highly rated quarterbacks on this list.

The term "robotic" may be a bit harsh but it would be beneficial for him to grow more relaxed behind center. He doesn't possess above-average mobility so it's imperative for Town to maneuver in short areas as the pocket closes around him. 

He has the ability to command a huddle and keep his team on the field but there is room for growth from a physical standpoint.

6. Brandon Wimbush (Jersey City, New Jersey)

School: St. Peter's Prep High School

Size: 6'2", 205 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to Penn State over Ohio State, Miami and Virginia Tech

Success

Brandon Wimbush led St. Peter's to a state title game appearance in 2013, when he was asked to manage an offense spearheaded by current Boston College running back Jonathan Hilliman. His junior season featured 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air.

The stage was set for Wimbush to take on a larger role following Hilliman's departure and he accepted the challenge in tremendous fashion. He's led the team to a 3-1 start against some of the country's top teams, completing nearly 80 percent of pass attempts.

Wimbush has already nearly matched his junior season statistical output with 1,187 passing yards and 15 total scores.

"This year is a big one for me to show I can carry an offense," Wimbush told me this summer. "I've put in the work and I'm ready to lead our team to wins."

So far, so good.

Scouting Report

Wimbush opened a lot of eyes, including those of this analyst, in July when he stole the show at Elite 11 finals. His arm strength measured up to any competitor at the star-studded event and he managed to maintain momentum throughout while others faded due to fatigue or inconsistency.

His deep ball is still progressing but that's more a matter of touch than power, which is typically much easier for a young quarterback to develop. There isn't a throw he can't make in the intermediate zone and that includes tight spirals toward the sidelines.

Wimbush is a savvy playmaker with natural leadership skills and a compact delivery. He gives Penn State fans plenty of hope for life after Christian Hackenberg. 

5. Brady White (Santa Clarita, California)

School: Hart High School

Size: 6'2", 190 pounds 

Recruitment Status: Committed to Arizona State over Oregon, Penn State and Cal

Success

Brady White ranks among California's most prolific passers since he inherited the starting job at Hart as a sophomore. He threw for 7,100 yards and 66 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons.

White continues to shine as a senior, including a career-best performance in an August game against Chino Hills. He threw for 537 yards and six scores in the season-opener.

His most recent effort included seven touchdown passes in a victory over Santiago High School and fellow 5-star quarterback Blake Barnett. It's the second straight year he's topped the Alabama commit in a head-to-head matchup.

Scouting Report

White has a calm demeanor that exudes confidence. He never seems out of his element and exhibits elite accuracy.

His tempo is impressive and he understands how to methodically take an offense down the field. Though White is careful to avoid turnovers, he's far from conservative.

He can play the role of gunslinger when his squad needs points in a hurry. White hopes to contend for an early starting role as a Sun Devil.

"It's crucial for me to enroll early if I want to potentially be the starter," White said. "The competition is going to be fun. We're each going to get after it. I'm going in there swinging, and hopefully I'll earn the respect of my teammates. Starting as a freshman would be a dream come true."

4. Jarrett Stidham (Stephenville, Texas)

School: Stephenville High School

Size: 6'3.5", 190-pounds 

Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas Tech over Oklahoma, Michigan, Alabama and Oregon

Success

Jarrett Stidham has made the most of his two seasons as a starting quarterback, commanding attention as one of the top dual-threat athletes in America. He previously lined up at receiver, where he caught 50 passes for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012.

Stidham enjoyed immediate success behind center as a junior. He completed 61 percent of pass attempts for 2,613 yards and 30 touchdowns.

His athleticism continued to shine after the position change, as Stidham gained an additional 975 yards and 16 scores on the ground. He blended in with a talented crop of seasoned quarterbacks at Elite 11 finals and expressed confidence in his growth.

"I feel more comfortable right now than ever before," Stidham told me.

That comfort has been on full display through five games this season. Stidham is completing 71 percent of passes, resulting in 1,523 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He also owns 406 rushing yards and six scores on 54 carries, per the Abilene Reporter-News.

Scouting Report

Stidham has quickly developed from unknown commodity to dependable playmaker. His stock was pointed straight upward this summer following an outstanding slate of camp performances.

Things continue to trend in the right direction after a month of his senior season. He moves inside and outside of the pocket with fluidity while maintaining focus downfield.

Stidham already displays tight mechanics and allows his progressions to develop before making a decision. Given the success of Texas Tech's offensive attack over the years, there's reason to believe he could become the most productive passer of this recruiting class.

3. Kyler Murray (Allen, Texas)

School: Allen High School

Size: 5'10", 180 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas A&M over Auburn, Oregon, Florida and Clemson

Success

Kyler Murray, the son of former star Aggies quarterback Kevin Murray, is among the most prolific playmakers to emerge this decade. Gaudy statistics and two state titles put him in rare territory and help solidify his spot in the upper echelon of 2015 quarterback recruits.

He is 31-0 as a varsity starter with five wins tacked on to the total so far this season. Through those five contests, Murray has collected nearly 2,100 total yards and 27 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.

His 134 touchdowns since 2012 put things in perspective. He now has Allen aiming for a third straight state championship, though Murray prefers to take things one game at a time.

"Everyone likes to talk about the stats, the touchdowns and all that stuff," Murray told me this summer. "I'm only concerned about wins right now."

Scouting Report

He possesses an ideal blend of intelligence, maturity and fundamentals. He'll never be 6'3", 230 pounds but that hasn't held him back to this point.

Murray displays advanced footwork and delivers darts to receivers with exceptional timing. His ability to prolong plays and pick up rushing yards will allow Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin to build an explosive offensive attack around yet another dual-threat star.

2. Blake Barnett (Corona, California)

School: Santiago High School

Size: 6'4.5", 200 pounds 

Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama over Oregon and Notre Dame

Success

Blake Barnett took over starting duties at Santiago last season and quickly garnered scholarship offers from the country's premier programs. He pledged to Notre Dame in November but backed off that pact this spring and committed to Alabama.

He gives Nick Saban and Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin an intriguing athlete who is capable of redefining an Alabama offense filled with stars. Barnett, who rushed for 695 yard and 13 touchdowns in 2013, is a powerful runner (check out his nasty stiff-arm in the video above) and showed off a strong arm en route to earning Elite 11 MVP honors this summer.

He's gained 300 yards and three scores on the ground through five games this season, per MaxPreps. Barnett has thrown for 1,351 yards and eight touchdowns during that span.

His high school supporting cast isn't loaded with Division-I bound prospects like others on this list but he's managed to put the team in postseason contention again. 

Scouting Report

Barnett displays the guts and moxie collegiate coaches covet. His willingness to pick up tough yards on the ground and ability to dissect secondaries with his arm is appealing to a staff in Tuscaloosa anxious to work with him.

"Coach Kiffin and Coach Saban were very fond about the idea of their quarterback being able to run the ball several times in each game," he told me in July. "It's something they were looking for, and it made sense as a fit for me."

Barnett is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential and he should shine as the eventual leader of a feared Alabama attack.

1. Josh Rosen (Bellflower, California)

School: St. John Bosco High School 

Size: 6'4", 205 pounds

Recruitment Status: Committed to UCLA over Cal and Michigan

Success

Josh Rosen remains atop our rankings for a variety of reasons, including his attitude. He's a feisty competitor and refuses to give up on plays. 

There's an improvisational method to his success at times, complimenting exemplary classic skills in the pocket. Rosen routinely pushes the ball downfield with precision and possesses underrated mobility that allows him to create opportunities. 

He claimed a state championship last season, throwing for 3,200 yards and 39 touchdowns a junior. The three-year starter has completed 68 percent of his passes during the past two years, losing just once along the way.

Scouting Report

Rosen flashes the most impeccable lower-body mechanics of any 2015 passer, particularly when it comes to his footwork. He shined during "pocket conflict" drills at Elite 11 finals, shifting away from the pressure and resetting his foundation to fire high-velocity passes.

His ability to escape pressure also stands out on game film. Rosen stands tall assessing the action until he locates an open target, capable of taking hits with a sturdy frame.

UCLA may need him to make an immediate impact if Brett Hundley departs after this season.

"I'd love to take snaps on opening day," Rosen told me. "I'm going to work as hard as I can to make that happen."

All quotes obtained firsthand by B/R national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit information and statistics courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.