David Shaw Calls USC's Sam Darnold 'Best Quarterback in the Nation'

Stanford head football coach David Shaw had heavy praise for USC quarterback Sam Darnold when asked about the Trojans on Thursday.

According to Joey Kaufman of the Orange County Register, Shaw said with regard to USC, "I think they got the best quarterback in the nation."

Darnold was hugely impressive last season as a redshirt freshman, throwing for 3,086 yards, 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while rushing for 250 yards and two additional scores.

Although he only saw limited action in an early-season game against Stanford, Shaw likely took note of what Darnold did in the Rose Bowl.

In a thrilling 52-49 win over Penn State, Darnold threw for 453 yards with five touchdowns and one interception to cement his place as one of college football's most promising young quarterbacks.

After such a strong debut season, Darnold enters 2017 as a legitimate contender to take home the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player.

It won't be long before Shaw gets another firsthand look at Darnold, as USC will host Stanford on Sept. 9.