2010 College Football Preseason Rankings: The Top 10 Best Deep-Ball Arms
Tim Tebow. Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford have moved on, but the quarterback class of 2010 features plenty of star power.
From future phenoms like Cam Newton of Auburn and Jake Heaps of BYU to veterans including Kellen Moore of Boise State and Case Keenum of Houston, there is plenty of talent throughout the country.
Let's turn our attention to the signal-callers with the strongest arms and biggest potential to light up the air with big plays.
Here's a look at 10 of the best deep-ball passers in college football.
No. 10: Kyle Parker, Clemson
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For the moment, Kyle Parker is putting off his aspirations of playing Major League Baseball and headed back to the gridiron for another season.
Parker's freshman season was up-and-down, but there is no question that his future is bright.
He displayed outstanding arm strength throughout his 20-touchdown campaign and could be in line for a huge sophomore season if he can improve his touch.
No. 9: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
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Stanzi might not have the strongest arm or make the best decisions, but he displayed amazing accuracy on his deep-ball throws throughout last season.
The senior threw for 2,417 yards last season and developed a connection with big-play threat Marvin McNutt.
Stanzi is likely to take plenty of chances again this season through the air, whether head coach Kirk Ferentz likes it or not.
No. 8: Tom Savage, Rutgers
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Savage put up modest numbers as a freshman, throwing for 2,211 yards and 14 touchdowns.
There is no question that the best is yet to come.
The 6'5" sophomore has developed a connection with Mohammed Sanu, one of the most underrated receivers in all of college football.
The duo should produce plenty of big plays for the Scarlet Knights in 2010.
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No. 7: Christian Ponder, Florida State
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Despite playing at Florida State, Ponder has seemingly flown under the radar in college football.
That could change in 2010.
Florida State is likely to go more vertical in 2010, which provides plenty of chances for Ponder to show off his cannon.
Speedy Bert Reed headlines a talented group of targets with plenty of speed.
No. 6: Jacory Harris, Miami
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Harris throws a beautiful ball and could find himself in Heisman contention if he improves his consistency in 2010.
Miami faces arguably the nation's toughest schedule, but Harris has plenty of weapons at his disposal.
Senior Leonard Hankerson is the biggest target and should team with Harris to have a monster season featuring plenty of big plays.
No. 5: Andrew Luck, Stanford
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Luck has seen his stock skyrocket despite having limited opportunities to show his skills during his freshman season.
NFL scouts like his mobility and absolutely love his size and arm strength.
The Cardinal will likely shift to the air this season, turning Luck and wide receivers Chris Owusu and Ryan Whalen loose.
No. 4: Matt Barkley, USC
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The heralded Barkley was a big-play machine as a freshman, and his sophomore season should be more of the same if USC finds stability at wide receiver.
Barkley often looked more comfortable pushing the ball downfield than throwing short passes. His accuracy and decision making could use significant improvement.
The strong-armed Californian should be a top 10 NFL prospect by this time next year.
No. 3: Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
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Johnson showed potential as a sophomore in 2008 and absolutely lit up college football during his junior season in 2009.
The massive 6'5" Texas native enters his senior season as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.
The Aggies have four talented targets at receiver and will likely have to win by putting up huge number to compensate for what should be another porous defensive unit.
Expect Johnson to push the ball downfield and challenge the 4,000-yard mark.
No. 2: Jake Locker, Washington
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Jake Locker opted against leaving early for the NFL. Time will tell if he made the right decision.
Even if he is injured or underachieves in his final season in Seattle, Locker's talent will likely make him a top three selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.
In addition to his impressive mobility, Locker has displayed a strong arm throughout his career. His arm strength allows him to make all the throws, from deep balls over the middle to outs on the perimeter.
Look for Locker to get even more chances to display his talent as a passer this season.
No. 1: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
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Even during his brief stint at Michigan, Mallett's talent was evident.
All he needed was a change of scenery and time to develop.
Despite coming off a broken foot, Mallett enters the season as a top five NFL prospect thanks to his arm strength.
Mallett's gunslinger mentality means that there isn't a throw he won't try to make and causes constant problems for opposing defenses.
If Bobby Petrino's team can put it all together, the Razorbacks could make a serious run at the BCS.
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