Big Cletes to Fill: 4 Teams Look to New QBs For Success in 2010

One was the winningest quarterback in college football history.  Another scored the most touchdowns in college football history.  Still, another was the most efficient passer in his program’s history and another brought his program back from the brink.  They represent 2 Heisman Trophies, 6 Heisman finalists, 2 National Championships and 4 National Championship appearances.  Oh yeah, and all 4 will be playing on Sundays in 2010.  Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Jimmy Clausen have left the large, passionate crowds of college football for the bright lights of the NFL.  So what does this mean for the programs they have left behind and who has left the biggest void?  Let’s look at them one by one.

Colt McCoy, Texas.   He’s the winningest quarterback in the history of college football.  The 2-time Heisman finalist went 43-8 in his 4 years as the Longhorn’s trigger man.  He holds 47 school records and will go down in history as one of the best quarterback’s to ever play the position. 

Replacement: Garrett Gilbert.  Gilbert was thrown into the fire early.  When asked to step in for injured starter, Colt McCoy, in the National Championship game against Alabama, Gilbert accepted the challenged.  After an abysmal first half, he got it together and finished 11 out of his final 24 passes for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns.  While his career numbers have not been exactly eye popping, the 6 foot 4, 205 pound sophomore out of Austin, TX has Longhorn country excited for the future.  Touted as a “tremendous leader” by both his coach, Mack Brown, and his teammates, Gilbert’s upside has many around the country believing that Texas could find itself back in the National Championship running. 

Tim Tebow, Florida.  What more can be said about the most hyped football player to come out of college football in recent history?  The all-time college football touchdown leader and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner has given the Gator nation much to cheer for over the past 4 years.  But with Tebow’s highly publicized first round joining of the Denver Broncos, what does this mean for the University’s football program going forward?

Replacement: John Brantley.  He has continued to make one thing clear this off-season – “(he’s) not the running type.”  A Florida native, John Brantley has University of Florida football in his genes.  Both his father and his uncle played at UF and Brantley himself grew up a Gator fan just a few miles down the road in Ocala, FL.  Now he finds himself in possibly the most scrutinized place in all of college football - the heir to the Tim Tebow throne.  And while comparisons to the former Gator star are inevitable, Brantley’s teammates are ready to embrace the change –and the future.  Even with an always-tough SEC schedule and the departure of some offensive weapons, look for Brantley and the Gators to be among the BSC championship buzz in December. 

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma.  Even after missing nearly all of the 2009 season due to injury, 2008 Heisman Trophy winner and owner of almost every school passing record, Sam Bradford was the most highly rated quarterback going into to the 2010 NFL Draft most notably for his passing efficiency and football intelligence.  Bradford would go on to sign the richest deal in National Football League history with the St. Louis Rams after being the #1 overall pick in the 2010 draft. 

Replacement: Landry Jones.  Probably the most seasoned of the quarterback replacements on our list, OU quarterback, Landry Jones still has his work cut out for him.  Jones played in all 13 games in the 2009 season and started 10 of them.  But the 2010 season brings its own set of challenges with it.  Like Gilbert and Brantley, Jones has been embraced by his teammates as a strong leader, a hard worker, and committed to his own personal development.    However, unlike Texas and Florida, the presence of a strong running game led by running back Demarco Murray, may just lay the foundation for a balanced offensive attack rarely seen in Big 12 play.  Pre season rankings, however, may be too ambitious.  Landry will see his share of struggles but with the departure of Nebraska to the Big 10, look for OU to finish 2^nd in the Big 12 and be in the running for a BCS bowl game in January. 

Jimmy Clausen: Notre Dame.  Like Bradford, Notre Dame Quarterback, Jimmy Clausen entered the 2010 NFL draft highly regarded by scouts.  Although he lacked arm strength, the 3 year starter from southern California impressed coaches and general managers with his accuracy and quick delivery.  While Clausen may not have seen the accolades of McCoy, Tebow, or Bradford, he was able to help to bring a free falling Notre Dame program back from the brink of irrelevance to a BCS contender. 

Replacement: Dayne Crist.  With a change at the Head Coaching rank as well, Notre Dame may have the biggest question mark looming over them as they prepare for the 2010 season with junior quarterback Dayne Crist.  Crist, a strong, athletic presence on offense is probably the least known of our replacement list.  But his appointment couldn’t have happened at a better time.  With the implementation of Brian Kelley’s spread offense, there’s no one better to run it than the athletic Crist.  And while Kelley has had his share of criticism for his up and coming quarterback, he believes now that Dayne Crist is ready for the challenge.  The jury is still out.  There will be a learning curve for both coach and quarterback and only time will tell. Don’t expect National Championship hype for the Irish, but with a favorable schedule, they could be in good bowl shape come January. 

4 storied programs, 4 enormous pairs of cleats to fill…So who leaves behind the greatest void?  Who has the biggest job ahead, and who has the most pressure?  Only the fall will tell but it should be a great ride.