College Football 2011: 10 College QBs Who Could Be The Next Tim Tebow
College football 2011 is going to be upon us before we know it, and as we look forward to another exciting season, we're looking at the quarterbacks.
Tim Tebow was one of the biggest stars we ever had in college football. He could run, he could pass and he was a guy who had a lot of appeal to college football fans. With that in mind, we're looking for the next quarterback that could make the leap to the next level and become that major star at the quarterback position, while also having some of the same skills as Tebow.
If you have any thoughts or comments, make sure to leave them below.
No. 10: Jordan Jefferson
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Jordan Jefferson took a step back when it came to throwing the ball, but he has the ability to put it all together.
Last year, Jefferson ran 450 yards and seven touchdowns, both career highs, but struggled to throw the ball. He threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions as he took a step back from the year before, when he threw 17 touchdowns and seven picks.
If he can put it all together, we have one dangerous quarterback on our hands.
No. 9: E.J. Manuel
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E.J. Manuel is the guy under center at Florida State, and fans are expecting big things from him.
We've seen flashes during his previous game experience. While he is comfortable in the pocket, when things break down, Manuel can get outside and make plays with his legs. That ability to scramble and make something out of nothing can help Florida State get back to where it used to be as a program.
Manuel is certainly one of the players to watch for next season.
No. 8: Nathan Scheelhaase
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Nathan Scheelhaase is a name that not many people have heard of, but if he plays the way he did last season, he's going to blow up.
Scheelhaase is the man under center for Illinois and had a sneaky good season in his freshman year. He threw for 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. On top of that, he ran for 868 yards and five touchdowns. The man is a dual threat and someone to watch for in the Big Ten.
Illinois has quite the player on its hands.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 7: Chris Relf
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It's not easy to pull away from the pack when it comes to being a quarterback in the SEC, but Chris Relf certainly has the potential.
Relf threw for 13 touchdowns and six interceptions as Mississippi State made one heck of a run down the stretch last season. When he decided to leave the pocket, Relf was equally as dangerous, running for 713 yards and five touchdowns.
If the Bulldogs and keep the momentum from last year, Relf could become a name a lot of people are talking about.
No. 6: Dan Persa
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Dan Persa was playing great football last year until an Achilles injury ended his season.
Persa threw for 2581 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. Not only that, but he ran for 519 yards and nine touchdowns. He plays an exciting brand of football and if he can heal properly, there's no reason Persa can't put up some big numbers next year.
Northwestern will make some noise in the Big Ten, and it will be because of Persa' arm and legs.
No. 5: Taylor Martinez
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Taylor Martinez is a guy with a ton of potential, he just needs to find some sort of consistency.
Martinez threw for 1631 yards while throwing 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, Martinez was deadly on the ground, running for 965 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Martinez can start protecting the ball and making more plays on a consistent basis, he's going to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
It will be interesting to see if he takes the leap next year.
No. 4: Trey Burton
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Trey Burton is a guy that could really carry the torch in Florida over the next couple of years.
Burton showed last year that he can be a terror for opposing defenses with his legs. Burton ran for 349 yards and seven touchdowns, including five in one game against Kentucky. Florida hasn't asked him to throw much, but if Burton can start forcing teams to respect his arm, there's no telling what he can accomplish.
With Will Muschamp, Burton could put up huge numbers in Florida, given he gets the opportunity.
No. 3: Darron Thomas
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It may be the LaMichael James show in Oregon, but don't forget about Darron Thomas.
Thomas threw for 2881 yards, 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions as Oregon went to the national championship game. In Chip Kelly's high-powered offense, Thomas also ran for 486 yards and five touchdowns.
Those are amazing numbers from a player who should be even better next year.
No. 2: Denard Robinson
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Denard Robinson was one of the breakout players of last year.
Robinson was an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy until his and Michigan's season unraveled around him. In the end, Robinson threw for 2570 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. However, Robinson was a monster with his legs. He ran for 1702 yards and 14 touchdowns.
If Robinson can manage to play consistently and stay healthy, there's no telling what he can do on the football field.
No. 1: Andrew Luck
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Andrew Luck is going to be the biggest story in college football next year.
Luck is coming off of a season that ended with a Stanford victory in the Orange Bowl and he is going to be the favorite for the Heisman Trophy next year. He threw for 3338 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The quarterback also made plays with his legs, running for 453 yards and three touchdowns.
He's not the most mobile guy in the world, but he certainly can beat you with his legs if he gets a running lane. Luck will be a fascinating story to watch next year as the Cardinal try and reach greater heights.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
