College Football 2011: 10 Most Anticipated Quarterback Competitions This Spring
There are many programs that must replace successful quarterbacks this fall.
A number of these schools have recruited so well that the starter in 2011 is pretty clear.
Virginia Tech is going with Logan Thomas. Clemson will turn to Tahj Boyd, and North Carolina is likely to start Bryn Renner.
That's just in the ACC.
Spring is a great time to check out a good quarterback battle, and for a number of reasons, the following have the potential to be some of the best.
10. Florida State Seminoles
1 of 10
E.J. Manuel vs. Will Secord
Since Manuel is out this spring following a routine surgical procedure on his shoulder, Secord gets a chance to prove himself to the Seminoles coaching staff.
The 6'3" Secord spent most of last season learning the FSU playbook and watching from the sidelines. This spring he'll get to run a lot with the first string. Manuel is probably a lock to start when the season begins in 2011, but Secord may need the spring to secure the No. 2 spot.
True freshman Clint Trickett was one of the top quarterback recruits in Florida this year. He enrolled this spring and will be competing for playing time.
Trickett is the son of offensive line coach Rick Trickett, so he's been around the Seminoles the past four seasons and should be comfortable in camp.
9. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2 of 10
Tevin Washington vs. Synjyn Days
Joshua Nesbitt is gone, and it looks like it's Washington's job, since he's the only returner with any considerable playing time on his resume.
He rushed for 514 yards and passed for 417.
Days will get a legitimate shot at the job, but he will also get competition from Vad Lee, a freshman.
8. Missouri Tigers
3 of 10
James Franklin vs. Ashton Glaser
If Blaine Gabbert had returned for his senior season, this wouldn't be an issue for the Tigers. Instead, he's preparing for to be a first-round pick.
Right now, Franklin has to be the leader to come out of spring practice as the starter. He backed up Blaine Gabbert last year as a true freshman.
Glaser will get a chance to take down Franklin, but he could have a battle for the No. 2 spot with redshirt freshman Tyler Gabbert, the younger brother of Blaine.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
4 of 10
Taylor Martinez vs. Brion Carnes
Martinez had a Jekyll and Hyde 2010.
After an eye-popping performance against Kansas State, Martinez's name was being thrown around as a possible Heisman candidate. Then came the Texas loss and a few other poor performances, including a horrendous performance against Texas A&M.
So with the addition of a new offensive coordinator, Carnes and freshman Jamal Turner each have a legitimate shot of unseating Martinez.
The biggest reason they could take over at quarterback is because both are a better fit for Tim Beck's spread offense.
6. Miami Hurricanes
5 of 10
Jacory Harris vs. Stephen Morris
The spring depth chart had walk-on Spencer Whipple on top, but that won't last for long.
This is strictly a motivational ploy by new coach Al Golden.
Harris is the most experienced, and when he's not asked to carry the Hurricanes offense, he can be an extremely effective player. However, former coach Randy Shannon wanted him to throw the ball too much in 2010, and Harris had too many interceptions and got banged up too much.
That's when Morris stepped in, and he flashed signs of being a solid ACC quarterback. Part of the reason he succeeded was Miami turned to its running game more when Morris was starting.
Don't be shocked when Harris becomes the top guy again.
5. Auburn Tigers
6 of 10
Barrett Trotter vs. Clint Moseley
Neither Trotter nor Moseley will be able to fully replace Cam Newton, who put together one of the more impressive seasons in Heisman history.
Trotter used to be a solid running threat before suffering a torn ACL during a 2009 scrimmage. He's not a big quarterback, but he's the most experienced at Auburn.
Moseley is more physically gifted, and this spring is his chance to take over. He has decent arm strength, and if he keeps a positive outlook, he could become the Tigers' starter.
If Moseley is No. 2 on the depth chart, look for him to transfer.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
7 of 10
A.J. McCarron vs. Phillip Sims
McCarron, a redshirt sophomore, appears to be the heir apparent at QB following the graduation of Greg McElroy.
The number of snaps he's gotten so far in his career are negligible, but he has shown real signs of leadership. He also has a much stronger arm than McElroy and has been compared to former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle.
Sims, a redshirt freshman, should pose a serious challenge this spring. He was one of the top recruits coming out of Virginia in 2010, but Nick Saban is likely to stick with McCarron so he'll have a solid one-two punch.
The only drawback could be Sims possibly bolting after the 2011 season if he doesn't see much playing time.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
8 of 10
Robert Bolden vs. Matt McGloin
As a freshman, Bolden began 2010 as the Nittany Lions starter. After an injury, McGloin stepped in and performed well.
However, at the end of the season, McGloin's limited ability was starting to be exploited by opponents. He also had a horrific game against Florida in the Capital One Bowl.
Bolden didn't see the field, and he threatened to transfer. If he wins back the starting job, Bolden will likely stay in State College.
Redshirt freshman Paul Jones is also in the mix, but Boldin has a good chance of regaining the starting job.
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
9 of 10
Dayne Crist vs. Tommy Rees
Crist was putting together a nice 2010 before a knee injury ended his season. That's when Rees got his chance, and he led the Irish to big wins over USC and Miami in the Sun Bowl.
Rees has to be the favorite because he fits Brian Kelly's offense better. The big reason for that is Crist isn't as mobile following his string of injuries. Still, Crist is talented. It should be an interesting battle.
The X-Factor in the Notre Dame quarterback battle is true freshman Everett Golson, who is a dual-threat and could make things interesting. He's not tall, but he has unlimited athletic gifts.
1. LSU Tigers
10 of 10
Jordan Jefferson vs. Jarrett Lee vs. Zach Mettenberger
While Jefferson and Lee, both seniors, have each held the starting role at different times in their careers, it appears Mettenberger may be the front runner.
Mettenberger is 6'5" and has a strong arm. He originally played for SEC rival Georgia, but was dismissed by Mark Richt after an arrest last spring. He played last season at Butler (Kan.) County Community College and completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,678 yards and 32 touchdowns.
New offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has been asked to balance the Tigers' offensive output, so whoever takes the lead this spring is likely to be the starter in 2011.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
