College Football Recruiting 2012: Where Are the Top QBs Headed?

The talk in this 2012 recruiting cycle is that the QB class has more depth in this class than it had in the past two recruiting classes.

We're starting to see some of the top names start to stick out as the camps-and-combines period moves forward. QB is always the position that gets the most attention, and it's no different on the recruiting trail.

Some programs like California feel that they should sign at least one QB every year. Meanwhile, others go on a year-by-year basis as to see if they like and want to go after a QB in the current class.

The belief with the latter school of thought is that if you sign multiple signal-callers, then they may not be able to get focused coaching, while signing just one every other year or so will allow a staff to focus on developing that signal-caller more fully.

With the 2012 QB class, these prospects all have to the tools that, if developed right, should make them top-flight field generals down the road.

Come check 'em out. 

8. Jeff Lindquist

Lindquist may be the best dual-threat style signal-caller out of the Northwest since Jake Locker came out of high school a few years ago. At 6'3", 225 pounds, he has been timed in the 4.6 range in the 40-yard dash.

Lindquist tossed for just under 2,000 yards and 15 scores while rushing for over a 1,000 yards last year as a junior.

He has a tall frame that allows him to see over the rush and dictate his own throwing lanes while keeping his eyes downfield.

Lindquist does a solid job of reading the field and scanning his progressions. Solid quickness in his release and arm strength make up his throwing portion of his game, and if he is not feeling what he sees downfield, he will just make something happen with his legs.

Stanford, Washington and Washington St. have all offered thus far, and more offers are coming this spring.

7. Matt Davis

Davis may not be as well known to the recruiting world yet since he missed his junior season due to a torn ACL.

The 6'2", 200-pound QB is from the Houston area and held his own against great competition. As a sophomore, Davis nearly both threw and ran for 1,500 yards.

While the style of many dual-threat QBs is run first, Davis looks to pass first but seems to only run when he has to or on designed plays for him.

His skill set right now may be best for a spread option-style offense. There, he can take advantage of dominating the short passing game while also being used on designed runs like options and zone reads.

Alabama, LSU, Clemson, Auburn, Oklahoma State, TCU, Pitt, Purdue, Arizona and Iowa have offered, among others.

6. Zack Kline

Kline is a 6'2", 190-pounder from the Northern California area that works very hard on his craft.

He defines the term "gym rat" and is always watching film as well as working on his footwork. He is currently trying to round up the top players on the West Coast to come with him to Berkeley.

A solid technician, Kline has good footwork in his climbs and gets to his mark in the pocket with good depth and quickness. He has a good setup and keeps his eyes downfield, paying no mind to the rush.

He has good arm strength and solid accuracy on intermediate routes and flashes good mobility.

Kline is committed to Cal.

5. Greyson Lambert

At 6'5", 200 pounds, Lambert has the size and frame to stand out, but watch his game and you see he's not just tall kid trying to play QB.

Throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, the Peach State native will look to hike up his stats in his final go for Wayne County (GA) as they will move to more of a passing offense this season.

There is some banter in Georgia that Lambert has been the top signal-caller in the state for the past two years, and you can make an argument that is correct.

He has solid arm strength, can make all the throws and also flashes awareness and instincts to take some revolutions off his balls for touch and accuracy.

He has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and NC State.

4. Connor Brewer

Brewer is one of the elite players in Arizona this year, and the 6'3", 190-pounder is looking to win a state title for the third straight season. He knows how to win and is a gutty QB that will do what it takes to keep his offense on the field.

He is not a dual threat-style QB, but Brewer does flash a skill set that will allow him to be a considered a dangerous run threat in college.

He can get out of the pocket, roll and sprint to make throws on the run. Brewer can bootleg very well and has an arm to toss the rock where he wants and when he wants with solid accuracy.

He is a Texas Longhorn pledge.

3. Gunner Kiel

A 6'4", 220-pounder, Kiel is regarded as one of the elite signal-callers in the 2012 crop. He threw for over 2,700 yards and almost 40 touchdowns last year, with only six picks. He has been complimented for his leadership skills on and off the field.

He has a cannon for an arm that comes out from a short two-count release. His ball looks light and pretty as it sails directly to his targets.

His overall mechanics are very sound and compact, which shows that Kiel plays in solid balance from the pocket. He flashes Tom Brady-like pocket presence and great awareness of his surroundings.

He has a ton of offers, including Notre Dame, UCLA, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, USC, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

2. Zeke Pike

I originally had Pike listed as an ATH, as he could easily wind up at linebacker or tight end in college, but the growing consensus is the 6'5", 220-pounder will be a college QB.

Big, tough and strong, Pike has a hose attached to his shoulder and combines it with solid athletic ability.

He's played linebacker in the past, and uses that toughness when he switches sides of the ball. He has good feet and drop quickness to go along with the size and frame to see the whole field.

Pike can make each and every throw, especially deep balls to attack the third level of the defense. He's a load to bring down as a runner and has great strength when getting upfield with his legs.

He has a slew of offers including Florida, Alabama, Clemson, USC, Michigan, Florida State, Penn State and LSU among a host of others.

1. Jameis Winston

Winston can be listed as either a dual-threat or pro-style QB—he can do it all. He is an elite player out of talent-rich Alabama and a top athlete. Winston tossed for over 2,300 yards as a junior and was a standout performer against solid competition.

At 6'4", 200 pounds, he shows a strong arm to attack all defensive levels, athleticism and very good run ability.

He flashes pinpoint accuracy, but Winston doesn't bail out of the pocket after not seeing his primary read come open. He will work through his progressions, and, when he feels he is out of time, that is when he will attack with his legs—and his speed is vicious.

He holds offers from Alabama, Miami, Stanford, Michigan, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State and Notre Dame, among others.