Top College Quarterbacks for 2012

We are 45 days away from the start of the college football season and thought I would have a little fun today and list my top 12 QB's for the 2012 season.



Top Quarterbacks for 2012

Dave Martin/Associated Press

10. AJ McCarron: The Junior is fresh off a National Championship and projected by some to be a dark horse for this years Heisman. In the Title game AJ was solid hitting 24 of 34 passes %67.6 for 234 yrds and had six games where his accuracy was over %70. In 2011 McCarron 219 of 328 %66.8 for 2634 yards with 16 TD's and only 5 picks. In 2012 I look for McCarron to be able to open it up a little more, and get very close to the 3000 yard mark.






9. Bryn Renner: The 6' 3" 215lbs Junior for North Carolina is a pure pocket passer going 239 of 350 %68.3 for 3086 yards with 26 TD's and 13 INT's. Last year VS James Madison Renner was 22 of 23 %95 which is simply amazing numbers even if it ageist James Madison. Now with another year under his belt in 2012 I think Renner is out for another solid year.

8. Tajh Boyd: Was another sophomore who had a break out season in 2011 as he lead Clemson on their "Shock the world tour", and with all the young talent around him in 2012 I think Boyd's number will only get better. In 2011 Boyd was 298 of 499 %59.7 for 3828 yards with 33 TD's and 12 INT's he also added 218 yards on the ground.

7. Aaron Murray: The junior two year starter from Georgia is looking to take his team back to another SEC Championship game. Now with out RB Isaiah Crowell gone I look for Murray to take this team on his back, and put up huge numbers. In 2011 as a sophomore Murray was 238 of 403 %59.1 for 3149 yards with 35 TD's and 14 INT's.

6. Collin Klein: No one saw Kansas State and Klein going 10-3 last season, and the Wildcats won't have the luxury of sneaking up on anyone this year, but I don't think that will stop Klein from getting his numbers. Klein is not a pure passer as you can see by his numbers in 2011 161 of 281 %57.3 for 1918 yards with 13 TD's and 6 INT's, but Klein makes up for it on the ground rushing for 1141 yards and adding 27 more TD's!



Geno Smith

5.Geno Smith: Now in the BIG12 Smith will have new defences to learn that will hinder his performance a little, but Smith is a legit Heisman candidate. In 2011 Smith had a monster year going 346 of 526 %65.8 for 4385 yards with 31 TD's and 7 INT's. If Smith puts up 2/3 of them numbers in 2012 in the BIG12 then West Virgina could be in win the conference in their first year.
4. Landry Jones: I think Jones at 6' 4" 229lbs could be the most talented and NFL ready QB this year, but with the off season issues that lead to three of his WR's being suspended indefinitely will affect Jones numbers in 2012. Jones will still have Kenny Stills to throw to and he will still put up big number much like his last three years at Oklahoma. In 2011 Jones was 355 of 562 %63.2 for 4463 yards with 29 TD's and 15 INT's.

3. Denard Robinson: The 6' 1" 193lbs Senior will not project well in the NFL, but he is the most electric QB in FBS college football right now. Robinson will have his chance to show if he belongs in the Heisman race week one when he faces off against Alabama (SEC Defence). Robinson passing numbers in 2011 where average 142 of 258 %55.0 for 2173 yards with 20 TD's and 15 INT's, but Robinson gets it done with his legs rushing for 1176 and 16 more TD's. 

2. Tyler Wilson: If Wilson was in any other conference besides the SEC then he would have thrown for over 4000 yards, but he will have to settle for 277 of 438 %63.2 for 3638 yards with 24 TD's and 6 INT's. The tricky part of 2012 will be figuring out how much all the coaching change over will affect them. With Paul Petrino now calling the plays I think Wilson will be just fine and get very close to the 4000 yard mark.


Matt Barkley

 1. Matt Barkley: Over the last three years the USC senior has become the best passer in College Football. Barkley is extremely accurate and hands down the front runner for the Heisman. In 2011 Barkley was 308 of 446 %69.1 for 3528 yards with 39 TD's and 7 INT's also note USC didn't play in conference championship or bowl game last year. This season Barkly is sure to hit the 4000 yard mark and punch his ticket to New York and maybe the National Championship.

 

-Patrick Pierce

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