Next on our ACC position rankings is quarterbacks. 2010 has to be one of the deepest groups of quarterbacks the ACC has had in years. You'd be happy to build a team around any of these 5 guys. When I think of QB's it's not only raw ability it is also being the leader of a team. Let's see who made the list.
Completed and Upcoming rankings.
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Line | Tight Ends | Defensive Line | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams | Team Predictions
1) Christian Ponder, Florida State
Christian Ponder has just about everything you'd want in a quarterback. He's got a strong arm. He's mobile and he's got good size. Ponder is 6-3 227 lbs. Last year before he got hurt in game 9 against Clemson, he was completing nearly 69% of passes and throwing for over 300 yards a game. The only thing Ponder lacks is a championship. He might get it this year, as the Noles are the odds on favorite in the Atlantic Division.
2) Joshua Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
Are you looking for a leader at quarterback? That's what Joshua Nesbitt is. No quarterback in the ACC was better in late game situations than Nesbitt was last year. He had late games scoring drives in wins against Wake Forest, Clemson (Twice). He took over the game in the 2nd half against Virginia Tech, and out-dueled Christian Ponder and FSU. He's the right QB at the right time for Paul Johnson's triple option offense. I would like to see the completion percentage get above 50%.
3) Russell Wilson, North Carolina State
From what I'm reading, Wilson will return for his senior year at NC State despite being a 4th round draft choice in the MLB draft. Pack fans can breath a sigh of relief. Wilson threw for 3,027 yards, 31 TDs, with a completion rate of 59%. His ability to run makes Wilson the ACC's best dual threat quarterback. Now if NC State can just find some defense.
4) Jacory Harris, Miami
Jacory Harris blossomed under new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. No quarterback in the ACC was better at the play-action pass than Harris was. He passed for 3,300 yards and had 24 touchdown passes last season. If there's a downside to Harris, he is prone to force the issue when he's pressured. He had 17 interceptions last year. If he can beat Ohio State and Terrelle Pryor in an early showdown, throw his name into the Heisman chase.
5) Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
I think the world of Taylor's ability, and for him to be 5th on this list just speaks to how good the other quarterbacks are. He's improved each year he's been a starter, and Taylor is a winner. The Hokies won 10 games last year, and have won both Bowl games Taylor has started. He completed a solid 56% of his passes last year. The offense ranked in the middle of the pack of the ACC, and that's where I'd like to see Taylor improve. I want to see him be a little more efficient running the offense. He has the talent, and I expect he'll have a strong year.
