Every year we have a debate as to which quarterbacks will be the best in college football. Most will turn to the guys at the better schools like Alabama with Bryce Young or Ohio State’s CJ Stroud.
Those two players are obvious. It could be because they are truly that good or the system they’re in is so good that it is hard to fail. So, we will dive into the sleeper quarterbacks of 2022.
Just remember, the greatest NFL playoff performances were from two quarterbacks who were products of bad programs. Josh Allen went to Wyoming and Patrick Mahomes went to Texas Tech. Nothing about those programs scream NFL factory.
Some of these guys you may already know, and some are guys who are looking to make a name for themselves.
Here is our list:
Brennan Armstrong, Virginia
The lefty with a cannon of an arm. Last season he had a great receiving core to highlight what he does best. The deep ball accuracy is his bread and butter that was used often.
The ACC will have a loaded quarterback class this year and Armstrong might be the best of the group. Although he is at Virginia, the weapons he had on the offense last season kept the Cavaliers in many games. It was the defense that did them no favors.
What I like best about Armstrong is the dual threat nature of his game. The moment you feel like you have a sack is when he will take off for 10+ yards. Armstrong went for 4,449 yards and 41 TDs.
Comparison: He reminds me a lot of Pittsburgh Steeler first round pick Kenny Pickett out of Pitt.
Anthony Richardson, Florida
The next coming of Tim Tebow might be saying a lot, but Richardson is a big-time quarterback. He has great arm strength and accuracy. Due to injury, we were not able to see all of Richardson last season.
We can only speculate how great the Florida offense would have been if he was healthy all year. Coming into spring, Richardson has a clean slate with new head coach Billy Napier. With a quarterback like Richardson, the Gators might be able to pull off some wins that a normal quarterback couldn’t produce.
Comparison: We never got the chance to see what an offense under Cam Newton would have looked like in a Gator uniform, but Richardson might be able to give us a glimpse of what could have been.
Devin Leary, NC State
It’s hard to admit but NC State has produced more NFL quarterbacks than Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, Miami, Michigan, Texas, and USC in the last 20 years.
The most impressive quarterbacks have been Phillip Rivers and Russell Wilson by far, but Leary could be the next great NC State quarterback. Leary completed 65.7% of his throws and threw for 35 TDs to just 5 interceptions in 2021.
Leary throws a beautiful ball with great touch. There were a few games where he would also take off with his legs almost like a surprise.
Leary was very consistent all year long and took a major step-up year over year. He will be the reason NC State competes for an ACC championship this season.
Comparison: Joe Burrow comes to mind initially. His great arm and decision making in critical situations makes his comparison to Burrow seem more accurate. Unfortunately, Leary doesn’t have the same caliber of players around him like Burrow had to help him out.
Cameron Rising, Utah
The Utah Utes leaders is a player that is a gamer. The term gamer doesn’t mean he’s not good, but what it means is that Rising plays bigger as the moment gets bigger. He has a solid arm and great legs to get out when a play breaks down.
The last time we saw Rising on the field he 214 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. On the ground, Rising rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in a 48-45 loss to Ohio State.
Stats on the year were 2,493 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions in the air. On the ground, Rising rushed for nearly 500 yards and scored 6 touchdowns.
Comparison: Baker Mayfield is a guy that is a gamer. He may not be the best talent, but when the lights are brightest against the biggest competition he will deliver. Rising is that guy for Utah but to me he has a stronger arm.
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