You think the ACC lost a lot of talent at the running back position? Take a look at the quarterbacks that are gone from the ACC; Florida State’s
Christian Ponder, Virginia Tech ‘s Tyrod Taylor, Georgia Tech’s Josh Nesbitt, and NC State’s Russell Wilson.
The good thing is there are some good looking players ready to step in where these quarterbacks left off.
Completed Rankings
Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Danny O’Brien, Maryland
New coach Randy Edsall, gets the benefit of taking over a Maryland program with the best young quarterback in the ACC in Danny O’Brien. O’Brien had a great freshman season for the Terps throwing for over 2400 yards, 22 TDs and only 8 interceptions.
He has good size for QB at 6-3, 215 lbs and by all accounts is a tremendous student of the game. Nationally O’Brien may not that be well known, but he will be by the end of the year.
2) Sean Renfree, Duke
28 out of 30 is all you need to know about Sean Renfree. The 93.3% completion percentage (min 30 attempts) against Navy is an NCAA record. When you play under David Cutcliffe, you are going to learn the quarterback position. Renfree in his first year as a starter threw for 3,131 yards and completed 61% of his passes.
The 17 interceptions is a concern, but Renfree has plenty of ability, and he will only get better under Cutcliffe.
3) EJ Manuel, Florida State
EJ Manuel at 6-5, 234 lbs simply oozes potential. In 199 passing attempts Manuel has completed better than 67% of his passes. He’s also mobile enough to be a threat running the ball.
In addition Manuel is already 2 for 2 winning bowl games for the Seminoles. Manuel doesn’t have a wealth of starting experience, but he’s started a handful of games. I think FSU fans know that this position is in good hands with EJ Manuel.
4) Mike Glennon, North Carolina State
This is where things get a little tricky. After the first 3 QB’s, there’s either virtually no experience starting or inconsistent at best quarterbacks. Mike Glennon only threw 13 passes last year, but he has the tools to be a very good quarterback. He’s 6-6 and NC State Tom O’Brien thought enough of him to basically show starter QB Russell Wilson the door.
He came out of HS as the one of the most highly rated QB’s of 2008. Glennon has a strong arm and is ready to take over the controls at NC State.
5) Jacory Harris, Miami
Jacory Harris is a known commodity. At times he can look like an All-American, and others you wonder how he has a Division 1 scholarship.
Harris has plenty of experience. He’s thrown for over 6300 yards and has 50 TD passes, but he may not even be the best quarterback at Miami with Stephen Morris pushing him. Harris’s problem is not talent, but his decision making can be just so poor at times. If he can stay healthy and cut down on the tendency to make mental errors, he can have a big season.
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