How SEC stacks up in race for top 20 QB recruits 2013-17
The 2016 recruiting cycle was a coup of sorts for the SEC, which landed the top two pro-style quarterbacks available as well as the top-rated dual-threat prospect.
Eight of the top 20 quarterbacks in that class, as ranked by 247Sports.com’s composite, picked SEC schools. No other Power 5 conference grabbed more than four. Given all of the consternation about recent quarterback play, that bodes well for the SEC’s future.
Here’s a look at how the 2017 quarterback class is shaping up, as well as a refresher on the previous four classes.
2017
(18 of the top 20 have committed)
SEC: 4
ACC: 4
Big Ten: 4
Big 12: 3
Pac-12: 2
Notre Dame: 1
Of note: Dylan McCaffrey, the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the class, has committed to Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. McCaffrey, a 6-5 pro-style prospect, is the younger brother of Stanford star running back Christian McCaffrey. Georgia, which landed Jacob Eason in 2016, has a commitment from Jake Fromm, ranked fourth in this class. Tate Martell is one of the two top 20 quarterbacks still looking.
2016
SEC: 8
ACC: 4
Big Ten: 4
Pac-12: 2
Big 12: 2
Of note: Shea Patterson (Ole Miss) was the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the class, edging Jacob Eason (Georgia). Tennessee signee Jarrett Gaurantano was the top-rated dual-threat prospect in the class, just ahead of Brandon McIlwain (South Carolina) and Jalen Hurts (Alabama).
2015
SEC: 6
Pac-12: 7
Big Ten: 2
Big 12: 2
ACC: 1
Notre Dame: 1
Non-Power 5: 1
Of note: Josh Rosen, the top quarterback in the class, threw for 3,670 yards and 23 touchdowns as a true freshman last season at UCLA. The Bruins open the 2016 season at Texas A&M and former Bruins offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. Of the SEC’s signees, just Blake Barnett (Alabama) and Drew Lock (Missouri) are potential starters in 2016.
2014
SEC: 7
ACC: 5
Pac-12: 3
Big 12: 2
Big Ten: 2
Notre Dame: 1
Of note: LSU’s Brandon Harris (No. 6) and Kentucky’s Drew Barker (No. 9) are starters. Alabama’s David Cornwell (No. 7) and Auburn’s Sean White (No. 11) are in their respective mix. Kyle Allen was rated No. 1, ahead of Deshaun Watson (No. 2) and Brad Kaaya (No. 10). Oops.
2013
SEC: 7
Big Ten: 5
Pac-12: 4
ACC: 2
Big 12: 1
Notre Dame: 1
Of note: Cal’s Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, was ranked No. 21 in this class. Tennessee’s Joshua Dobbs (No. 13) has developed into the SEC’s best from this class. Alabama’s Cooper Bateman (No. 4), Georgia’s Brice Ramsey (No. 6) and Auburn’s Jeremy Johnson (No. 14) are trying to win their respective starting job.
Chris Wright is Executive Editor at SaturdayDownSouth.com. Email him at cwright@saturdaydownsouth.com.