Today we return with a slew of topics on my mind, ranging from my best-projected QBs from the ACC in the 2023 season, to the top overall seniors in the country this year, and lastly, if Mississippi State can maintain their momentum on the recruiting trail as we go deeper into the summer. With our guidelines set, let us begin with the east coast.
Top ACC QBs
1. Drake Maye, North Carolina
In one of my other recent articles (Top Five Heisman Contenders From Each P5 Conference)I had Jordan Travis as my favorite for the Heisman trophy coming out of the ACC, but Drake is the better QB prospect. Stands 6’5 and can make every single throw, while also being a threat with his legs as he ran for over 600 yards on the ground. We should see more of the same this upcoming season.
2. Jordan Travis, Florida State
As I just stated with Drake Maye, whom I have ranked first, while he is the better prospect, Jordan Travis is certainly no slouch. A gamer who makes plays when you need them. Throwing for over 3,000 yards passing and rushing for over 400, he comes back with a loaded team, and that is why he is one of my Heisman favorites.
3. Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
The Wake Forrest transfer did nothing but rewrite all the passing records for the Deamon Deacons over the past few years. Having thrown for nearly 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in the past couple of seasons each, he took them to new heights. At least for a little while. While he does throw more picks than you would like, he is the ultimate leader and gamer. Notre Dame should be excited.
4. Riley Leonard, Duke
The most unknown player on the list, but when you watch him play you will most certainly find out who he is. Riley Leonard broke out last year as a sophomore throwing for nearly 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. Big guy standing at 6’4 with a prototypical size, he can also use his feet as he also ran for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is one of the better QBS in not only the ACC but the entire nation.
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5. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
While Riley is the unknown name on the list, Cade has the unknown game. Having only started two games in his career, we just don’t know what he can be yet. While that may be true one thing we do know is that the former Elite 11 MVP is very skilled with talent all around him at Clemson. We will find out a lot more about Mr. Klubnik soon enough.
Top Seniors in the Nation
1. QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
The leading passer in yards per game last year is back to finish up what he started. In his first year taking over the reins at Washington, he threw for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns leading them to a 11-2 record. There is a reason why he is near the top of every Heisman list.
2. RB Blake Corum, Michigan
While not the biggest on the field height-wise, he certainly has one of the biggest hearts. As a pure running back with speed and hands to catch out of the backfield, he ran for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns while missing the last two games. The consensus All-American is back to show everyone who he is. Watch out.
3. DL Jared Verse, Florida State
As a projected top 10-15 pick in last year’s draft, Jared Verse decided to come back for one more season for one reason only, and that is to win a chip. Transferring in from Albany all he did was wreak havoc on QBS with nine sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. With more help on the defense to take some pressure off, this year we should see much of the same.
4. OL Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Had he chosen to enter his name in last year’s draft he would have been a surefire first-round pick, but instead came back for one more year with a team full of talent on both sides. With an all-conference/All-American QB behind him and a loaded running back room to block for, he has a large task. I think he will excel.
5. DL Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, Illinois
As a second-team All-American last season, he led the Illini on defense which also had a top-ten pick and an all-conference performer right next to him. Standing at 6’2 295 pounds, he is a very good athlete posting numbers of 60 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Look for him to go for first-team honors this season.
Mississippi State Recruiting
To say the Bulldogs have been doing a number on the recruiting trail would be an egregious understatement. In the past week, they have gotten three commitments, in which all three have come from in-state. They include four-star cornerback PJ Woodland (Oak Grove), four-star wide receiver Braylon Burnside (Starkville), and former four-star Tennessee pledge JJ Harrell at wide receiver (North Panola). That is a major jolt to the class to get the momentum rolling, and I think there is plenty more to come.
For many who may not know, Mississippi is one of the most talent-rich states in the entire country. While not having the best resources they quite literally “get it out the mud” as some people would say. With that dawg mentality mixed with the natural skill set that many of the kids possess, there should be no reason as to why Mississippi State can’t be a year-in-year out consistent winner (for their standards at least). NIL might play a part in that, but I think head coach Zach Arnett can make up for that. As the former DC from 2020-2022, he made a name for himself as one of the top young up-and-coming coaching commodities in the entire country. While Known for his attacking 3-3-5 defense, he also attacks the recruiting trail the same way, as It seems to me that the players are buying in.
The outlook in the near future also seems to be bright with 13 commits already and others close to joining. They look to stay hot on the trail as they have a couple of more instate studs on the radar as well. One of them is McComb High School star Sanfrisco Magee who recently shared that the Bulldogs are the team to beat. The other is 6’6 250-pound Vicksburg High standout Tyler Carter.
While they can raid the state and ultimately have a class full of Mississippi boys, I also believe coach Arnett along with the rest of his staff can come up with a couple of welcomed surprises, depending on how this season goes of course.
