In this week’s edition of Three and Out, we’ll dive into my picks for the top five Pac-12 QBs in 2023, the top instant impact freshman in the Big 12, and if OU and Texas will find success when they move to the SEC.
Projected Top Five Pac 12 QBs in 2023
1. Caleb Williams, USC
The reigning Heisman trophy winner comes back with a new set of weapons and motivation. The loss to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl was a heartbreaker, but expect Caleb along with Lincoln Riley to bounce back in exciting fashion.
https://twitter.com/MHolder95/status/1658601658568560640
2. Michael Penix, Washington
Initially committing to Tennessee then ultimately signing with Indiana, and transferring again to Washington, his career has been a whirlwind. Not even to mention the serious injuries on top of that. Even with all of that, he stands out as not only a top QB in the PAC 12 but in the entire Nation.
3. Shadeur Sanders, Colorado
By now everyone should know who the man is under the center. Shadeur was part of the “Louie” luggage Coach Prime brought in from Jackson State to Colorado to change things around. He carved up HBCU teams with ease, and I expect him to do the same in Boulder.
https://twitter.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1646701314863407105
4. Bo Nix, Oregon
After having an up-and-down career at Auburn not much was expected of Bo Nix when he transferred in. While that may have been true at the time, that is no longer. All he did in 2022 was cement himself as a Heisman candidate and this year should look no different.
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5. Cameron Ward, Washington State
Originally starting his career at Incarnate Word, Cameron can spin in it with the best of them. Started all 13 games and ended up being named All PAC-12 Honorable Mention. This year should be even better.
https://twitter.com/Daboys_22/status/1652902664525733888
Top Instant Impact Freshman in the Big XII
1. S Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma
After a crazy recruitment with him committing to Norte Dame, flipping to Oregon, and ultimately signing with Oklahoma, it was all worth it. He showed out all Spring and should be in the rotation immediately.
https://twitter.com/KREFsports/status/1650487240902975489
2. S Brenden Jordan, Texas Tech
A true old-school all-around strong safety. Sure tackler who will lay the boom. Although Texas Tech has some talented DBs, he should see the field early.
3. LB Anthony Hill, Texas
Coming in as a five-star recruit the pressure is always on. The Denton Guyer (TX) product did nothing but show why he was very much every bit of it during spring ball. Except to see him a lot.
4. DT John Walker, UCF
Standing at 6’3 310lbs it’s hard to miss, but that’s all offensive linemen seem to do when they go against Walker. That is whenever they’re not getting manhandled by him with his enormous strength. From all accounts, he has been the same bully at UCF. Expect to see Big John early and often. Maybe even start.
5. WR Cordale Russell, TCU
Mr. Russell is a big play threat waiting to happen. Ending up ranked as the 65th overall prospect in the Nation, he has size, strength, and long speed. Got injured during spring camp, but is back healthy as of recently. We should see him firmly in the two-deep.
https://twitter.com/mtorressports/status/1611050253641486336
Will Oklahoma and Texas Succeed in SEC?
Playing in the SEC is no small task for anyone. It is not for the weak. It also runs deep in many many people’s bloodlines which is why it gets taken so seriously around these parts of the South. For Oklahoma and Texas, it will be no different. Although they have a rich history as do most of if not all of the SEC, they will have to go through certain obstacles or through the fire so to speak to succeed. Can they win and be successful as they hope? Of course. But the question is will they?
Over the past decade or so, Oklahoma and Texas have kind of been on two different trajectories. Oklahoma has won for the most part, but not the way they have wanted. They want to be looked at as the upper echelon with the Georgias and the Alabamas of the world, but It’s only been one problem with that. That problem would be getting over the hump and getting the chip. Some way somehow Lincoln Riley could never get the defense together so he bolted to USC. In comes Brent Venables. Last year was his first campaign in which they went 7-6. Lackluster to say the least but he has recruited well so we shall see.
On the other hand, Texas has been in a whole different situation. Outside of a decent year or two and the Sugar Bowl win over Georgia in 2019, there has been nothing to get excited about over the last decade for Longhorn fans. From Charlie Strong to Tom Herman, and to now Steve Sarkisian, it has just been well below average, to say the least. While they always recruit well, something is missing in the coaching and development department. That’s not a good format coming into the SEC.
With all of that being said, when Oklahoma and Texas join the SEC in 2024 it will be very exciting to see. A little awkward, but very exciting. Now for their fans, I don’t think they should get too excited or too down for that matter as I don’t really see them succeeding right from the start. Especially not with a first-time head coach and perennial below-average one. They are going to have to do more than recruit and dish out millions to convince me. Not saying that they can’t, but will they? Not right now at least.
