AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 18
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sizing up the ACC quarterbacks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s time to rank the top five quarterbacks in the ACC as we head into the 2007 season. Some of the guys on this list struggled last season but we are looking for them to bounce back under new offensive coordinators.
1. Matt Ryan, Sr., Boston College. Ryan led the ACC last season in passing yards (2,942) and yards per game (245.2). Ryan was the All-ACC first team quarterback in 2006 and enters his senior season with a record of 14-4 as a starter. Ryan may have an even better year under Steve Logan, BC’s new offensive coordinator.
2. Riley Skinner, Soph., Wake Forest. Skinner was supposed to be a backup last season but when Ben Mauk was knocked out for the year in the Deacons’ first game, Skinner led Wake Forest to the ACC championship and became the league’s rookie of the year. He was the ACC’s most efficient passer, completing 65 percent of his throws.
3. Drew Weatherford, Jr., Florida State. Weatherford threw 12 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions last season but that will change under Jimbo Fisher, the Seminoles’ new offensive coordinator. Weatherford had the fourth highest passing total in the ACC (2,099 yards) last season. The kid has talent. He needs for somebody to teach him how to play the position. If Weatherford doesn’t come through, he will be pushed for playing time by Xavier Lee.
4. Kyle Wright, Sr., Miami. Ditto for Wright, who only had eight touchdown passes (seven interceptions) last season but who will be better this fall under the tutelage of new OC Patrick Nix. Wright completed a decent percentage (60.8) last season but he has got to get Miami into the end zone. The Hurricanes were eighth in the ACC in scoring last season (19.6 ppg). Wright is going to be pushed by Kirby Freeman if he doesn’t produce.
5. Jameel Sewell, Soph., Virginia. He may be a surprise pick to some but Sewell has a chance to be really good if Virginia’s offensive line rounds into shape. As a true freshman Sewell became the starter in the fourth game of 2006. His numbers weren’t staggering (1,342 yards, five TDs) but he only threw six interceptions in 247 attempts, which isn’t bad for a first year player. It won’t help that Virginia’s best receiver, Kevin Ogletree, will miss the 2007 season with an injury.
HONORABLE MENTION
— Cullen Harper/Willy Korn, Clemson. Harper came out of spring practice at No. 1 as he was efficient in running Rob Spence’s offense. But Korn is the blue-chip recruit who enrolled in school early and took part in spring practice. Keep an eye on him.
— Thaddeus Lewis, Soph., Duke. Was thrust into action as a true freshman after starter Zack Asack was suspended from school (plagiarism). Threw for 2,134 yards but had 16 interceptions. Will have battle Asack (who is back on the team) for the starting job.
— Taylor Bennett, Jr., Georgia Tech. After throwing for 326 yards in the Gator Bowl, there are high hopes for Bennett. Now he has to prove he can run the offense without WR Calvin Johnson. Bennett should fare well under new OC John Bond.
