Keegan: Bradford top QB in league

By Tom Keegan     Sep 10, 2007

It’s a little too early to make statistical projections. For example, at this rate, Kansas University backup Kerry Meier would finish the season 42 for 42 with 420 yards and 12 touchdown passes.

Even so, it’s not too early to get a feel for which teams in the Big 12 Conference have quarterbacks capable of leading them to big seasons. Here’s how they have looked so far, from most impressive to least. (Passing rating is in parentheses).

1. Sam Bradford, Fr., Oklahoma (237.7): As a high school athlete two years ago, Bradford averaged 18.4 points and 10.5 rebounds on the basketball court and was a scratch golfer. He picked the right sport and school. He knows how to use the Sooners’ explosive receivers and has the luxury of waiting all day to find one of them.

Bradford’s next interception will be his first. He has eight touchdown passes and an average of 11.83 yards per attempt. Big and mobile, Bradford has a bright financial future.

2. Chase Daniel, Jr., Missouri (158.6): The Mizzou defense hasn’t proven it can stop anybody, so it’s a good thing Daniel has so many targets and knows how to find them. He too has thrown eight touchdown passes without an interception.

3. Todd Reesing, So., Kansas (185.2): His job will grow tougher as the competition improves, but the weak nonconference schedule does not mean Reesing’s 9.96 yards per attempt should not be taken seriously. He loves to throw the ball deep, and two weeks into the season Kansas does not have a turnover.

4. Graham Harrell, Jr., Texas Tech (156.3): Is it the system or is it the quarterback? It’s not Harrell’s job to answer that question. It’s just his job to execute the pass-happy offense, and he has done well at that.

5. Colt McCoy, So., Texas (123.5): He led the Longhorns to an impressive comeback against TCU, but in general hasn’t been as super as anticipated. The word is out on him: Bring the heat, and he can be pressured into making mistakes. He has thrown four interceptions and three touchdown passes.

6. Sam Keller, Sr., Nebraska (115.9): Though important, arm strength is the most overrated tool for a quarterback. Keller has plenty of it, but hasn’t looked exceptionally accurate. He plays more like Drew Bledsoe than Tom Brady.

7. Josh Freeman, So., Kansas St. (105): He has been in the job longer and has faced much tougher competition than Reesing the past two seasons, but that doesn’t excuse this remarkable disparity in the two quarterbacks’ statistical profile: Freeman throws a touchdown pass every 51.9 passes, Reesing one every 8.4.

8. Bobby Reid, Jr., Oklahoma State: (102.2): Reid was pulled after five passes. The coach said the move was injury-related, but Zac Robinson moved the team better. Is Reid’s job in jeopardy? Stay tuned.

9. Stephen McGee, Jr., Texas A&M (96.2): He has been a disappointment throwing, forever tossing it sideways instead of downfield, but has been an effective runner.

10. Blake Szymanski, So., Baylor (127.5): After an awful, three-interception opener against TCU, he had a record-setting, six-touchdown day against Rice.

11. Bret Meyer, Sr., Iowa St. (106.3): Tough to look good with so little around him.

12. Cody Hawkins, Fr., Colorado (94.3): Good week, and then an awful week. Such is life as a true freshman quarterback.

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