Small School Quarterbacks
by Matt Miller
Matt Feminis unveils the first part of his rankings for the class of 2008’s small school prospects, the quarterbacks. By Matt Feminis
Joe Flacco (6-foot-6, 230 pounds), Delaware (I-AA) Out of high school, Flacco signed with Pittsburgh. After a redshirt year, he backed up Tyler Palko (Saints) for one season, appearing in three games before transferring to Delaware. A two-year starter, Flacco passes the eye test, and possesses a big-time arm, one of the strongest at any level. He’s a drop-back passer who will be considered a project when he arrives in a pro camp. Flacco’s accuracy and touch aren’t commensurate with his velocity at this point, and opinions will vary on where he fits come April. At this point, he’s drawn rough comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger, and could come off the board anywhere between the third and fifth rounds. He’ll participate in the Hula Bowl.
Josh Johnson (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), San Diego (I-AA non-scholarship) All 32 NFL teams have been through USD to evaluate Johnson, and for good reason. An athletic quarterback with a quick release, Johnson is expected to run a sub-4.7. Over three years, he’s completed 67 percent of his passes, racking up 113 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions, including a sparkling 43-to-one ratio this season. The main point of caution regarding Johnson is level competition, which is inferior even by ’small school’ standards. Though against Big Sky Conference member Northern Colorado, Johnson completed 23-of-31 for 283 yards with six touchdowns. Keep in mind, for the first three years of his collegiate career, Johnson was tutored by current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. He’ll participate in the East-West Shrine Game. Ricky Santos (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), New Hampshire (I-AA) Last year at this time, it was New Hampshire’s record-setting receiver David Ball making headlines, but Santos’ chances at NFL success are more realistic than his former running mate, who went undrafted. Officially listed a t 6-foot-2, 215 pounds (likely generous), Santos’ build is similar to Rex Grossman. Questionable arm strength prevented Santos from receiving a Division I offer, but desirable intangibles make him an intriguing possibility late in the draft. A four-year starter, Santos has guided the Wildcats to wins over three Division I opponents, including a 385-yard, five-touchdown performance at Rutgers as a redshirt freshman in his first collegiate start. A team captain, Santos has All-American honors and a Walter Payton Award under his belt. He was in the shotgun almost exclusively in UNH’s potent spread attack, so he’ll have to prove he can drop back and make NFL throws, but he’s well-coached, having been instructed by Chip Kelly (Oregon offensive coordinator) for four years.
Luke Drone (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), Illinois State (I-AA) A high-character kid, Drone is a three-year starter and former teammate of 2007 fourth rounder Laurent Robinson (Falcons). His size isn’t ideal, but scouts like his pocket presence, release, and accuracy. Without Robinson, Drone endured an up-and-down 2007 campaign, throwing nearly as many interceptions (17) as touchdowns (18). He faced Missouri, completing 22-of-37 attempts for 242 yards with a touchdown and an interception. At this point, Drone is likely a priority free agent whose athleticism should enable him to test well.
Nick Hill (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), Southern Illinois (I-AA) A two-year starter, Hill is a mobile lefty who completed nearly 72 percent of his passes this season with 28 touchdowns to just seven interceptions while playing in a pro-style offense. His collegiate career began at Western Kentucky where he played basketball for a year before transferring to SIU. Hill was all-state in football and basketball as a prep, and his athleticism will get him a look. He stands tall in the pocket, has a smooth release, and is accurate short. He throws well on the move to his left, and displays good touch. Hill’s arm strength is questionable. He also tends to lock on receivers, and his ball-handling needs improvement. He’ll play in the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star bowl, and could be a developmental pick for a West Coast offense.
Other notables: Kyle Spotts (Kutztown); Daniel Polk (Midwestern State); Brad Roach (Catawba); Marc Nicolet (Hillsdale)
Questions or comments? E-mail Matt Feminis at Feminis@newerascouting.com