Overview
Second quarterback in school history with multiple 3,000-yard seasons. 2013: Third-team All-ACC pick after starting all 13 games. 2012: Started all 12 games, an set a school record with 3,415 yards of total offense, eclipsing a mark previously set by Bernie Kosar (3,412) in 1984. 2011: Played in five games and starting one. 2010: Played in six game and started the final four.
Analysis
Strengths
Very good arm strength and athletic ability. Can move around the pocket and buy a second chance. Throws with velocity and can rifle the ball into tight spots. Can drill back-shoulder throws. Can adapt his arm and throwing platform and release it from a variety of angles under duress with ease. Has natural leadership traits.
Weaknesses
Average overall size with a relatively thin build. Sporadic accuracy. Sprays the ball and struggles to hit receivers in stride (best with stationary targets). Does not throw his receivers open. Marginal timing, anticipation and rhythm. Struggles to handle pressure and presses to create plays -- eyes drop to the rush very quickly and vacates the pocket prematurely. Makes too many head-scratching decisions. Birddogs his primary target and will force the ball. Career 57.7 completion percentage is indicative of accuracy at all layers even with a clean pocket. Makes his receivers consistently work for the ball.
Bottom Line
Will tease evaluators with his arm and athletic talent, but has yet to prove he can throw with the precision needed to sustain a starting job in the pros. Has clear starting-caliber traits, but is still learning what it takes to direct an offense and make good decisions and is still very much a work in progress. Has talent worth molding in a backup role and will pique the interest of QB coaches who work him out in the spring and view his raw tools. Will require a strong offensive line and a full supporting cast of weapons to function in a starting role.
