Quarterbacks are the focal points of most football teams. They’re analyzed, criticized and pored over ad nauseam. People love to debate their merits, and a handful of them will go in the first dozen picks on the upcoming NFL draft. It’s with all of that in mind, Rivals.com has decided to take a look back at five previous quarterback classes and check in on where the top five signal callers in each group are these days. We continue our series today with a look at the 2015 class.
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Signed with: UCLA
Since Signing Day: Rosen, who started at UCLA as a true freshman, will be one of the first players selected in this year’s NFL Draft following an impressive college career that included All-Pac 12 honors but not much team-based success. Rosen was a part of some mediocre Bruins squads but looked like one of the more polished passers in the country despite having little help. Most scouts agree that Rosen has a bright NFL future, which will get started in just a few days.
Signed with: Florida State
Since Signing Day: Francois was one of the most buzzed-about freshmen in the country during a 2016 season that saw him lead FSU to an Orange Bowl appearance and victory. The 2016 ACC Rookie of the Year, Francois was injured last year’s opener and missed the entirety of a largely disappointing 2017 season. Healthy once again, the former four-star prospect now finds himself locked in a quarterback competition with James Blackman, who functioned as FSU’s starter in his absence. Expectations remain high for Francois, who flashed loads of talent as a freshman.
Signed with: Alabama
Since Signing Day: Barnett hasn’t found significant playing time to this point in his career. He was briefly named the starter at Alabama headed into his redshirt freshman campaign but was quickly ousted by Jalen Hurts. Following the season, he announced his intention to transfer away from Tuscaloosa. Barnett eventually landed at Arizona State and functioned as a backup during his first season with the program. He will likely enter next season in the same role.
Signed with: Oregon
Since Signing Day: Waller, who now goes by “Travis Jonsen”, never played a snap at Oregon and spent last season at Riverside (California) City College before landing at FCS Montana State. Jonsen will play for the Bobcats this fall but missed spring workouts after breaking his foot in a freak accident that, according to a MontanaSports.com report, involved him slipping on a patch of ice.
Signed with: Notre Dame
Since Signing Day: Wimbush found paying time in a backup role as a true freshman before taking a redshirt during his second year at Notre Dame. He became the Fighting Irish’s starter a season ago and had an up-and-down year during which the Irish managed to win 10 games. According to head coach Brian Kelly, Wimbush has shown improved footwork this spring and remains in competition with junior Ian Book.
