Farrells QB verdict: 2005-07
THE QB JUDGE: 2002-04
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Being from Texas, Stafford always felt the pull of playing for the Longhorns, but he also decided to keep an open mind during his recruiting process. After naming a top five of Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Michigan and Florida State in April, it became apparent that this was going to be a battle between the Longhorns and Bulldogs. Breaking Texas' heart in mid-May, Stafford committed to Georgia, stuck with his commitment and enrolled in Athens for the 2006 spring semester.
Winning the starting job for Georgia in 2006, Stafford had his ups and downs, but showcased the potential for the future. That potential began to show itself in 2007 and 2008, when Stafford passed for a combined 5,982 yards and 44 touchdowns. Foregoing his senior season, Stafford was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
Despite some injury issues during his first two seasons, Stafford has developed into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Entering his seventh season in Detroit, Stafford has already thrown for 21,714 yards and 131 touchdowns as he looks to lead the Lions back into the playoffs this fall.
Judge Farrell's Verdict: BOOM
From top-ranked quarterback to college success to No. 1 overall pick, there can't be a bigger success story than Stafford. Yes he's had his ups and downs in the NFL, but he's a starter who puts up big numbers and has teamed with Calvin Johnson to form a dangerous duo.
2007
Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (No. 1 overall)
Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
While the overall recruiting process wasn't necessarily dramatic for Clausen, his actual announcement to attend Notre Dame was a rather memorable one. Making his decision while on a visit to Notre Dame, he made it public in front of friends, fans and reporters at the College Football Hall of Fame. After his extravagant announcement where he flashed high school championship rings, expectations were obviously at the highest level when he arrived in South Bend during the spring of 2007.
Clausen became Notre Dame's starter after the first game of his freshman season, but because of lackluster play and some injuries, he was replaced by Evan Sharpley for a few games. His performance was much improved in 2008, as he finished with 3,172 yards and 25 touchdowns, followed by an even better season in 2009 with 3,722 yards and 28 touchdowns. He decided to forego his senior season and entered the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was selected 48th overall in the second round by the Carolina Panthers.
Clausen actually started 10 games as a rookie for the Panthers, but after Cam Newton was drafted the following year, he did not see the field for the next three seasons. Making his way to Chicago as a free agent in 2014, Clausen did see some playing time last season, including one start, and is currently second string behind Jay Cutler.
Judge Farrell's Verdict: BOOM
Oh, how the Clausen and Notre Dame haters will have a field day with this one, but Clausen had a very good career at Notre Dame, he was a second-round draft pick (almost landed in the first round with a couple of proposed trades) and he's still in the NFL as a solid backup. Maybe not exactly what we envisioned when he was No. 1 overall, but still a darned good career and still going.
THE QB JUDGE: 2002-04
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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