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Published Oct 12, 2020
Georgia, California, Texas produce most 5-star QBs
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Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Rivals.com

Over the history of Rivals dating back to 2002, certain states have produced more five-star prospects than others at certain positions. Today, we start with a look at quarterbacks, which states have been most impactful and which ones have done surprisingly well.

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Five-star QBs in Rivals era
StateFive-stars

California

12

Georgia

8

Texas

8

Washington

4

Arizona

3

Indiana

3

Pennsylvania

3

Virginia

3

ON THE RISE

Georgia (8 five-star quarterbacks)

The names: Deshaun Watson, Jake Fromm, Harrison Bailey, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Cam Newton, Brock Vandagriff, Davis Mills

Overview: The state of Georgia is becoming a destination spot for elite college programs as a lot of big names are coming out of that state and nearly all of them have been massive hits and three have won the national title. Watson is an NFL star, Newton has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league and in the 2021 NFL Draft there’s a good chance that Lawrence and Fields could be the top-two selections.

Bailey is lined up to be the next starting quarterback at Tennessee and he drastically improved as his high school career wore on. Vandagriff was originally committed to Oklahoma but he’s since flipped to Georgia and his abilities could help the Bulldogs win a national title.

Farrell’s take: When it comes to complete success, the state of Georgia wins this hands down. Newton was a No. 1 overall pick and Lawrence or Fields will be as well, while Watson turned into a superstar. Georgia is on the rise here and could take over California soon.

AS EXPECTED

California (12)

The names: Josh Rosen, Ben Olson, Bryce Young, JT Daniels, Kyle Wright, Brent Schaeffer, Dayne Crist, Matt Barkley, Jimmy Clausen, Mark Sanchez, Trent Edwards, D.J. Uiagalelei

Overview: The state of California is known for quarterbacks and leads the way with 12 five-stars through Rivals history but many have not panned out into NFL superstars. Clausen was the No. 1 prospect in the 2007 class and Barkley was fifth overall in 2009 but neither have done much in the pros. Rosen was the No. 10 overall pick in 2018 but he’s on the precipice of being a career backup unless an opportunity arises for him soon. The two big names now are Alabama’s Young and Clemson’s Uiagalalei, who are both backups as freshmen but could have huge careers ahead

Farrell’s take: It’s no surprise that California leads the way here and it’s still the go-to state for the best quarterbacks in most recruiting cycles. While many haven’t panned out in the NFL, there have been college success stories like Sanchez, Barkley and Rosen, with some major busts like Wright.

Texas (8)

The names: Matthew Stafford, Vince Young, Rhett Bomar, Ryan Mallett, Garrett Gilbert, Kellen Mond, Quinn Ewers, Russell Shepard

Overview: Stafford is by far the most successful five-star quarterback to come out of Texas in the Rivals era, having a huge career at Georgia before being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, where he is still their starting quarterback. Young had an incredible college career at Texas and he definitely backed up his No. 1 ranking in the inaugural 2002 class. Others did not live up to their billing. Next up could be Ewers fromt he class of 2022, an early Texas commit who’s ranked sixth overall right now.

Farrell’s take: Talk about some talented players here led by Young, who should have won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Gilbert was a massive bust and Bomar had off-field issues but the rest have all done well and Shepherd made his mark as an elite WR. Oh and before you ask — Patrick Mahomes was a three-star. Will Ewers be the next great one?

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Florida (2)

The names: Xavier Lee, Tim Tebow

Overview: Florida produces five-star players at nearly every position - but quarterback has not been one of them. There have only been two five-star QBs originally from the state (not playing at IMG Academy) in Lee and Tebow, the first going undrafted and the second a first-round selection but a pro football career lasted only about five seasons. Tebow, arguably the greatest college football player of all time, is now pursuing baseball.

Farrell’s take: It’s always been puzzling why the state of Florida doesn’t produce great quarterbacks, but at least on paper it doesn’t. Lamar Jackson was a four-star and he’s become a star, but it doesn’t happen as often as you’d expect. Lee was more of an athlete playing QB and the same can be said for Tebow.

THE OTHERS

Washington is the only state with more than three five-stars with Sam Huard in the 2021 class along with Jacob Eason, Max Browne and Matthew Tuiasosopo. Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Virginia have three each. Alabama and Louisiana have had two and then Arkansas, Missouri and Washington, DC one each with Caleb Williams, an Oklahoma commit, representing the nation’s capital.

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