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One vs. One: Comparing top QBs from 2017, 2018 classes

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.

With Signing Day in the rear-view mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 to the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One vs. One and today we look at the quarterbacks.

RELATED: Top 2018 QB classes | National Signing Day 2018 by the numbers

CLASS OF 2019 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position

PRO-STYLE QUARTERBACK: DAVIS MILLS VS. TREVOR LAWRENCE

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The skinny: Mills committed to Stanford over Georgia, Miami, Michigan, UCLA and Michigan State. Alabama actually offered a day after his commitment to the Cardinal, but he never wavered on his word. In Palo Alto, he redshirted during the 2017 season, but will be one of two returning quarterbacks in 2018 after the transfer of Keller Chryst. K.J. Costello is currently the presumed starter, but should receive a big push from Mills during the spring and summer. Lawrence was an early commitment to Clemson, and despite offers from every major program in the country, remained firm with the Tigers.

Farrell’s take: Mills was a great looking quarterback out of high school with size, accuracy, mechanics and a toughness that allowed him to fight through injury. However, Lawrence is the best quarterback I’ve scouted in my nearly 20 years of experience so he takes this battle with ease. These two Peach State quarterbacks could each be set for stardom.

Farrell’s verdict: Lawrence

DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK: KELLEN MOND VS. JUSTIN FIELDS

The skinny: Mond was originally committed to Baylor but decommitted following the university's Title IX scandal. Texas A&M immediately became a major player and picked up his commitment in the summer leading up to his senior season at IMG Academy. While Mond initially lost out to Nick Starkel for the starting job in 2017, an injury pushed him into service. He passed for 1,375 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for 340 yards and three touchdowns before accuracy issues forced a change back to Starkel. Fields was initially committed to Penn State, before re-opening his process and considering several schools before pledging to Georgia in October.

Farrell’s take: I was a big Mond fan out of high school and pushed hard for his fifth star despite many objections from the rest of the analysts. His accuracy was the main bone of contention and that’s not a huge issue for Fields. Fields is the better passer, the better runner and the easy choice between the two at the same stage.

Farrell’s verdict: Fields

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