Clemson football: Ranking all 11 opposing 2020 QB’s
2. D’Eriq King – Graduate – Miami
The newest member to the ACC is D’Eriq King and he impressed the coaching staff so much he won the job almost as soon as he stepped on campus in Miami.
King spent four years at Houston before announcing last season that he was only going to play four games so that he could still redshirt and transfer to a Power 5 program and play in 2020. In his four years in Houston, he appeared in 34 games for the Cougars.
During his those 34 games, King accounted for nearly 5,000 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions through the air while also adding 1,400 yards and 28 touchdowns rushing. If Miami can’t find success with D’Eriq King at quarterback, they may never get back to the top.
3. James Blackman – RS Junior – FSU
James Blackman has been a victim of the circumstances in Tallahassee and more than likely would have thrived nearly anywhere else. He has spent more time picking himself off the ground than attempting passes.
He has taken some devastating hits from Clemson defenders over the years and more than likely has had a concussion or two playing behind the atrocity known as the FSU offensive line. If they can get things together at FSU, his last two seasons could be special.
4. Tommy Devito – RS Junior – Syracuse
The Orange love them some of Tommy Devito. You couldn’t tell their fan base anything after Eric Dungey left – everyone thought Devito was the savior who was going to build on Dungey started. While Devito was not bad in his first year as a starter, he was not elite either.
He accounted for 2,360 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions in his first year as the starter. Going 5-7 is obviously not what Devito or Dino Babers had in mind for 2019 but they should bounce back in 2020 and will be among the upper-echelon teams in the ACC.
5. Ian Book – RS Senior – Notre Dame
We get it, people love Ian Book. However, that love affair is because he plays for Notre Dame. He had a major regression from his sophomore to junior seasons when he went from completing 68 percent of his attempts to just 60 percent in 2019.
He did throw 34 touchdowns a year ago to just six interceptions but he leaves a lot to be desired in games against ranked opponents.
6. Brandon Rainey – Senior – Citadel
There will be a lot of people that overlook Brandon Rainey because he plays at the Citadel, however, I watched his high school career up close and know that this kid can ball. You don’t win state championships in the state of Georgia and not be good.
He was named a third-team All-American last season and was named a preseason All-American this year as well. He accounted for 40 touchdowns last year for the Bulldogs and helped them upset Georgia Tech.
While he is not Devlin Hodges, he is a Taysom Hill-type player and will get a couple of opportunities should he want to pursue them.