Best college football quarterback born in every state
By Roje Smith
Illinois: Donovan McNabb – Syracuse Orange
The state of Illinois, especially the Chicago area, has a rich history of great college football players. Dick Butkus and Simeon Rice are two big names that come to mind. However, the state hasn’t produced as many notable quarterbacks as you might think. Kurt Kittner was a very productive quarterback for the University of Illinois, but his accomplishments don’t top those of Donovan McNabb.
McNabb was born and raised in Chicago, where he excelled in football, basketball and track for Mount Carmel High School. Despite being recruited by many colleges, he only received scholarship offers to play quarterback from two schools: Syracuse and Nebraska. McNabb decided to play for the Syracuse Orange since he wanted to prove he was a competent pocket passer.
In his first season in college, Donovan started every game and was named the Big East Rookie of the Year in 1995. He was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year from 1996 to 1998. McNabb was selected to the All-Big East first team in all four years of his college career and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998. He would later be named to the Syracuse All-Century team.
McNabb went on to have a very successful career in the NFL which included six Pro Bowl selections. There may never be a college quarterback born in the Prairie State that surpasses the success of Donovan McNabb.