Montana: Ryan Leaf – Washington State Cougars
When most people hear the name Ryan Leaf, they think of one of the worst busts in NFL history. It’s an unfortunate situation for Leaf since he should also be recognized as the greatest college quarterback born in Montana.
Leaf was born in Great Falls, Montana and attended Charles M. Russell High School. He led his school to the 1992 state title and considered attending the University of Miami as a linebacker. However, he changed his mind and chose to attend Washington State as a quarterback.
Leaf played in 32 games for the Cougars and had his best season in 1997 as a junior. He led Washington State to its first-ever Pac-10 championship and to the Rose Bowl, where they eventually lost to Michigan. Leaf was voted as the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year that season and placed third in the Heisman Trophy voting as a first-team All-American.
Ryan’s collegiate success saw him selected second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft after Peyton Manning. Unfortunately, his success story ended there, as injuries, bad behavior and a poor work ethic took their toll.
His story may have a sad ending, but it still doesn’t change the fact Ryan Leaf is the best college quarterback born in the Treasure State.