Best college football quarterback born in every state
By Roje Smith
Colorado: Joe Germaine – Ohio State Buckeyes
Colorado is the birthplace of two significant college quarterbacks, both of whom, coincidentally, was born in 1975. The first of the two is former NFL Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck. He had a decent career starting at quarterback for the Boston College Eagles from 1994 to 1997. However, Hasselbeck’s pro career significantly overshadows his college career.
The second is Joe Germaine. Germaine was born in Denver, Colorado and attended Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona. He served a two-year Mormon mission before playing for Scottsdale Community College in 1995. Germaine then transferred to Ohio State, where he served as Stanley Jackson’s backup in 1996 and 1997. His first memorable moment came in the 1997 Rose Bowl when he was named the game’s MVP after completing a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
In 1998, Germaine was the full-time starting quarterback and team co-captain. He set 11 school records, throwing for 3,330 yards and 25 touchdowns. He won the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award and was eventually named to Ohio State’s All-Century team in 2000.
Germaine’s pro career started off well as he won a Super Bowl ring in 1999 playing backup to Kurt Warner. Unfortunately, that was his only shining moment, and he wound up in the Arena Football League by 2004. Germaine obviously didn’t experience the same level of pro success as Hasselbeck, but his college career stands out as the best among quarterbacks from the Centennial State.