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College Football: 10 players who will make 2017 the year of the quarterback

By Cody Williams

Oct 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in action during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in action during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jake Browning – Washington Huskies

Chris Peterson’s Washington Huskies weren’t much to speak of in the 2015 season. They finished with a decidedly average 7-6 mark on the year and looked the part. If there was one takeaway from the year, though, it was that then-freshman quarterback Jake Browning had star potential moving forward. Sure, seeing 2,955 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions isn’t going to floor anyone, but seeing him in the pocket with the ball in his hands told the real story.

Browning answered the call as a sophomore and began to realize that same potential. While his per game production in terms of yardage was negligibly different from his freshman season, the offense thrived with Browning as the leader in a way it didn’t the year prior. His 16 scores through the air jumped to a monstrous 43 in the 2016 season while actually decreasing his interception total (9).

Though his offensive line failed him at times in his sophomore season (See: vs. Alabama, vs. USC) and caused him to show some remnants of youth, the immense talent of Browning is impossible to miss. His arm, accuracy and vision are at an elite level and his command of the offense is supreme.

Given his physical tools and another year of experience to grow upon, Browning should be due for another massive outing in the 2017 season for the Huskies. Yes, he’s losing John Ross, but the majority of his other weapons remain in place. He’s going to be a Heisman Trophy contender and should have the Huskies back in the College Football Playoff picture once again. Without Browning, Washington wouldn’t be remotely close.

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