Quarterback power rankings: Best college football quarterbacks of 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers throws a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 29: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers looks to pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

20. Bryce Perkins, Virginia

A transfer from Arizona State, Bryce Perkins waited a while for his first opportunity in college football. With this and a broken neck in 2016, there was almost no chance for him, but in 2018, a home was found with the Virginia Cavaliers, after playing a season of junior college football in 2017.

Perkins led with an above-average 64.5 completion percentage, ranking just below Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence for second in the ACC. 25 touchdowns and 2,680 passing yards were added, making for a good comeback campaign for the then-junior quarterback.

Now a senior, Perkins has the chance to play off the Cavaliers’ 8-5 season and that shutout bowl win over South Carolina in December, when he tossed three touchdowns on 71 percent passing. It was the finish to a breakout run and taking that momentum into 2019, which will still feature the Tigers at the top.

How much further can Perkins go with the other part of his game, though? He is just as good passing as he is running with the ball, given the 923 yards rushing and nine touchdowns last season. That and taking another step in the air can make him one of the nation’s top quarterbacks by season’s end.