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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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 13: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on October 13, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

10. Ian Book, Notre Dame

It took Ian Book until the 2018 college football season, but he wrestled the starting quarterback job away from Brandon Wimbush, who led an inconsistent offense. Wimbush compensated with his legs, though the arm talent of the newcomer led to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Book finished his first season as the starter with 2,628 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions on a remarkable 68.2 percent completion mark. It was among the best in the nation and helped bring Notre Dame near the top of the sport’s totem pole.

Book only tailed off near the end of the season. Otherwise, his first half was terrific, aside from the occasional interception. He completed most of his passes and lingered around 275-300 yards passing, and, coupled with Dexter Williams’ 995 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, this was an efficient offense.

More should be expected from Book in another year under head coach Brian Kelly’s offense, especially without any late-season plunge. He will make the Fighting Irish among the best teams in college football, again, even if a final four spot is difficult to meet.

If so, Book can slide into the Heisman Trophy conversation or the back-end of it. The high-profile school and a season that exceeds 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns will place him among the most notable players at quarterback, and with this position always in the spotlight, it could make the El Dorado Hills, CA native a household name by December.