College football rankings: Sam Howell, Spencer Rattler and the top 20 quarterbacks of 2021

14. Jayden Daniels, Arizona State

It’s difficult to look at Jayden Daniels or any aspect of the Arizona State Sun Devils coming into the 2021 season without seeing the potential NCAA violations the program may have committed and what that could mean moving forward. But what happened in recruiting during COVID has no bearing on the fact that their quarterback is one heck of a talented player.

A highly-touted recruit, Daniels took the starting job in Tempe as a freshman and showcased his talent as he threw for 2,943 yards with 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions and while rushing for 355 yards and three scores in 12 games. Unfortunately, Arizona State played in only four games in 2020, so it was a brief look at Daniels’ improvement but he showed flashes.

In those games, Daniels completed only 58.3 percent of his passes for 701 yards but did remain efficient with five touchdown tosses and just one interception. He also averaged 6.8 yards per carry and had four rushing scores to his credit as well.

Daniels’ ability to affect the game with his legs provides the Sun Devils with a potent threat on every play. However, for the quarterback to earn more national respect, he needs to become a more consistent and prolific passer to help further open up the offense. The natural ability is there and now, as a junior, he needs to let that shine on the field.