CFB: ACC quarterback rankings
1. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson Tigers): Lawrence has to be the top quarterback in the ACC, and quite possibly in the entire country, after earning two conference titles, two playoff appearances, and one national title before his junior year. He threw for 244.3 yards per game, while totaling 36 passing touchdowns on 65.8%. Lawrence is the most efficient passer in the conference and will put up big numbers with Travis Etienne and Justyn Ross by his side.
2. Sam Howell (North Carolina Tar Heels): Howell might give Lawrence a run for his money, after throwing for more yards per game (280.1) and more passing touchdowns (38), while also completing 61.4% of his passes. That's an impressive stat line for anyone, but especially for a freshman. Howell will look to take another step forward under Mack Brown, as the Tar Heels will try to improve on a 7-6 campaign in each of their first year.
3. D'Eriq King (Miami Hurricanes): King is the only transfer in the top five, but for good reason. He was arguably the top quarterback in the American before leaving Houston for Miami. If King can outlast Tate Martell and N'Kosi Perry in the quarterback battle, which I expect him to, then he'll have a chance to be one of the ACC"s best signal callers. In his last full season, King threw for 271.1 yards per game, 36 touchdowns, and 63.5% completion rate.
4. Malik Cunningham (Louisville Cardinals): Cunningham, who a lot of people don't know much about, has a chance to be a really good QB. The Cardinals were much improved last season, going from 2-10 to 8-5 and Cunningham was a big reason why. I don't expect them to compete with Clemson for a division title but Louisville certainly has what it takes to be next in line. He averaged 171.8 yards per game, while totaling 22 passing touchdowns.
5. Hendon Hooker (Virginia Tech Hokies): Hooker is the fourth dual-threat quarterback in the top five and he should be even better as he'll be the starter heading into the season this time around. After earning the job in the middle of 2019, he threw for 155.5 yards per game, as well as 13 passing touchdowns and a 61.1% completion rate. Hooker beats out guys like Chase Brice (Duke) and Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) because of his ability to extend plays.
Next Up:
6. Chase Brice (Duke)
7. Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)
8. James Blackman (Florida State)
9. Sam Hartman (Wake Forest)
10. Tommy DeVito (Syracuse)
11. Lindell Stone (Virginia)
12. Devin Leary (NC State)
13. Phil Jurkovec (Boston College)
14. James Graham (Georgia Tech)
Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal.