Davey O’Brien watch list proves state of Oklahoma is a QB hotbed
The Davey O’Brien watch list was released yesterday and it included three quarterbacks from the state of Oklahoma.
When the Davey O’Brien list was released, it was a lock that Baker Mayfield would be on it. The Oklahoma signal-caller is a Heisman candidate for a College Football Playoff team.
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Mason Rudolph led Oklahoma State to an impressive, 10-3 season so it wasn’t a surprise to see him on the list as well. However, Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans named to the list was somewhat of a surprise. His numbers were pretty gaudy, but his team didn’t much success.
Evans threw for 4,332 yards and 25 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. But the Golden Hurricane went a mediocre 6-7. It doesn’t mean he’s not deserving to be on the list. It came as a surprise It also means, the state of Oklahoma was one of two states to have three quarterbacks on the list.
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Texas had Greg Ward Jr. from Houston, Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech and Seth Russell from Baylor. Those names have more national recognition and better numbers, but only one appeared in a major bowl last year, Ward. For Oklahoma, Mayfield and Rudolph both made major bowl games.
The reason this a big deal, Texas always gets recognition as a quarterback breeding ground. Oklahoma doesn’t always get that recognition. Previously to the modern era, OU ran the wishbone which didn’t feature a strong passer. OSU didn’t have a strong program, and Tulsa was mired in mid-major under exposure.
Now, the state has a proud football tradition. Oklahoma State is one of the premier passing schools in the country. Oklahoma has always been a traditional blue blood and one of the best college football programs. Tulsa has found its niche as a nice smaller power. But, all three schools do have something to offer for the state.
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All three QBs got the recognition they deserved and now its time to see if they can back it up. Last season, all three quarterbacks managed to throw for at least 3,700 yards and 21 touchdowns. Those numbers should rise in 2016.