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Alabama Football: 5 Best SEC Quarterbacks not named Jalen Hurts

By Ronald Evans

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) points against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) points against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia QB Jacob Eason

Georgia’s Jacob Eason and Ole Miss’ Shea Patterson were in the same recruiting class. Both were on most lists of the top five overall players in the nation. While Patterson watched most of the 2016 season from the sidelines, Eason was quickly thrown into battle, some might say, thrown to the SEC wolves.

The Georgia offensive line was not a team strength in 2016. Eason is not a particularly mobile quarterback and defensive pressure leads to ill-timed throws. Even so, Eason put up decent 2016 numbers. He completed over 55 percent of his passes.

Consistency was a problem for Eason in 2016. Against South Carolina, Eason threw 17 times for a total of 29 passing yards.

Georgia fans saw enough glimpses of greatness in Eason last season to believe he will be a much-improved player as a sophomore in 2017. Speaking for Bulldog fans, dawnofthedog.com said:

"He will be behind a stouter offensive line that, while still young, should be much improved from 2016. Word coming out of practice is that Eason is much improved. His mechanics, his confidence in his long passes, and his leadership abilities will all improve in year 2. He has a year of SEC experience under his belt and that’s going to help a ton this season."

No knowledgeable football expert questions Eason’s upside. He has a NFL body and a big-time NFL arm. Of all the current SEC quarterbacks, he is the one most suited for a NFL offense. Way too early 2019 mock drafts have Eason as a first round lock and the first QB taken in the draft.

Critics suggest Georgia’s complex offense was too much for Eason, as it would be for any freshman. Observers at Georgia’s spring game said Eason looked more settled and composed in the pocket. If that carries over to real games, look for Jacob Eason to be a much improved player in 2017.

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