Alabama Football: Ranking opposing regular-season Quarterbacks

No. 3 – Will Rogers – Mississippi State

Will Rogers is well-suited for Mike Leach’s offense. He has both the accuracy and quick decision-making needed to produce big numbers. To go along with his 36 passing touchdowns last season, he threw only nine interceptions. That is impressive in the Air Raid offense.

In two seasons, Rogers has passed for over 6,700 yards. His 4,739 passing yards last season puts him at No. 3 all-time among SEC QBs in single-season yards. His 73.9% passing completion number from last season is also No. 3, all-time in the SEC, behind Joe Burrow and former Alabama football QB, Mac Jones.

No. 1 (tie) – K.J. Jefferson (Arkansas) and Hendon Hooker (Tennessee)

A decades-long aversion to all things Tennessee motivated me to pick Jefferson as sole No. 1. That would have not been fair to Hendon Hooker. Nor would it have been accurate. They are both outstanding quarterbacks. In a recent ranking of all 131, FBS quarterbacks, Athlon Sports ranked Hooker at No. 9 and Jefferson at No. 10.

Alabama football fans should endorse the Athlon QB rankings because accurately, Bryce Young was ranked No.1.

Jefferson passed for 2,676 yards last season and ran for 664 yards more. Hooker passed for 2,945 yards and rushed for 616 yards. Going into the 2021 season, Jefferson’s passing accuracy was questioned. He quieted that concern with a completion rate of 67.3%.

Jefferson, built like a running back, has an edge over Hooker as the more punishing runner. Hooker, when pressed to run is more elusive. Statistically, Hooker benefits some from Josh Heupel’s fast-ball offense that tends to yield more snaps than does the Arkansas offense.

Playing in different offensive systems, Hooker is the more explosive player. Jefferson wears down opponents with near equal effectiveness.

Note: Player stats from sports-reference.com

Alabama football fans want to know, who among the group will be the hardest to defend. That will probably be Hendon Hooker.