We're not scouts, and we don't play them in a blog. But in the spirit of our week devoted to Big Ten quarterbacks, we took the traits used by scouts and ranked the top three quarterbacks in the league in each category, based on our observations and the input of the Big Ten coaches and other players.
Next up is a prerequisite for producing big plays and pestering defenses: release/arm strength.
1. Cardale Jones, Ohio State: His nickname is "12 Gauge" for a reason. He threw a 74-yard bomb -- with a tired arm -- at the annual spring game, and he said he can launch it as far as 80-85 yards. But don't take his word for it; his arm strength has become legendary in Columbus. Said teammate Evan Spencer: "I've seen Cardale on one knee throw the ball 65 yards. I was dumbfounded. You haven't seen everything he's got, trust me." Maybe not -- but we sure saw enough against Oregon and Alabama to put him first on this list.
2. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State: This offense didn't have a lot of big plays last season. But you sure gain an appreciation for what Hackenberg can do when he's surrounded by defenders and he's somehow able to throw a laser off his back foot. Or when he tosses a bullet on the run. (There are plenty of other examples, too, like this and this.) Scouts and analysts have been praising that strong arm literally since before he could drive.
3. Wes Lunt, Illinois: He was making headlines in high school for his strong right arm (and throwing for 343 yards in a single half). Now, it's more of the same. When he was on the field last season, the Illini threw for more than 2 yards farther per adjusted attempt -- 7.9 yards compared to 5.6 -- and offensive coordinator Bill Cubit called him the best "at taking shots down field." But if you don't trust any of that, then just believe your own eyes: Watch this effortless 47-yard toss.
