Evaluating the rest of the quarterbacks in the ACC stuck in Watson’s shadow

When it comes to identifying the top quarterback in the ACC, it starts with Clemson’s Deshaun Watson. But the conference has a deep group of experienced and talented QBs.

Including Watson, seven of the league’s top 10 passers from 2015 return. There are three other quarterbacks with starting experience back as well.

Brad Kaaya, Miami

A close friend of Watson, Kaaya has the best chance at chasing the Clemson QB at the top. Kaaya passed for 3,239 yards and 16 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions in 2015. This year, he’s expected to take his game to another level with former Georgia coach Mark Richt now instructing the rising junior.

“It’s cool to see how far we’ve come,” Kaaya said. “I don’t think he is buying into his own hype, and I’m not doing the same for mine. I think we’re both motivated by stuff more than that.”

Lamar Jackson, Louisville

He has received much of the offseason hype in the league. The sophomore showed flashes of brilliance and playmaking last year (1,840 passing yards, 960 rushing, 23 total touchdowns, 11 games). Another year in Bobby Petrino’s offense could have Jackson among the best in the league and the nation with his dual-threat ability.

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

He’s a lesser-experienced quarterback who has the talent to move up the league’s hierarchy. The junior completed 40 of 47 attempts and threw for 555 yards and six touchdowns as a backup in 2015. Even with Marquise Williams graduated, the Tar Heels were still picked to win the ACC Coastal, which could say a lot about the expectations for the accurate Trubisky.

The next tier

Virginia’s Matt Johns, Duke’s Thomas Sirk and Pittsburgh’s Nate Peterman all threw for more than 2,200 yards in 2015. Florida Statehas the supporting cast to make talented playmaker Deondre Francois compete with the best quarterbacks.

Remember Justin Thomas? The Georgia Tech quarterback went from first-team All-ACC signal caller in 2014 to an afterthought after a difficult 2015 campaign. In Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense, Thomas must improve his passing efficiency and cut down on turnovers to return to form.

The rest

Boston College has options with Darius Wade and Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles. Wake Forest’s John Wolford and Syracuse’s Eric Dungey return with starting experience.