Football is the ultimate team sport. It takes 11 guys on offense and 11 on defense to make a team successful. All of that is true, yet, the quarterback position can be the biggest difference in a win or loss than any other position on the field.
A different pressure comes with playing the highest-profile position in sports. Over the last year, the Oklahoma Sooners have seen a lot of movement at quarterback and still remain in a great spot to have one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.
That’s why they continue to reign as “QBU,” according to ESPN. The commitment of Nick Evers quickly after Jeff Lebby arrived, the addition of Dillon Gabriel shortly after Caleb Williams entered the portal, and the commitment of Jackson Arnold back in January for 2023 all support the idea that Oklahoma will continue to recruit and produce high-level quarterback play.
Athlon Sports recently ranked the quarterback position 1-131. Notable former Sooners on the list were Tanner Mordecai at No. 26, Spencer Rattler at No. 14, and Caleb Williams at No. 3.
Let’s take a look at how Dillon Gabriel stacked up with the rest of the Big 12.
Hunter Dekkers, Iowa State
Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers (12) runs the ball for a touchdown as Iowa State hosts Kansas at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Overall: 89
Hunter Dekkers is a great athlete that can run the ball. If he can become a more efficient passer, he’ll help Iowa State stay within the top five of the Big 12.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas
Kansas junior quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) works on drills during practice Tuesday morning in Lawrence. Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Overall: 88
Jalon Daniels was great to close out the 2021 season. In the final four games for Kansas, he completed 70.3% of his passes for 811 yards, eight touchdowns, and ran for 140 yards and three TDs per Pro Football Focus.
Tyler Shough, Texas Tech
Sep 4, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Tyler Shough (12) reacts after rushing for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Overall: 64
Tyler Shough may not even start for the Red Raiders. Donovan Smith, who played well at the end of last season and led Texas Tech to a bowl win will have something to say about the quarterback competition in Lubbock.
Blake Shapen, Baylor
Dec 4, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears…