With the world's best athletes set to compete in the Summer Games in Rio, we thought we'd get in on the fun by holding a medal competition at each major position group. College Football 24/7 analysts ranked the top three players at each position, with points assigned to each player accordingly -- three points for each first-place ranking, two for each second-place ranking and one for each third-place ranking. The points were totaled, resulting in final gold-, silver- and bronze-medal finishers. The medal presentation continues with quarterbacks.
Quarterback Podium
GOLD MEDAL: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
SILVER MEDAL: Josh Rosen, UCLA
BRONZE MEDAL: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Also receiving votes: Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee; Luke Falk, Washington State; Chad Kelly, Ole Miss.
Analyst ballots
Daniel Jeremiah: 1) Josh Rosen 2) Deshaun Watson 3) Luke Falk
Rosen has all of the tools. Size, arm strength, accuracy and mobility. I'm anxious to see him in UCLA's new pro-style offense. Watson put on a show in the national title game and he should be more explosive this fall. He does a lot of the same things Marcus Mariota did at Oregon. Watson is a big-play machine! Washington State's Luke Falk is a name I think you'll hear more about this fall. He has a lot of natural ability and he is going to post silly numbers for Mike Leach.
Bucky Brooks: 1) Deshaun Watson 2) Baker Mayfield 3) Josh Rosen
Watson is the latest dual-threat playmaker to set the college football world on fire. He is a dynamic playmaker with a rapidly improving game from the pocket. Mayfield is an undersized passer with a deft touch.
VERY tough ballot for me. I'm a HUGE Baker Mayfield fan, he's my "Gangster QB," and it's said with great affection. His will, toughness and charisma draw teammates to him and make them play FOR him. But, in the end, DeShaun Watson's overall ability, leadership and big-game prowess wins the gold for me. To cap things off, when I heard Alabama's defensive guys effusive praise for him, and their feeling that he was the Clemson player they "could not break," I knew I had my winner.
Lance Zierlein: 1) Deshaun Watson 2) Josh Rosen 3) Chad Kelly
It is hard not to give the gold medal to Watson considering what he was able to do in the postseason and the talent he has coming back at the skill positions. Josh Rosen won't have the same numbers as Watson, but should take a big leap in Year 2.
Chase Goodbread: 1) Deshaun Watson 2) Baker Mayfield 3) Josh Rosen
Watson has to be considered the early frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, and as long as he stays healthy, Clemson should stay squarely in ACC contention. Mayfield's knack for making big plays out of broken plays makes him one of the most exciting players in the game. As for Rosen, some coaches insist college players make the most improvement of their careers between their freshman and sophomore years. If that's the case with the budding UCLA star, he'll shred the Pac-12 like it's a Pop Warner league.
Chad Reuter: 1) Deshaun Watson 2) Chad Kelly 3) Joshua Dobbs
Watson's deadly combination of pass and run abilities puts him on the top of the list. Kelly's a gamer with a cannon on his shoulder. Dobbs narrowly beats out UCLA star Josh Rosen for the bronze due to his experience; like Watson, this Volunteer can rifle in throws and kill man schemes with his feet.
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