Penn State Football: Updated top five all-time quarterbacks

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 3: Quarterback Michael Robinson #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks to pass during the 72nd Fed Ex Orange Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles at Dolphins Stadium on January 3, 2005 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Penn State defeated Florida State 26-23 in triple overtime. (Photo by: Doug Benc/Getty Images) /

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VBR built its top five Penn State football QB list last year. However, it’s hard to argue that 2016 put a new possible candidate on the list.

Most people probably saw this article’s description and thought there’s no way Trace McSorley can be in the top five conversation already. You’re right, one season can’t make up a top five Penn State football QB career. Despite an impressive season, he won’t be leapfrogging anyone yet. Still, his first year under center bodes well for his legacy.

Last summer, VBR’s own Shane Lunnen listed his top five Nittany Lion signal callers featuring the usual suspects. Regardless, the rankings needed to be revisited in preparation for the upcoming year.

In a college program dominated by all-time great running backs, only recent QBs have begun to put up big numbers. It’s unfair to grade all of these quarterbacks based on statistical analysis. A QB’s win-loss record, command of the offense and impact on the team factor in more.

For instance, Daryll Clark previously held a lot of Penn State’s passing records, but he didn’t take home a January Bowl win. He’s a fantastic quarterback, but it’s hard to push him near a Kerry Collins or Chuck Fusina.

Unfortunately for John Shaffer, national titles won’t be the all-important decider in my equation either. Titles sit atop the checklist, but by no means place players at the top.

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