Cody Kessler, QB, USC
Nobody’s sleeping on Kessler, but it does seem like he’s not getting as much hype as he deserves.
Since taking over as the full-time starter for Matt Barkley in 2013—his sophomore year—Kessler has improved by leaps and bounds. He finished last year having completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,826 yards with 39 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
While many associate accuracy with someone who doesn’t take chances, this isn’t the case with Kessler, who excels when throwing it past 15 yards.
Cody Kessler’s 53.5 comp pct on passes of 15+ yards last season was 3rd-highest among Power 5 QBs (min. 50 passes). pic.twitter.com/pfARdAkbmB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 18, 2015
One of the most accurate passers in College Football, he will be the point man for a dangerous passing attack. JuJu Smith and Stephen Mitchell will likely be his main targets, with Darreus Rogers as the third option. This group of playmakers will help Kessler make a strong push for the Heisman Trophy this season—and potentially a playoff berth as well.