Is Stanford the New QBU?

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Vassar argues in this edition of Cardinal CounTree that it's time to start thinking about Stanford as Quarterbacks U. With Kevin Hogan most recently drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs, Stanford now has more quarterbacks drafted in the Modern Era than any program other than USC. Matt also talks a bit about Kevin Hogan, and what a steal he was in the fifth round of the draft. He wraps up the show expressing his surprise about Devon Cajuste going undrafted, and considers whether Cajuste is about to surprise his critics once again.

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Seriously???

Of those QBs drafted in the modern era, how many:
- have won a Super Bowl?
- have won a playoff game?
- have made the Pro Bowl?
- have even started a regular season NFL game?

Having the most drafted doesn’t make you QBU. Having the most who SUCCEED in the NFL is what makes you QBU.

By your definition of "success..."

…Trent Dilfer, Ken Stabler and Brad Johnson are better QB’s than Dan Marino. As Matt Vassar writes below, Stanford QB’s outpace USC in the modern era using a barameter that includes Pro Bowl appearances and Super Bowls.

Totally agree

It’s strange that USC is frequently referred to as QBU when Stanford has had so much more NFL success. To wit:

Number of times a Stanford QB made a Pro Bowl appearance in the modern era: 13
Number of times a USC QB made a Pro Bowl appearance in the modern era: 5

Number of times a Stanford QB has won a Super Bowl in the modern era: 5
Number of times a USC QB has won a Super Bowl in the modern era: 2

So, who is really QBU?

Don't Forget Plunkett

Jim Plunkett was also drafted first overall, in 1971 by the Boston Patriots, which only strengthens the case for Stanford.

More History

Since 1936, Stanford is the only school with more than two QBs selected first overall, with four total (Bobby Garrett in 1954). Notre Dame had two selected in the 1940s. Believe it or not, the school across the bay is the only other one with two first overall QBs (Steve Bartkowski and Jared Goff).

Very good points, SN94703!

You’re right that I had forgotten that Jim Plunkett was an overall #1 pick. Very good call.

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