QB Christian Ponder ~ Florida State
Measurables
Height – 6’2”
Weight – 229
40 yard dash (combine) – 4.67
Vertical leap (combine) – 34.0 inches
20 yard shuttle (combine) – 4.09
Career statistics
2007 – less than 20 attempts passing
2008 – 177 of 318, 2006 yards, 55.7%, 14 tds 13 ints
423 rushing yards, 4 tds
2009 – 227 of 330, 2717 yards, 68.8%, 14 tds 7 ints
179 rushing yards, 2 tds
2010 – 184 of 229, 2044 yards, 61.5%, 20 tds 8 ints
180 rushing yards, 4 tds
Career accomplishments & awards
*2010 James Tatum award winner; given to the nation’s top student athlete
*First Seminole QB to beat both in-state rivals (Miami & Florida) since Chris Weinke in 1999
*2011 Senior Bowl MVP
*Graduated with a 3.7 gpa & got his degree in two and a half years
My take
Ponder was the best quarterback Florida State has had in over a decade and consistently got better throughout his career. He has pinpoint accuracy on short to intermediate throws and makes good decisions with the football. His arm strength seems to be good enough but not great. He also has the ability to elude rushers and has above average pocket presence for a college quarterback. He was arguably the best looking quarterback at the combine this year with everything considered. He also won MVP of the Senior Bowl in Mobile. There isn’t much not to like about this guy, he has flown under the radar throughout his career up until now. Nothing about him screams superstar but nothing really screams bust either. He could have a very productive career at the next level, especially in a west coast type of offense. I have him valued as a sure fire second rounder and that appears to be where he will go in the 2011 NFL Draft.