The reigning Heisman winner is an obvious quarterback to watch in 2014, but outside of Jameis Winston, which other ACC QB’s should you pay attention to this fall? The conference doesn’t have many star players at the position, with guys like Tajh Boyd off to the NFL, but there are still some solid players lining up behind center this fall.

Cole Stoudt, Clemson

We will start off with Stoudt since I mentioned Boyd earlier. Boyd was one of the best quarterbacks in ACC history, so replacing him won’t be easy. Stoudt hasn’t played many meaningful snaps in his career, but he has looked sharp when he has.

He isn’t the big-play guy like Boyd was, but he is very efficient. In a game against South Carolina State last season, Stoudt went 19-of-20 passing, and the senior has thrown only one interception in his Clemson career.

An efficient quarterback could be exactly what Clemson needs now that Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, and Roderick McDowell are gone. Stoudt has some solid receivers still on the roster including Adam Humphries, Charone Peake, and some impressive newcomers.

He is flying under the radar at this point, but he is a quarterback to watch in 2014. He may not have the eye-popping numbers that other guys will have, but I expect him to help lead Clemson to another solid season.

Marquise Williams, North Carolina

It isn’t set in stone that Williams is the starter at this point, but because of his experience last season, you have to like his chances to win the job.

Williams proved last season that he is capable of making plays with his legs. He needs to improve as a passer, but North Carolina should like what it has seen from him.

North Carolina won 4 of his 6 starts in 2013, capped off with a victory over Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl.

Williams is a guy to watch this season as North Carolina tries to make a leap to the next level under Larry Fedora. If these guys are going to compete for the ACC Coastal division title, they need Williams to play well.

Will Gardner, Louisville

Gardner is another replacement that is going to have pressure because of who he is replacing. He likely won’t have the kind of season that Teddy Bridgewater had a year ago, but Gardner is a guy to watch. Bobby Petrino has a track record of developing quarterbacks, and it will be interesting to see how he develops the sophomore quarterback this season.

Gardner could be one of the better quarterbacks in the ACC by the end of the season, especially with the help of All-ACC caliber wide receiver Devante Parker.

Terrel Hunt, Syracuse

Hunt is a guy that has talent but needs to become a more consistent passer. He ran the ball very well in 2013, going for 500 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.

Syracuse doesn’t figure to contend for the ACC title this year, but we could definitely see improvements in Hunt this season. The senior has games against Villanova and Central Michigan early on, which should help him establish a rhythm.

He isn’t ever going to be an elite quarterback, but he is capable of becoming a solid quarterback by the end of the season.

Anthony Boone, Duke

With offensive coordinator Kurt Roper gone to Florida, it will be interesting to watch how that affects Boone this season. David Cutcliffe is one of the better coaches in the nation when it comes to developing quarterbacks, so don’t expect a big step backwards from Boone, if even at all.

Duke had a cinderella season a year ago when they won the ACC Coastal division, but the team is out to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke.

If Duke is to repeat as division champions, it needs Boone to play well. He finished last season with 13 touchdowns passing, and also added 5 touchdowns on the ground.

Jake Heaps, Miami

Heaps has been engaged in a quarterback battle, but has stood out as the leader at this point. He has been taking the majority of the first-team snaps. Miami really needs to have a good season, or Al Golden’s seat will be even more on the hot seat. With the talent they have, competing in the ACC should be a yearly thing for them, but that’s a separate conversation.

Heaps takes over for Stephen Morris at quarterback, who was good but never great. He has a solid team around him, but quarterback play will be important for Miami.

If Heaps is able to have a solid year, Miami will for sure compete for the ACC title. Duke Johnson is one of the better backs in the country and should be the key player on offense, but Heaps will be a very important piece as well.

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