The Best Penn State QBs Of All Time: A Comprehensive Guide
Do you ever find yourself wondering who the best Penn State quarterbacks of all time are? With a rich football history spanning over a century, Penn State has produced some exceptional talent at the quarterback position. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at the top signal-callers to ever don the blue and white, and explore what made them stand out on the gridiron.
The Legendary Quarterbacks of Penn State
1. Kerry Collins (1991-1994)
Bio Data:
Name Kerry Collins Birthdate December 30, 1972 Hometown Lebanon, Pennsylvania Penn State Career 1991-1994 Kerry Collins is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in Penn State history. During his time in Happy Valley, Collins led the Nittany Lions to an undefeated season in 1994, earning a Rose Bowl victory and a #2 national ranking. His impressive senior campaign also saw him win the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and finish fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
2. Todd Blackledge (1980-1982)
Bio Data:
Name Todd Blackledge Birthdate February 25, 1961 Hometown Canton, Ohio Penn State Career 1980-1982 Todd Blackledge is another standout quarterback from Penn State's storied past. As the starting QB from 1980 to 1982, Blackledge led the Nittany Lions to a national championship in 1982, defeating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. His leadership and clutch performances in big games cemented his place among the Penn State greats.
3. Chuck Fusina (1975-1978)
Bio Data:
Name Chuck Fusina Birthdate May 31, 1957 Hometown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Penn State Career 1975-1978 Chuck Fusina was the field general for Penn State from 1975 to 1978, leading the team to a 29-3 record during his tenure. Fusina's most notable accomplishment came in 1978 when he won the Maxwell Award and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. His accuracy and decision-making set the standard for future Penn State quarterbacks.
Honorable Mentions
While Collins, Blackledge, and Fusina are often considered the top three Penn State quarterbacks, there are several other signal-callers who left their mark on the program:
4. Trace McSorley (2014-2018)
Bio Data:
Name Trace McSorley Birthdate August 23, 1995 Hometown Ashburn, Virginia Penn State Career 2014-2018 Trace McSorley holds numerous Penn State records, including career passing yards (9,899) and career passing touchdowns (77). His dual-threat ability and leadership helped guide the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship in 2016.
5. Michael Robinson (2002-2005)
Bio Data:
Name Michael Robinson Birthdate February 6, 1983 Hometown Richmond, Virginia Penn State Career 2002-2005 Michael Robinson's versatility made him a standout quarterback at Penn State. In his senior season, he threw for 2,350 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 806 yards and 11 scores, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Conclusion
Penn State has a long and proud history of producing exceptional quarterbacks. From Kerry Collins' record-breaking 1994 season to Todd Blackledge's national championship run in 1982, these signal-callers have left an indelible mark on the program. As the Nittany Lions continue to compete at the highest level of college football, fans can look back on these legendary quarterbacks and appreciate their contributions to Penn State's storied legacy.
