ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Arizona’s de Laura tops ASU’s Jones in 247Sports’ QB rankings

Aug 21, 2022, 10:29 AM | Updated: 10:29 am
Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against Washington during the first half of ...

Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Will Backus of 247Sports on Wednesday released his ranking of the 131 expected starting quarterbacks in FBS.

Three have ties to Arizona colleges: Emory Jones (Arizona State), Jayden de Laura (Arizona) and Jayden Daniels (former ASU starter).

Jones, the former Florida Gator, came in 68th in Backus’ rankings. Jones transferred to ASU in May after an unspectacular junior season in which he threw 19 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. The fifth-year senior beat out fellow SEC transfer Paul Tyson for ASU’s starting quarterback job, as coach Herm Edwards announced on Thursday.

Looking for a career resurrection in the desert, Jones fills the shoes for now-expected LSU starter Daniels, who ranked 41st on Backus’ list. Like Jones, he is also looking for a resurgence in a new environment. The senior left the Valley of the Sun for the bayou after mixed results the past few seasons.

The highlight of Daniels’ career was a 408-yard performance against Oregon in 2019, but he threw only 1.4 touchdowns-per-interception in his final two seasons as the Sun Devils’ play-caller.

However, he did go 3-0 against rival Arizona, whose quarterback is the highest-ranked from an Arizona college on Backus’ list. De Laura (No. 34), another transfer, was impressive for Washington State in 2021-22. The now-sophomore completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,798 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

His 23 touchdown passes and 148.8 passing efficiency rating ranked first among Pac-12 quarterbacks with at least 300 pass attempts. He takes his talents to a Wildcats team that is 1-16 the past two seasons and hasn’t had a winning season since 2017.

Arizona State Football

Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada. (Instagram Photo/@jadenrashada)...
Arizona Sports

State of the Sun Devils podcast: Could QB Jaden Rashada start for ASU in 2023?

On the latest episode of State of the Sun Devils podcast, the guys broke down ASU's quarterback competition at 2023 spring ball practice.
3 days ago
Arizona State wide receiver Javen Jacobs during 2023 spring ball in Tempe, Arizona. (Sun Devil Athl...
Jake Anderson

ASU’s pass-catcher competition includes ‘deep wideout and tight end positions’

The Arizona State Sun Devils have a plethora of talent on the offensive side of the football when it comes to pass catchers.
7 days ago
Arizona State true freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada gives the "forks up" after a spring ball prac...
Jake Anderson

Arizona State’s QB battle heats up after 1st week of spring ball with Jaden Rashada

There are six on the roster, half of which are returners, while two are transfers and one is freshman five-star dual-threat QB Jaden Rashada.
10 days ago
Arizona State defensive back Chris Edmonds, celebrates his pass interception with linebacker Will S...
Jake Anderson

Communication is key for Arizona State’s new defense early on in spring ball

Communication is key in defense, especially in the modern era of college football where offenses are running quick-tempo, hurry-up offenses.
12 days ago
Arizona State University president Michael Crow interviews with Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona'...
Kevin Zimmerman

ASU, Arizona presidents: Not preparing to leave for Big 12

The presidents of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona went on the record reaffirming their commitment to the Pac-12.
13 days ago
Kenny Dillingham. (Twitter Photo/@ASUFootball)...
Jake Anderson

Kenny Dillingham instills ‘just compete’ philosophy on Day 1 of ASU spring ball

The first day of spring ball for ASU with new head coach Kenny Dillingham had a vastly different vibe than previous regimes.
14 days ago
Arizona’s de Laura tops ASU’s Jones in 247Sports’ QB rankings