At events like The Opening, prospects get together in a unique environment. RecruitingNation took advantage and asked a few questions.
Of Cam Newton, Johnny Manziel or Jameis Winston, who would you want as your quarterback?
Choosing Newton:
ESPN 300 No. 2 Martez Ivey: You could pick Manziel, too, but it’s what Cam brings. He always has that smile on his face. I remember watching him when Auburn was down to Alabama, he still had a smile on his face and went out there and won the game. He wins.
No. 10 Tim Settle: He can be locked down and not be able to throw, but he can run. And I’m trying to tell you, he doesn’t get just 10 yards -- he can get 15 if you want 10. I also think he was more mature than Johnny and Jameis.
No. 19 Josh Rosen: Probably, Newton. Just because there are so many things you can do with him. He’s just one of those guys if he runs around on the college level he’s not as susceptible to injury because of his size and athleticism. I would probably pick someone that can stand in the pocket first, and I think if you put Cam in the right system -- he can do some damage.
No. 35 Calvin Ridley: I would definitely take Cam Newton because I like him, he can sling the ball, he’s a threat to run, defense had to pack the box in college against him and gives guys like me more opportunities one-on-one.
No. 51 Breiden Fehoko: I think Cam Newton. When you look at overall, playmaker, dual-threat, he has a gun [strong arm], he’s just as fast on his feet as others, he stands about 6-foot-6, weighs 250 and he can see the entire field with everything else he has.
*Of the 30 players asked, 22 picked Newton.
Choosing Manziel:
No. 38 Malik Jefferson: Manziel. He has the go-get-it attitude. He wants it every second. Even though people said he was a dumb butt off the field, he always wanted to play no matter what his circumstance was. He just goes out there and plays, and has fun while he is doing it.
Alabama commitment Blake Barnett: I would say Johnny Manziel, just because he’s a playmaker. He can drop back and throw the ball down the field, then he can beat you up with his feet. I think he’s a terrific player.
Choosing Winston:
No. 16 Jashon Cornell: In college? I’m going to take Jameis. He has the ability to be the best of all. He plays baseball, too, which helps his arm strength, and just the leader he is.
Georgia commit Jackson Harris: I would probably go with Winston. I know [FSU quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders] pretty well, he recruited me, and he would just tell me the stuff that he can do and does. His stories were unbelievable.
Michigan verbal Alex Malzone: Winston, just because of his winning mentality. He’s going to work, you can tell he is a competitor and will do anything to win. As a quarterback, that is what you want.
Will Winston repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner?
Ivey: Those receivers made him look really good last year. It’s going to be a challenge for him, and there is always a young freshman that steps up from out of nowhere now. I don’t really think the off-the-field hurts him. People are always going to hassle him about something. It comes with being a Heisman winner and high profile player.
Settle: No. He can’t stay out of trouble. He’s always in trouble, and some of them are the littlest things that end up being big. He has to be hitting on all cylinders to have a chance, because there is some freshman that will pop up. I won’t be shocked if he has a great year, but you have to be smart in the decisions you make.
No. 12 Torrance Gibson: Yeah, I think he can. He has a lot of dedication and determination. He’s a great quarterback and a great leader, and I think he can repeat. The off-the-field could hurt a little. The politics too -- people don’t like seeing other people on top. If he keeps his head on straight, I think he’ll be fine.
No. 28 Damien Harris: I don’t think he will. Not saying he’s not a great player, as he was the best player in college football last year, but I actually have Braxton Miller winning the Heisman this year. I think he’ll win it, he’s a great quarterback. I don’t think the off-the-field should hurt Jameis, unless it’s something out-of-the-question horrible. I think Braxton will get him though.
Barnett: I think it’s a possibility. He’s an excellent athlete and a great quarterback. If he’s got a solid team at Florida State again, he will be productive. Almost every player goes through different adversities off the field, but just like Johnny Manziel did -- he’s continued to be very successful.
Texas A&M commit Jordan Davis: No. There is a lot of young talent. And if Johnny [Manziel] didn’t do it, I don’t think Jameis will. The off-the-field stuff hurt Johnny, so I think the stupid decisions Jameis made will hurt him, too, next year.