#2 – Michael Vick – Quarterback – Virginia Tech
Mike Vick was different. His insane speed and rocket left arm made him look like a created video game character being used in rookie mode. Vick was a human highlight reel. In Vick’s first college game, he scored three rushing touchdowns… in just a little over one quarter!
Vick quarterbacked Virginia Tech in 1999 and 2000, following a 1998 redshirt year. During his redshirt freshman season in 1999, he finished third in Heisman voting after winning the ESPY for the Nation’s top college football player and the Archie Griffin Award as the Nation’s top player.
Vick, known for his speed, led the NCAA in passing efficiency during his 1999 campaign. He finished that season with a 180.4 rating, where he still remains as the third all-time. Vick’s third-place Heisman finish ranks him as the highest-finishing freshman ever for that award.
Vick finished his collegiate career with 3,279 passing yards for 21 touchdowns. He also had 1,216 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.
Vick was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He went on to dominate in the NFL in the same way he did in college. In 2007, Vick pled guilty to federal dogfighting charges and served 21 months in federal prison. Vick led one of the most spectacular career comebacks in sports history following his time served. In 2010, Vick was named the NFL’s comeback player of the year following a dominant season as the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, earning him a second 100-million dollar contract, the first to ever make these two contracts.
What Vick did off the field in Atlanta was atrocious, but he seems fully rehabilitated and remorseful. His on-field talent was unbelievable and has yet to be seen since. Mike Vick deserves induction to the CFB Hall of Fame this year, without a doubt.