Ryan Finley, QB, North Carolina State #15
6040, 213, 4.73
Notes: From Phoenix, AZ. Redshirted as a freshman at Boise State in 2013. Appeared in 5 games, completing 12-of-17 passes for 161 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT in 2014. Appeared in 3 games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2015; with 46-for-70 for 485 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. Transferred from Boise State in the summer of 2016 after earning his psychology degree in three years. Completed 243-of-402 passes (60.4%) for 3,055 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT in 2016. Completed 312-of-479 (65.1%) for 3,518 yards, 17 TD, 6 INT in 2017. Completed 326-of-484 (67.4%) for 3,928 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT in 2018. Was granted a sixth year of eligibility, and earned two master's degrees from NC State.
Positives: Adequate-plus size and stature. Has added bulk to naturally skinny frame. Solid pure passer who shows nice accuracy, beautiful touch and good timing and anticipation. Clean throwing mechanics. Drops the ball over defenders nicely. Consistently puts the ball between defenders. Very effective on the back-shoulder fade. Can thread the needle. Not afraid to rip it even when receivers are well covered. Will hang tough against the rush. Gets the ball downfield effectively by releasing the ball quickly, anticipating his receivers and putting good air under the ball. Moves well within the pocket and can buy time with his feet. Good athlete and can run for positive yardage. Takes his craft seriously and wants to continually get better. Quick study. Sound leader.
Negatives: Does not have a big, powerful frame or a great arm. Has some things to clean up with his footwork mechanics. Throws into coverage at times.
Summary: Not an elite arm talent, but flashes some Joe Montana-type qualities and could develop into a very solid pro quarterback.
