Teddy Bridgewater

Bridgewater arrived at Louisville as the No. 2-rated quarterback prospect in the nation by Rivals.com after an accomplished high school career in Miami that included setting the Dade County record with seven touchdown passes in a single game. He was second team All-State 6-A and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Bridgewater, who succeeded former Hurricanes quarterback Jacory Harris at Northwestern High School, also originally committed to Miami before ultimately landed at Louisville. Bridgewater wasted no time in making a major impact at Louisville. He was the first true freshman to play quarterback for the Cardinals since Brian Brohm in 2004, and the first true freshman quarterback to start since Stu Stram in 1976. He set the school freshman passing record with 2,129 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns in being named the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2011. Bridgewater completed 64.5 percent of his passes, although he did throw 12 interceptions. Bridgewater continued his ascent as a sophomore, being named Big East Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,718 yards with 27 touchdowns. He had six 300-yard passing games and two of 400-plus. Bridgewater was named the MVP of the Sugar Bowl after passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns in a win over third-ranked Florida. With Louisville suffering its only loss of the 2012 season to Central Florida, Bridgewater was relegated to second-team all-conference honors. He finished the regular season with 2,309 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, and then tacked on another 447 yards and three touchdowns in Louisville's 36-9 romp over Miami in the Citrus Bowl. While Bridgewater's arm is impressive, the poise, vision and touch he demonstrates could serve as a "how-to" video on effective quarterback play. Critics will continue to point out Bridgewater's flaws. He is not as big or strong as Andrew Luck nor as nimble as a healthy Robert Griffin III. Among the quarterbacks potentially available in the 2014 draft, he's the most polished and accurate.

room to improve his touch and ball placement on downfield throws. strong performances in big games including against florida in the sugar bowl following the 2012 season, but played mediocre talent on a weekly basis in the american athletic conference.

Struggled with his accuracy during his pro day.

shows very good weight distribution and passing mechanics. steps into the face of pressure and delivers, showing admirable toughness on each snap to bounce back after big hits.

Smooth mobility to extend and move the pocket with the quickness to pick up yards with his legs if needed. Impressive accuracy and touch on throws to all levels of the field, and displays good accuracy while on the move.

weaknesses

Although quick, Bridgewater has a lower than ideal release point with the ball shooting passed his ear. Some durability concerns after all the hits he has taken over his career, specifically to his wrist and ankle, and lacks physical frame. He's mobile enough to extend plays, but isn't a true dual-threat quarterback.

quick and efficient movements in his technique and does an excellent job with fakes, selling and focusing on the details. he is poised and with very good footwork in the pocket. can keep defenses guessing with a sprinkling of read-option looks.

Mature and grounded individual who obviously loves football. Sharp-witted and retains information extremely well. Makes it look easy on the field and appears to "get it," elevating the play of those around him.

strengths

Comes from a pro-style offense at Louisville, and was among the nation's leaders in all passing categories when facing blitzes. Naturally steps through his progressions, and keeps his eyes focused downfield with defenders closing in on him. Can manipulate the defense with his eyes.

compares to

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks - NFL analysts often say that if Russell Wilson was 3-4 inches taller, he would have been a first round pick. Well, that might hold true with Bridgewater, who is a similar prospect as Wilson (smart, athletic, mature, accurate) except he is taller with more prototypical height for the NFL.

2012: Suffered a fractured wrist and ankle sprain against Connecticut.

Highly regarded dual-threat quarterback who was the leader of Miami's prolific Northwestern program since his sophomore season

played for Billy Rolle at Northwestern

joins Eli Rogers, Michaelee Harris and Jermaine Reve as the other Northwestern High School products on the team

ranked as the No. 2. dual-threat quarterback in the 2011 class

FACA All District Team/2nd Team All State 6-A. Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl

was named Honorable Mention at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl for having the best arm

ranked 16th in the Rivals.com Florida Postseason Top 100 and is ranked as the 113th best player overall

four-star prospect by Rivals.com ranked 141st on ESPNU Class of 150. Ranked by Rivals. com as the No. 2 quarterback in the nation and the 16th-best player in the state of Florida

also ranked as the 70th-best player nationally on the Rivals250

rated as the No. 6 quarterback by Scout.com

threw for 2,606 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior

threw for 436 yards and scored four touchdowns in the 42-27 loss to Miami Central in the 6-A semifinals. Elite 11 Watch List prospect and member of the ESPNU 150 Watch List

set the Dade County record for most touchdown passes in a game with seven

passed for 2,546 yards and 32 touchdowns and rushed for 379 yards and five more scores during his junior campaign

named second team All-State for 6-A classification as junior

16 touchdowns and three interceptions as sophomore

led team to 6A state title game as sophomore.