Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott wasn't on many people's radar to begin this college football season. But now that the 21-year-old has thrown for almost 1,500 yards with 14 touchdowns, four interceptions and a completion percentage of 61.5 while rushing for 576 yards and eight touchdowns (he even has a touchdown receiving), pundits and personnel men around the NFL are starting to take notice.
Unfortunately for Prescott, many comparisons have been made between the 6'2", 235 pound Bulldogs quarterback and former Florida Gator and NFL flame-out, Tim Tebow. This is due in part to playing style and physical dimensions, but also because of Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen, who was once the offensive coordinator at Florida under Urban Meyer.
Coming into the season, Prescott started just seven games and was part of a two-quarterback system.
One NFL scout said that, while comparisons to Tebow are somewhat fair, Prescott's NFL future is brighter.
"(Prescott) is a better athlete, throws the ball better and has a better throwing motion," said the scout. "He has a lot of components you like."
Not only does he have plus physical tools, Prescott has the drive to win and passion for the game that coaches covet in their signal-callers.
"I'm in love with the game of football," Prescott said. "My first love so far. My girlfriend knows to this day I love her, but football is beyond."
Prescott, despite the growing adulation and fan ardor, claims that entering the NFL isn't something he thinks about all that often - but if the draft advisory board projects him as a first round pick - and possibly even as a second or third round pick - he'd make the jump.
"One of the worst things is not going, getting injured and hurting your situation," he said. "I wouldn't risk it if I had a chance to go first round. I'm graduating college, and my time here will be done, I'll do exactly what I wanted to do.
"When the time came and there's an option, first, second or third round and I had the season I wanted to have, I'd go."
Mullen said he expects Prescott back next season.
"I'd be shocked, but you never know," he said.
Prescott said he'd make his decision whether or not to enter the draft after the season.
"If they're saying first-round pick, of course my family could use (the money)," he said, "it's a dream come true."
It's still too early to say with any certainty where Prescott would land should he enter next April's draft, but one thing is for certain - if he continues on his current pace of production, he'll have no problem finding an NFL home or NFL success.
