While the Big East doesn't have a single returning quarterback that placed among the top 50 in passing efficiency in FBS in 2011, the conference boasts a host of up-and-coming signal callers that could match the numbers that West Virginia QB Geno Smith put up last year.

The common threat among the group is the ability to scramble when their receivers are covered and the pocket collapses. All five can keep the play alive with their quickness and are accurate while throwing on the run.

Top 5 QBs in the Big East

1. Teddy Bridgewater, sophomore, Louisville

Bridgewater is athletic, possesses a rocket arm and is a fiery competitor. The biggest knock on him coming out of high school was his long throwing motion, but he has tightened his mechanics since arriving at Louisville. It has translated well on the field. In the Cardinals' spring game, Bridgewater went 19 for 21 for 257 and three TDs. The 6-3, 218-pound quarterback earned Big East Rookie of the Year honors in 2011 and could contend for conference player of the year this season.

2. B.J. Daniels, senior, USF

Daniels arrived at USF as an athlete, but he has steadily transformed into a heady, analytical quarterback. Earlier this week,

Bulls coach Skip Holtz raved about Daniels' decisiveness in making progressions and his improvement in reading defenses. Holtz pointed to Daniels ability to continually spot the hot read on third downs while facing pressure. Daniels is on pace to break the Big East record for total yards. He must avoid inconsistency.

3. Munchie Legaux, junior, Cincinnati

Like Bridgewater and Daniels, Legaux is a dual-threat quarterback who can put up big numbers with his arm and legs in 2012. Last season, Legaux (6-5, 197) nearly rallied theBearcats from a double-digit deficit against West Virginia after starter Zach Collaros injured his ankle. As a standout at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, La., Legaux threw for more than 5,200 yards, rushed for more than 2,000 and finished with 85 combined TDs. Legaux's biggest challenge is mastering the playbook.

4. Ryan Nassib, senior, Syracuse

Nassib had a productive 2011 with 22 TDs against nine INTs . For his career, Nassib's TD to INT ratio is better than 2:1. The 6-2, 229 pounder may have the league's top one-two duo at receiver in seniors Alec Lemon and Marcus Sales. Nassib's blindside will also be protected by LT Justin Pugh, a first-team All-Big East performer in 2011.

5. Chris Coyer, junior, Temple

Coyer narrowly gets the nod over Rutgers QBs Chas Dodd and Gary Nova, as well as Pitt QB Tino Sunseri. The Owls went unbeaten over their last four games after Coyer took over for Chester Stewart in November. Though the left-hander could be known best for his ability to scramble, he finished 2011 with a Mid-American Conference best 177.38 efficiency rating. Coyer didn't attempt enough passes in 2011 to be ranked among the nation's best in FBS.

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