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SEC QB Emerging as ‘Wild Card’ Contender for Top 3 Draft Spot

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 11:32 AM ET

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is rapidly gaining attention from NFL scouts, and not just for his jaw-dropping athleticism. In a quarterback class headlined by LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Sellers is emerging as a legitimate “wild card” contender for the No. 3 spot and maybe higher.

According to scouts, Sellers’ name keeps popping up as the third quarterback behind Nussmeier and Klubnik, thanks to a rare combination of size, speed, and steady improvement.

At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Sellers reportedly runs a 4.4 or 4.5-second 40-yard dash, and grades from South Carolina’s strength program reflect an elite fat-to-muscle ratio more commonly seen in linebackers than quarterbacks.

“The dude has like all As… I’ve never seen a human being like this, let alone at quarterback,” a source told CBS Sports.

But it goes beyond traits. Sellers' development over the 2024 season was dramatic. After a shaky start with modest passing stats and accuracy concerns, he finished strong with 16 touchdown passes to just four interceptions and a 69 percent completion rate in his final eight games. He also rushed for 474 yards and four scores.

Something that’s been consistent in conversations with NFL scouts about this upcoming QB class — LaNorris Sellers coming up as a “wild card” No. 3 guy behind Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik.

Why scouts are so intrigued by the South Carolina QB: https://t.co/9dBRMZHJEj pic.twitter.com/XPk9CM5ivt
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) July 22, 2025

His improved pocket presence, decision-making, and progression reading have impressed scouts. Much of that growth has been credited to new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who has helped Sellers become more consistent from the pocket.

“He’s not just one-read and go now,” a source said. “He’s seeing the field.”

South Carolina opens the season against Virginia Tech on August 31, with marquee matchups later in the season against both Nussmeier and Klubnik. Those games will give Sellers a direct shot to prove he belongs in the top quarterback conversation and possibly shake up next year’s NFL Draft.

In recent years, several top quarterback prospects have quickly emerged in the NFL. C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, impressed with the Houston Texans as a rookie, showcasing elite accuracy, pocket presence, and decision-making far beyond his years.

Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in 2024, landed with the Washington Commanders and has generated buzz with his dual-threat ability, football IQ, and maturity during offseason workouts.

Meanwhile, Bo Nix and Drake Maye, also top picks in 2024, bring contrasting skill sets. Nix, selected by the Broncos, offers experience and precision after a record-setting season at Oregon. Maye, a high-upside talent taken by the Patriots, combines size, arm strength, and mobility, though he may need time to develop.

These recent examples highlight the importance of both physical traits and mental growth: a blueprint that fits Sellers. Much like Daniels and Maye, Sellers pairs elite athleticism with year-over-year improvement as a passer and decision-maker.

If his development continues in 2025, he could rise from a “wild card” to a franchise-level quarterback in next year’s draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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