Stanford football: 15 greatest quarterbacks in Cardinal history

To say that Jim Plunkett was a good quarterback during his time at Stanford would be an understatement, as many believe he was the best signal-caller in the country while playing for then-Indians.

Blessed with a strong right arm, an incredible mind for the game, and the ability to make big plays, Plunkett was twice a Heisman Trophy candidate, taking home the award after the 1970 college football season.

Plunkett capped off his college career by leading the Indians to the 1971 Rose Bowl, where they would have their way with the heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes, 27-17.

The Most Valuable Player in that game, Plunkett sealed the game with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Randy Vataha, putting a nice cherry on top of a career that has earned him the ranking of No. 1 quarterback in program history.

For all his efforts, the New England Patriots made Plunkett the first overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft, though he would make his mark playing for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders franchise. Plunkett would help the Silver and Black to two Super Bowl titles and many believe he was good enough to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

To this day, Plunkett is still the only player in the history of the Stanford football program to hoist the Heisman Trophy, which is an incredible accomplishment in itself. This is one of the more storied football programs in college football history. And for Plunkett, he stands alone as the best quarterback the university has ever had wear their jersey.