7 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Collin Klein

Goal No. 7: GREAT EFFORT.

#7 Collin Klein Redshirt Senior 6-5 | 226 Loveland, Colo. Bio

Position: Quarterback Previous College: None Projection: Starter Status: On Scholarship

Collin Klein (b. Sept. 19, 1989) is, simply put, the straw that stirs the drink. What can I possibly write about our fearless leader that hasn't already been written countless times during a magical 2011 season?

Gutsy. Bloody. Bruised. Implacable. Determined. Inspirational. Honey badger.

Godly man. Team captain. Husband. Mandolin player. Starting quarterback.

About the only phrase you won't see listed there is "polished passer," and it's the only component of his game that still needs to be proven, that will determine whether he is a serious mid-season Heisman or Maxwell candidate.

For the second-straight spring game, Klein absolutely lit up the competition with a ridiculous 47-of-56 completion rate for 480 yards and six touchdowns, with a long of 46 yards. His only mistake? A silly game-ending interception.

What remains to be seen is whether, unlike last season, that will translate to the field this fall. In Chris Harper, Tyler Lockett, Curry Sexton and Tramaine Thompson, he has the wide receivers to pull it off.

And I think he has a quality offensive line, as well, although that part still is a little up in the air. It's going to come down to staying healthy, and whether his drive for self-improvement has extended this year to his final weakness.

I believe in Collin Klein. Do you?