5 Underrated Dual-Threat Quarterbacks

As the game of football has evolved so has the quarterback position. When American football first started, teams sought after a player who could run the option and distribute the ball on the ground to be their quarterback. Then as the years went on and passing became more popular, most teams started prioritizing arm strength over athleticism at the position. However, in recent years, offenses at all levels have shifted from the traditional "pro-style" offenses that only require quarterbacks to pass the ball, and have implemented more spread and option concepts that require a quarterback who is athletic enough to contribute in the running game as well as the passing game. From the Wishbone, to the Air Raid, to the Pistol-Option/Spread passing hybrid that the Baltimore Ravens run with Lamar Jackson, the quarterback position has come full circle over the last 150 years. In this article, we will look at 5 underrated players in the state of Oklahoma who are textbook examples of what a dual-threat quarterback should look like. [player_tooltip player_id="38688" first="Dorian" last="Plumley"]: 6’3″ 195 Lbs., El Reno, Class of 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="38688" first="Dorian" last="Plumley"] is an all-around playmaker and baller who I am shocked has not received more hype from the media or recruiting world. While going through his Junior tape there were countless plays Plumley made that reminded me of Johnny Manziel while he was at Texas A&M where he would shake off a defender, retreat back 5-10 yards, and then deliver an off-platform strike to a receiver 20-30 yards downfield for a big play or touchdown. However, Plumley is not just a boom or bust flashy playmaker. Throughout 2019 Dorian showed that he can make every throw on the field from anywhere on the field. With another offseason to hone his craft, I cannot wait to see the crazy off-platform, cross-body throws that Plumley will make this season. [player_tooltip player_id="38586" first="Kobey" last="Stephens"]: 6'0" 175 Lbs., Wewoka, Class of 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="38586" first="Kobey" last="Stephens"] may be one of the most versatile athletes in the state. In 2019 he compiled 2837 all-purpose yards, 1008 of them coming on the ground, and the rest coming from a combination of passing, kick returns, and punt returns. As a runner, Kobey was electric on draws and designed QB sweeps, which were the majority of the plays drawn up for him in 2019. As a passer, Kobey was incredibly raw with his footwork and had an inconsistent throwing motion at times. However, his production and efficiency speak for themself as he threw for 23 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions in 2019 while completing nearly 60% of his passes. With another offseason to refine his footwork and mechanics, I expect Kobey to make a big leap as a passer in 2020. [player_tooltip player_id="38589" first="Austin" last="Mages"]: 6’0" 195 Lbs., Perkins-Tryon, Class of 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="38589" first="Austin" last="Mages"] is another QB on this list who had an incredible season running the ball in 2019 as he ran for over 1200 yards. Most of his yards as a runner came from read options and QB scrambles. As a passer, Austin showed some encouraging maturity in 2019. He often used his legs to escape the pocket to buy himself time to throw the ball rather than panicking and simply taking off at the first sign of pressure like an inexperienced dual-threat QB might. Mages is always on the move whether it is as a runner or as a passer and he should only get better as the 2020 season progresses. [player_tooltip player_id="38606" first="KT" last="Owens"]: 6'0" 175 Lbs., Tulsa Central, Class of 2021 While he is technically a dual-threat QB due to his athleticism and ability to run, [player_tooltip player_id="38606" first="KT" last="Owens"] is a bit of an outlier on this list. Unlike most dual-threat QBs who usually start out as runners first and then refine their passing game second, KT seems to be the opposite. Although he is more than effective on designed QB runs, Owens is for the most part a pocket passer with the ability to use his legs if needed. In 2019 Owens was at his best when passing in rhythm on quick-hitting passes over the middle of the field. He showed great patience in the pocket and delivered some nice balls throughout the year. Depending on Tulsa Central’s offensive game plan this season, KT may be considered more of a pro-style QB in the recruiting circuit by the end of the year. [player_tooltip player_id="38703" first="Rovaughn" last="Banks"]: 5'11" 195 Lbs., Union, Class of 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="38703" first="Rovaughn" last="Banks"] is one of the more balanced dual-threat QBs on this list and maybe in the state, yet he somehow has not received a whole lot of attention from colleges heading into this season. Banks is an elite passer and runner who quite frankly looks like a completely different player depending on the play call. In the pocket, he looked like a multi-year veteran pocket passer despite being a first-year starter as a sophomore, which is quite an accomplishment itself taking into consideration the school he plays for. Then as a runner, Rovaughn is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the state and looks more like a runningback than a quarterback in the open field. Other than Booker T Washington standout [player_tooltip player_id="38668" first="Gentry" last="Williams"], Rovaughn is the best dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2022, however, I think he will make huge strides to close that gap in 2020.