QBU workout: Breaking down all QB’s in attendance
With the Illinois high school football season being pushed until the spring, many athletes have been getting their work in at other places. On Sunday, I joined Mike Hohensee, former NFL/Arena league player and coach, as QBU worked out with…
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Continue ReadingWith the Illinois high school football season being pushed until the spring, many athletes have been getting their work in at other places. On Sunday, I joined Mike Hohensee, former NFL/Arena league player and coach, as QBU worked out with a group of quarterbacks and receivers. Here is breakdown of the quarterbacks who were in attendance.
2021 Payton Dennis, South Elgin (6’4” 230-pounds) @PaytonDennis9
Dennis was the largest quarterback of the group and showed that with a very strong arm. He showed some very good touch as well. Dennis is a very good athlete for his size, he was dunking the football through the goalposts after the session was over. He also stayed for the younger group, helping them with technique, showing a love for the game. Dennis also plays defensive end, showing versatility. He doesn’t have any offers at the moment, but he’d be a great asset for any team.
2021 Sam DeDobbelaere, St. Charles North (5’11” 190-pounds) @dedobb9
Although not prototypical size, DeDobbelaere still has some solid traits you’re looking for in a quarterback. He has a great throwing motion, which allows him to get the ball over taller linemen. DeDobbelaere showed good touch on his throws, giving his targets a catchable ball on the majority of his throws. He currently has some offers from the likes of Augustana, Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Trinity. DeDobbelaere has a solid future in front of him.
2022 Aidan Pieper Aidan Pieper 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Nazareth Academy | 2022 State IL , Nazareth (6’2” 195-pounds) @PieperAidan
Pieper has some big shoes to fill, replacing another transfer in JJ McCarthy, but he’s got the skills to do it. He was the best prospect on hand, consistently throwing accurate balls to the receivers. Pieper throws a very good deep ball and is accurate on the move as well. Possess great size and should fill out as he gets older. Currently, Pieper is garnering some interest from Illinois State, but with a big junior year, that list will only continue to grow.
2023 Ethan Puklin, St. Charles North (5’10” 175-pounds) @EthanPuklin
You can tell this young man plays baseball, Puklin possesses a very strong arm with a very good throwing motion. Another baseball trait, Puklin has a quick release, getting the ball out of hands quickly. Right now he’s probably not going to see much time at the varsity level, but when he gets a chance Puklin should be one to look out for.
2023 Seth Winkler, St. Charles East (5’10” 185-pounds) @SethWinkler15
Another baseball player, Winkler doesn’t have a classic over-head motion, more of a three-quarters arm action. Threw very good corner fade routes and has great mobility. When on the move, he flips his hips well to get into a good throwing position. Winkler could potentially start at the varsity level this coming year, either way, he needs to be on teams radars.
2024 Jake Mettetal, St. Charles North (5’11” 165-pounds) @Jakemettetal
Jake would be the first to tell you it wasn’t his best day throwing the ball, but the talent is there. He’s got the arm strength that will allow him to make all the throws as he get’s older. Another two-sport athlete, baseball, that will probably have to make a decision on what he’ll play at the next level. Mettetal threw some great out routes, but does need to work on his footwork. High level athletes are in his bloodlines, both his twin brothers would play baseball at Memphis.
2025 Tony Chahino, Gevena Middle School (5’10” 150-pounds) @TChahino
The pup of the older group, didn’t look out of place at all. Chahino has great size for his age, but will need to fill out as he gets older. The arm strength will come with that, but Chahino showed some very good footwork that will benefit him in the future. As he gets older and stronger, Chahino is a quarterback to keep an eye out on.
Special mention: Trae Taylor, 6th grade @Qb6Trae
If Taylor was added to the older group (he worked out with the younger group), aside from his size, he wouldn’t have looked out of place. At this very early point in his development Taylor shows fantastic arm strength, footwork and knowledge for the game. He’s got a competitive fire that you don’t really see from kids his age. I spoke with his mother, who told me Taylor has already begun some weight training along with his football work. They young man has a very bright future.