Top 10 East Texas Quarterback Prospects

At one point this year in early October, 25% of the NFL’s starting quarterbacks were Texans. The list of lone star state QB’s that have seen the field in some capacity this year consist of Brees, Mahomes, Stafford, Murry, Tannehill, Dalton, Foles, Mayfield, Carr, and Keenum. I start by listing these NFL QB’s for a reason, some were highly recruited, while others were overlooked and under-recruited. So, who on this top ten list may be the next Texas gun-slinger to make the leap to college stardom or even the NFL? <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="60403" first="Kai" last="Horton"], Carthage (2021 QB, 6’4"/215) Horton is the top-ranked East Texas QB by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/texas/prospect-database/">PrepRedzone.com</a>, coming in at the 29th in the State. The All-State QB stands tall in the pocket, has a huge arm with accuracy. Horton shows touch on the underneath and screen game throws, but also can tuck it run to keep defenses honest. Horton’s special arm talent, good footwork, and composure jumps off the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10952947/5f94a13b5b3cd9095859473c">tape</a> and leaves little doubt as to why he garners so much attention.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="60501" first="Jordan" last="Moore"], Lufkin (2021 QB, 6’2"/200) Moore also is ranked by <a href="https://prepredzone.com/texas/prospect-database/">Prepredzone.com</a>, coming in as the 40th ranked QB in Texas. Moore has the athletic tools to label him as a duel threat, but his tape made me respect his arm talent and throw-first mentality, this young man is QB, period. As you can see from this <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ELa4M">highlight</a>, Moore is more than capable of hurting the defense with his feet but is more concerned with extending the play so he can push the ball downfield with his arm. Moore has created a stir with his play, now a handful of D1 programs are noticing what this young man can do.</li> <li><strong>Brandon Tennison</strong>, Gilmer (2022 QB, 6’0"/170) This underclassman has all the skills and knows how to use them, Tennison is a big reason why Gilmer is still alive late in the Texas State Playoffs. To this point in the season, Tennison has thrown for 3270 yards with 34 TDs, while running for another 714 yards with 7 more Tds. Tennison has great command of the playbook and can make all the throws, when you add in his ability to make plays with his legs, it’s almost not fair for the opposing team. Check out some of his work here, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZDQr">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZDQr</a>.</li> <li><strong>DJ Freeman</strong>, Pine Tree (2021 QB/ATH, 5’8"/155) Small in stature but huge in his style of play, this dynamic playmaker is Pine Tree’s get out jail free card. Freeman has accounted for 23 Touchdowns this year and earning the 2000 total yardage mark, all while sporting a QBR of 120.6. His size has some colleges looking to move him to WR at the next level, but as you can see from his <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZCur">highlights</a>, this young man will make an impact regardless of position.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="60299" first="Rian" last="Cellers"], Texarkana (2021 QB/ATH, 6’2"/175) This versatile QB is ranked by our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/texas/prospect-database/">Prepredzone.com’s</a> staff as the 17th best Athlete in Texas. Cellers can play QB or be a big play WR on the outside, the scouts at the next level seem to be leaning towards wide receiver. Cellers would be higher on the list if he played all his time at QB, but is freakish of an athlete to leave of this list totally. Pick your poison, here are <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2D5UAc">QB highlights</a> or <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EPsAd">WR highlights</a>.</li> <li><strong>Cameron Ford</strong>, Chapel Hill (2021 QB, 5’11"/205) There is only one word to describe Ford, and it is simply dynamic. Ford has a huge arm but hits as many home runs with his legs. The opposing defense is constantly on their heels trying to prepare for Ford. Check out these <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EMkzE">midseason highlights</a> and count how many splash plays he is responsible for. Ford has an astonishing 2564 passing yards PLUS 1515 rushing yards, with a total TD count of 43! The kid simply makes plays, and college scouts notice numbers like that.</li> <li><strong>Brock Nellor</strong>, Mount Vernon (2021 QB, 6’1"/220) Nellor has a unique opportunity at his small town east Texas school, you see the town of Mount Vernon is where Art Briles landed after his fall from grace in Waco. Whether you agree with Briles coaching or not, he has a strong track record of developing start quarterbacks, and Nellor is the beneficiary of all that knowledge. The pro-style QB can make all the throws with a strong arm, and stronger command of the playbook. Check out the arm on this <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EdF9K">70+ yard TD</a> strike on a short drop, Nellor has a cannon.</li> <li><strong>Tristan Holmes</strong>, Gladewater (2021 QB, 5’7"/175) Holmes is a playmaker, steady and sound, everything you want in the position responsible for leading your team. Holmes accumulated 2207 yards with 26 Tds, only 5 INTs, and a QBR of 126.5. One of those 26 TDs happened to be a <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EHgkb">90-yard dime</a> he dropped in the lap of his WR.</li> <li><strong>Kendric Malone</strong>, Tatum (2022 QB, 6’0"/175) Malone has some serious raw talent and is competitive as they come. He has set himself up for a huge senior year, enjoy his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11543665/5fbb1ef5d2250e0600e14d8d">highlight reel</a> and his quick release! I love his poise and ability to throw darts on the move. Needless to say, I will be making a little note to head to Tatum next fall and see this young man in person.</li> <li><strong>Ryan Harris</strong>, Beckville (2022 QB/ATH, 6’3"/195) Harris only threw for 711 yards in his junior campaign, but that’s because he was busy running for 2109 yards and 31 Touchdowns. I will be interested to see Harris develop more as a passer his senior year, but any QB that scores 36 total TDs deserves some love. Harris is a multiple sport athlete and is sure to play at the next level. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgPdE">http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgPdE</a></li> </ol> &nbsp;