Next Level Athletix Sunday morning workout: ‘22-25 QB analysis
This past Sunday morning I made my way over to Westmont Yard to take in Next Level Athletix’s workout, as they had a group of quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs on hand. The first portion of the event, each…
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Continue ReadingThis past Sunday morning I made my way over to Westmont Yard to take in Next Level Athletix’s workout, as they had a group of quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs on hand. The first portion of the event, each of the position groups were split up before then ended the workout with the quarterbacks and wide receivers challenging the defensive backs. Greg Holcomb led the quarterback group and here were the signal callers that stood out to me.
2022 Aidan Pieper Aidan Pieper 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Nazareth Academy | 2022 State IL , Nazareth (6’2” and 205lbs) @PieperAidan
I have seen Pieper multiple times this offseason as he gears up to take over the Nazareth offense. He’s got great size and good arm-strength, a very easy throwing motion where the ball pops out of his hands with a very traditional throwing motion.
Popping the top off a defense 👀 @PieperAidan @jaylenmontgome4 on the receiving end pic.twitter.com/T0czTENZRQ
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
What he needs to work on however is consistency and reading a defense. Occasionally he rushes through his progressions, locking onto a receiver. With more experience Pieper will have the game slow down for him and be able to go through his first, second and even third reads. This is very common in young quarterbacks and I wouldn’t be too concerned about it at the moment. When the bullets start to fly, Pieper will be ready. He is inline for a big junior year and already is getting interest from D2 schools but it won’t end there. Pieper should end up as a very good D1 quarterback.
2023 Cole Teschner, Montini Catholic (6’2” and 191lbs) @ColeTeschner
The growth that Teschner has shown this offseason has been massive. When I first saw him over the summer during the Boom camp, he didn’t do much to stand out. Then he went on the 7v7 circuit and gained a ton of confidence, amazing what that will do for a quarterback.
The hard work this offseason has paid off for @ColeTeschner His growth has been impressive pic.twitter.com/B7DUrBC5tF
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
Teschner looks light for his size, with a frame that can add on more weight as he gets older. The arm strength is very good, something that also will improve as he continues to hit the weight room. A reason why he’s a bit slight but has a strong arm is due to his great footwork, always putting himself in a good position to sue his leg drive. Teschner should have a big sophomore year, which will put him on a lot of schools radars but get on him now, before he blows up.
2023 Anthony Picciolini, Benet Academy (6’2” and 215lbs) @anthonypic2
Another quarterback that has been working hard in this long offseason is Picciolini. Already possessing a frame that is college-ready, he’s got a good portion of that weight in his lower half. His strong legs allow plenty of drive, so his throws aren’t all arm. Picciolini has plenty of arm strength too, the ball pops out of his hands.
Impressive frame for @anthonypic2 he’s just a sophomore at 6’2 and 215lbs pic.twitter.com/IonK56K74K
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
Most likely another year of JV action is in store for Picciolini as he bides his time to get an opportunity to start for Benet. Once he gets his chance, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see him flourish. Picciolini has the tools to be a very productive quarterback in the future with a very high ceiling.
2023 Evan Grazzini, York (6’ and 186lbs) @evan_grazzini
I absolutely love the way the ball comes out of Grazzini’s hands, you can tell that he also plays baseball with his arm strength. He’s got a very easy motion, no hitches with very good balance due to great footwork.
Thread the needle @evan_grazzini pic.twitter.com/eMKW8KqUEk
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
Grazzini showed that he got confidence to make throws into small windows, something that will bode well for his future. Although he’s a bit on the smaller side, there is plenty of talent there. Grazzini should be one to watch this year, even if it will be at the JV level.
2024 Diego Gutierrez, Brookfield-Riverside (5’11” and 182lbs) @DiegoGu89654875
First time seeing Gutierrez and I came away impressed. He showed good arm strength and poise, multiple throws against the DB’s that were impressive.
Could @DiegoGu89654875 start all four years of high school?!? He’s talented enough to pic.twitter.com/9g9f6Jzb1u
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
Although he is a bit on the shorter side, the arm angle will negate some of those issues. There is potential for him to be a four-year starter, so when he really gets looks from schools, experience won’t be a factor. Gutierrez has a solid frame and has the ability to add more weight on without being too bulky. I am excited to see how he performs if given a chance at the varsity level this spring.
2025 Logan Malachuk, Nazareth (5’10” and 155lbs) @LoganFranchise
For a quarterback so young, Malachuk is extremly polished with his movements, most notable his footwork. He always keeps a wide base and active feet, which allow him to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately.
And the future is bright @LoganFranchise pic.twitter.com/9zX1Zaay5M
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
Another impressive aspect of his game is touch on his throws, in the tweet above, Malachuk throws over the defender right to his receiver. You don’t see many quarterbacks his age being able to make that kind of throw. He’s just recently chose to attend Nazareth for high school and if things go right, he’ll take over for Pieper after his freshman year.
2025 Jack Elliott, Mount Carmel (5’8” and 145lbs) @JackElliott09
Another baby, Elliott showed some very good arm strength for his age. A bit on the smaller side, but the fundamentals are there. Elliott showed good ability to read a defense, as he waited for his routes to develop instead of getting antsy.
Big things in store for @JackElliott09 when he arrives at Mount Carmel pic.twitter.com/qf7qt2VVwL
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 4, 2021
As he gets older, a bit taller and stronger, Elliott will be able to put it all together and become a very solid quarterback. The base he showed was good, footwork is something he has obviously worked on. Every quarterback in attendance had great balance, that’s due to coach Holcomb teachings. If Elliott keeps up his hard work, he’s going to be on a lot of schools radars in a few years.