Chicago Public League: Five QB1s Primed For a Breakout Season
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Demetrius Jones and Juice Williams are the first two quarterbacks that come to mind when I think about QB1s that dominated Chicago’s Public League (CPL). Both quarterbacks went on to play D1 ball (Jones- Notre Dame/Cincinnati; Williams- Illinois) and will…
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Continue ReadingDemetrius Jones and Juice Williams are the first two quarterbacks that come to mind when I think about QB1s that dominated Chicago’s Public League (CPL). Both quarterbacks went on to play D1 ball (Jones- Notre Dame/Cincinnati; Williams- Illinois) and will forever be in rarefied air as it pertains to Public League quarterbacks.
Jones and Williams blazed a trail and set a standard for Public League quarterbacks to follow; thus, this next crop of quarterbacks in the CPL has the potential to be special—really special.
The QBs we’re about to highlight all bring something different to the table, whether it be picking you apart from the pocket or ripping off long runs down the field; these five dual-threats are special in their own right and are all primed for breakout seasons.
So without further ado, let’s get to know some QB1s from Chicago’s Public League…
Korey Flowers | Simeon ’22
The Simeon Wolverines averaged 35 points per game and went undefeated this past spring with Flowers under center. Flowers reminds me a lot of Teddy Bridgewater when it comes to his style of play and they also have similar frames. Flowers isn’t an overwhelming athlete but has enough athleticism to hurt you with his legs. Displays good pocket presence and is comfortable with doing most of his work from the pocket. His willingness to let it rip from the pocket comes to no surprise, seeing that he has one of the best receivers in the country in Malik Elzy Malik Elzy 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR Simeon | 2023 State IL as his number one target. He’s pretty accurate in the intermediate passing attack but what I love about him most is his deep ball. He uses a combination of anticipation, touch, and timing to consistently place his long ball in his receiver’s breadbasket.
Tyler Turner | Phillips ’22
Has good size at 6’2″ 205lbs, and can be a threat to run but much rather pick a defense apart with his arm. Has the ability to improvise and extend plays which enables him to make something out of nothing.
Lucien Henson | Kenwood ’22
Lou has a live arm and can sling it with the best of them. A little undersized but makes up for it with his mobility and high release point. Has good pocket presence and is a savant when it comes to moving and sliding throughout the pocket. Excels in extending plays and has the arm strength to make all the throws along with the athleticism to be a threat to run. Simply put, he’s a natural thrower of the football with a ton of upside. I spoke with him recently and he told me that he plans to spend some time with Byron Dawkins (QBWON) this offseason to sharpen his mechanics. So you can expect Kenwood to hit the ground running as Henson is primed for a breakout season next fall.
Aaron Warren | Morgan Park ’22
What’s there not to like about Morgan Park’s Aaron Warren? He’s a long 6’4″ and he’s going to be the best athlete on the field more times than none, and when the best athlete on the field is your quarterback, you can imagine the types of problems he poses for the opposing coaching staff. Has a fluid throwing motion and can make just about any throw on the field. He can beat you in the pocket and becomes even more dangerous as a thrower when he’s on the run. An extremely talented runner when he decides to break the pocket, and although his frame doesn’t suggest it, he’s really tough to bring down. You’d have to see him in person to understand the type of impact he has on the game—it’s almost Vince Young-like during his time at Texas.
Barah Abad Barah Abad 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Taft Highschool | 2023 State IL | Taft ’23
Taft has a void to fill at the quarterback position now that David Loch David Loch 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB York | 2023 State IL ’s high school career has come to an end. I think that void can be filled by sophomore quarterback Barah Abad Barah Abad 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Taft Highschool | 2023 State IL . After speaking recently with one of his coaches, he also believes Abad has the potential to take the next step as Taft’s full-time varsity quarterback next season. He’s your prototypical dual-threat who’s a supreme athlete who can give defensive coordinators fits with his ability to break the pocket and go the distance. It’s also worth noting that at his age, he’s a pretty decent thrower with some natural arm talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if Abad sneaks up on a lot of teams next year and puts together a solid junior season.