Iowa’s C/O 2023 Rankings: Top Position Group | Quarterback
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There are some seriously talented position groups in Iowa’s class of 2023, but there was zero doubt or hesitation when it came to determining which currently reigns supreme: Quarterback. It will be so interesting to look back at this group…
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Continue ReadingThere are some seriously talented position groups in Iowa’s class of 2023, but there was zero doubt or hesitation when it came to determining which currently reigns supreme: Quarterback. It will be so interesting to look back at this group several years down the road. There are a few guys at the top who have made big names for themselves and several others who aren’t far behind. They have the measurables, abilities, and mechanics, supported by really impressive film, that make you wonder just how far they can go. The next two years will, of course, be pivotal for recruiting, but this bunch is shaping up to boast a lot of high end talent when it is all said and done. The development of these young gunslingers and signal callers is ongoing. They are already among the best Iowa has to offer. The question is, just how “elite” can each become? Take a look below to see what the top 10 Quarterbacks in 2023 already do so well. Be on the lookout, too, because there are more athletes in this lot that are likely to enter the top players and recruiting conversations.
JJ Kohl JJ Kohl 6'6" | 225 lbs | QB Ankeny | 2023 State IA , 6’6, 225, Ankeny, hudl, Twitter
If there were ever a Sophomore Quarterback who proved on film that he can handle an advanced offense it is JJ Kohl JJ Kohl 6'6" | 225 lbs | QB Ankeny | 2023 State IA . He obviously has the physical tools and traits to set a very high bar on his potential, but what stands out most is his execution of ball placement on routes that are typically harder to throw. The mechanics and motions that compliment all the physical ability is outstanding. Kohl can hang in the pocket with active feet and poise. His eyes and mind clearly register and diagnose quickly as he works progressions.
Jaxon Smolik Jaxon Smolik 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Dowling Catholic | 2023 State IA , 6’2, 185, Dowling Catholic, hudl, Twitter
It is plain to see that Smolik is distinctly dynamic in what he brings to the field: he can beat a defense in many ways. It is clear he has instincts and an “it factor” that can’t be taught. His film leaves no doubt that he can adapt to anything a defense does to try and stop him and overcome. Smolik can launch the ball downfield or fire it underneath on a line with the flick of a wrist. His mechanics are so smooth and seemingly effortless. Smolik’s IQ is high evidenced by the way he throws targets open against different coverages.
Alex Mota Alex Mota 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Marion | 2023 State IA , 6’2, 175, Marion, hudl, Twitter
It is a humble opinion, but after this fall lots of people will most likely share it; Mota is the most electric playmaker in Iowa. He dominates on both sides of the ball and there is a good chance he will line up elsewhere at the next level. Right now, however, it doesn’t seem like there is anyone who can go off for a big play with the ball in their hands the way Mota can. There is so much twitch in his movements and the way he can sense and anticipate what a defender is about to do to make them miss is truly second to none.
Dylan Wiggins Dylan Wiggins 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB West Sioux | 2023 State IA , 6’2, 175, West Sioux, hudl, Twitter
What makes Wiggins so dangerous is how clean of a delivery he has from the pocket and on the run. That, in this day and age, really is one of the top indicators of a Quarterback with a lot of promise. The modern offense has evolved quite a bit and that kind of athleticism paired with throwing mechanics is almost essential in most systems. He gets a lot of torque into his release and channels the strength that creates into balls on trajectories that match routes. His downfield accuracy is just as sharp as it is underneath.
Jamison Patton Jamison Patton 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Des Moines Roosevelt | 2023 State IA , 6’2 , 190, Des Moines Roosevelt, hudl, Twitter
Patton is a dual threat all day long; his ability to create with his legs is impressive. That is likely what stands out to most on film at first glance. There is no doubt that the threat of his legs and what he can do on the ground should scare a defense. His arm strength, though, is what people need to pay attention to. The sky’s the limit if Patton can really learn the intricacies of the position and pour his natural talent into it. Arm strength like his just cannot be coached. Nobody should be surprised to watch him take a huge leap this season.
Nolan Mosier Nolan Mosier 6'5" | 215 lbs | QB Davenport North | 2023 State IA , 6’5, 230, Davenport North, hudl, Twitter
Mosier is a giant in the backfield and it is always an attractive commodity to have a Quarterback who can see beyond the line without interference. That certainly contributes to Mosier’s marksmanship on his passes. He has a clean release from the pocket and places the ball time and again with pinpoint accuracy where only his teammates can make plays. Mosier, in impressive fashion, carries that accuracy through routes to each level of the field. The maturity of his throwing mechanics paired with his size is enticing to say the least.
Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2023 State IA , 5’10, 175, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, hudl, Twitter
Smith, regardless of his stature, can go toe to toe throwing routes with anyone on this list and really impresses with how much accuracy and zip he puts on the ball. This is what makes Smith special as a Quarterback; he is just so precise and deliberate in the placement of his throws. The way he can lead a target or drop a ball in to keep teammates from having to adjust is noteworthy. This is true when the pocket is clean and when protection breaks down. He is poised, keeps his eyes down field, and will hang in to make a throw.
Peyton Rottinghaus Peyton Rottinghaus 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Urbandale | 2023 State IA , 6’0, 180, Urbandale, hudl, Twitter
Snap after snap Rottinghaus shows he has the ability to make the correct reads and decisions. There is without a doubt a level of knowledge and understanding that far exceeds that of the typical, average high school Quarterback. It appears that is especially true in Rottinghaus’ capacity for identifying coverages pre-snap and in his drop. He just knows who is going to be open and where to place the ball. This gives a young player a tremendous head start and really enables them to put more emphasis into developing their physical skill set.
Braylon Kammrad Braylon Kammrad 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Lewis Central | 2023 State IA , 6’1, 185, Lewis Central, hudl, Twitter
Kammrad really opens up the playbook and allows coordinators to dial it up in a couple of big, evident ways. One, he has the kind of arm strength that his teammates can’t outrun. The way he can stretch a field in one pass puts a lot of strain on a defense. Two, he has loads of ability on the ground. Kammrad can inflict some serious damage on reads and designed runs. Through the air Kammrad can get the ball out as quick as is necessary or extend plays with keen awareness. He can create and make any play call right.
Landon Hochstein Landon Hochstein 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2023 State IA , 6’3, 195, Norwalk, hudl, Twitter
Opposing defenses better hope they have the personnel to run different man coverages against Hochstein because he is very skilled at picking zones apart. The way he attacks soft spots between defenders is evidence of a young Quarterback who is intelligent and understands route concepts. Hochstein hits crossers before defenders can trade and drops his passes right in between underneath and high zones. He makes it very difficult for top Defensive Backs with great range to make plays on the ball. There is a ton of value in this trait.