Small school watchlist: Quarterbacks in Class of 2022

With the 2021 fall football season approaching, many top athletes from the big schools in the state are already announcing their commitments to play at the next level. There are plenty of athletes from the smaller classifications who should warrant interest from colleges as well with a big 2020 fall season. Here is a look at some of the top quarterback prospects from the Class of 2022 in the smaller classifications (6-man, 8-man, 1A and 2A) that generated plenty of buzz last season and is on our short list of players to watch this fall. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Dominic Coleman, 2022, 6’1, 165, QB/DB, Granada</strong></span> There was perhaps no one more impactful for his team last season than Coleman, who nearly led Granada to an upset over Fleming in the 6-man state semifinals. Now entering his fourth year starting at quarterback for the Bobcats, Coleman is looking for his fourth 1,000-yard passing season in the 6-man classification. He led the entire classification with 1,469 yards and saw a slight bump in completion percentage (65 percent in 2020 versus 62 percent in 2019) while seeing a big increase in passing touchdowns (30 in 2020, 18 in 2019). With his arm, he has the ability to push the ball down the field, but he shows excellent accuracy in the short passing game and throws his receivers open to get extra yardage as well. While Coleman is a smaller frame at 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds, the production stands out, and with good athleticism running the ball as well (1,832 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns in his career), he is an athlete that could become a prospect at the smaller collegiate level, even if it is a different position. <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Dakota Eaton, 2022, 5’10, 165, QB/LB, Holly</span></strong> Eaton may be known more for his pitching and play on the baseball field after helping Holly win the state title just a few weeks ago, but his strong arm also comes in use during the fall on the football field. He was one of just four quarterbacks in 8-man football to throw for at least 1,000 yards during the shortened 2020 season, needing only 54 completions to top that mark. The lefty can make many different throws and seems to do a good job finding the open receiver, evident by his 64 percent completion percentage and throwing for 29 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. A solid receiving core returns for Eaton this fall, including his top two reception leaders in<strong> Fernando Dominguez</strong> and <strong>Colby Swopes</strong>. Look for Eaton to put up some impressive numbers again this fall and showcase his skills to try and lead Holly back to the playoffs in football. <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Sam Hzindil, 2022, 6’2, 155, QB, Highland </span></strong> A first-year starter under center, Hzindil showed he could be a solid game manager and decision maker in the option game to keep the Highland offense moving. With enough athleticism to run in the open field, he can draw defenders to him and pitch the ball to his back on time, or he could keep the ball on the zone read and take off for yards. As for his arm, he showed the ability to throw standing tall in the pocket and had the same accuracy rolling out on the move, flashing good accuracy in the short and medium passing game. His 2020 season ended with 836 passing yards on 54 competitions and six touchdowns. While turnovers will be a focus for improvement (four interceptions, three fumbles), he brings plenty of poise and leadership to a key position for his team and should take a step forward in his senior season. <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="153717" first="Collin" last="Reetz"], 2022, 6’6, 195, QB, Estes Park</span></strong> A quarterback who played in the spring 2021 season, Reetz had a nice season and led Estes Park to the semifinal round in the spring football playoffs in Class 2A. A tall 6-foot-6 quarterback with a smooth throwing motion, he is able to put some zip on the ball and fit it in a tight window. He shows a good ability to escape pressure in the pocket, and when he can set his feet, he can make a lot of the throws you need to challenge a defense. He was named Second Team All-State for the spring season after throwing for 2,332 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he also posted a career-high 57 percent competition percentage. Estes Park will go as far as Reetz takes them in the run-n-gun offense they designed for him, and the fall season will be tougher with a strong nonconference slate and the Northern League which features Highland and Strasburg as league opponents. However, if Reetz can put together a big season to go with his size and tools, he could land on the radar for some smaller colleges looking to add to their quarterbacks room. <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="22707" first="Will" last="Schrotenboer"], 2022, 6’3, 210, QB, Resurrection Christian</span></strong> Schrotenboer would generate attention to play multiple positions at the next level if he chooses. After starting as a wide receiver, he moved full-time to the quarterback position in 2020 and delivered with 1,145 yards and 16 touchdowns to the state semifinals. He has the arm strength to push the ball down the field and can even do so while on the move, making him even more dangerous when a play breaks down and the team goes in the scramble drill. He hit many deep passes for big plays last season thanks to his big arm as well as nice touch to not overshoot his receivers. And when he rolls out, the lefty looks just as comfortable going to his throwing side to the left as he does going to his right. Resurrection Christian was also smart relying on his athleticism to run the ball in the option game, whether it was the spread option or lining up under center for the triple option. Schrotenboer would rush only 36 times but did get 96 yards and four rushing touchdowns. By competing in summer camps at TCU, Texas State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Elite 11, Schrotenboer hopes to draw plenty of attention and capitalize with a big 2021 season to land some collegiate opportunities.