Senior Sleeper QB’s

Arizona has been a prime QB state in the past, and it doesn’t look to be changing here in 2021. With numerous Arizona QB’s committed to power 5 programs, it is no longer a "sleeper" state for QB’s. However, since there are so many P5 caliber QB prospects, it’s easy to overlook the other talent around the state. The 2022 class is once again loaded with promising talent all around, and there are a handful of QB’s you need to know before the season starts. Here’s a look at 5 sleeper QB’s from the 2022 class: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42865" first="Zach" last="Wren"], <strong><em>6’1" 185lbs, Pinnacle <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-136303" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Gray-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em></strong> Wren is cool and collected in the pocket and delivers with a smooth release. I really liked what I saw in person at the Lake Forest College camp back in May, as he looked frequently locked in downfield with a solid demeanor and was fluid and effortless with numerous throws. He’s flashed solid arm strength overall to stretch the field vertically or fit throws into tight windows. To step into a major 6A Region program as a first year starting QB will be a tough challenge, but all signs point to Wren getting the job done. He’ll play as tough as competition as anyone, as he’ll face 2 defending state champs (Chandler and Chaparral), as well as 4 other 2020 playoff teams (Highland, Salpointe Catholic, Centennial, and Liberty). &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100659" first="Seth" last="Gallardo"], <em><strong>5’8" 185lbs, Shadow Ridge </strong></em> Gallardo was a very underrated dual-threat QB in 2020, as he led Shadow Ridge to a 6A playoff appearance. Undersized on paper but his athleticism and football IQ make up for his height. He’s a sure playmaker behind center with the ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground or find receivers downfield. As a passer, he shows a smooth release and connects with receivers with solid timing after flashing anticipation. He reads coverages well and has shown the ability to use touch or velocity on various routes/concepts as needed. So far Gallardo has drawn DII interest and is deserving of that first offer. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="162055" first="Ethan" last="Young"], <strong><em>QB, 6’0" 210lbs, O’Connor </em></strong> Young comes to the Arizona High school football scene from Mustang, Oklahoma where he had a productive junior campaign. He sizes up with a nice frame at 6’2" 200lbs and possesses a raw arm talent. He delivers with a smooth motion with a quick, snappy release. He’s shown the ability to get the ball out quick when he needs to, but can sit back and dice up defenses with his arm if he has the time to throw. He reads coverages well overall and does a good job distinguishing whether to use velocity vs touch. He holds numerous intangibles to build and capitalize on in 2021, and if he can do so, he should have a very productive year for O’Connor. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100690" first="Caden" last="Cantrell"], <strong><em>6’2" 200lbs, Snowflake</em></strong> There needs to be more hype about Cantrell as we head into 2021. As a first year starter, all he did was throw for 1,811 yards and 14 TD’s, rushed for 319 yards and 3 TD’s, and brought the 3A State Title to Snowflake, AZ. He sizes up with a nice athletic frame and projects to take a major leap in terms of maturity and football IQ with a big junior season under his belt. He processed reads quick last year as a first year starter, and showed the ability to hit tight window throws with velocity. Cantrell can let it fly downfield when Snowflake decides to take shots, and has all the potential to have a breakout senior season. He hits throws with accuracy and timing, and can also pick up chunks of yards on his feet when the pocket collapses. He holds a New Mexico Highlands offer thus far, and deserves much more attention as we head into 2021. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100701" first="Cael" last="Stewart"], <strong><em>6’5" 210lbs, Blue Ridge</em></strong> [caption id="attachment_133973" align="alignright" width="235"]<img class=" wp-image-133973" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/AZ-NP-Showcase-Cael-Stewart-1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="235" /> Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] Another 3A QB you need to know. Stewart spent his freshman and sophomore year in New Mexico, played at 2A St. John’s in 2020, and will look to light up 3A ball at Blue Ridge for his senior season. Excellent frame and length and he stands tall and collected in the pocket with the demeanor to drive the ball downfield. He delivers with a quick and snappy release with the ability to hit tight window and intermediate throws with velocity. Stewart shows nice torque on throws to give his ball that extra zip as well. He goes through progression well and makes decisive reads, and is still very raw. He is athletic enough to pick up yards on his feet, but is a huge threat to pick apart any defense in 3A with his arm. He currently holds a handful of DII and DIII offers, and could potentially see an FCS offer come in as well given his size, rawness, and ceiling as long as he can have a productive season, which is expected.