Breaking down the top 10 Indiana state passing leaders

Three games in and players across the state have been able to make their marks. It’s not a fluke that these players have had good games, they’ve put together more than just one big time performance. With that in mind, it’s time to review their film and break down why these top 10 passers in the state of Indiana have been so successful over their first three contests. 2022 Covington QB Alan Karrfalt (6’ and 165lbs) @AKarrfalt Season stats: 99/158 for 1,230 yards with 14 TDs and 3 INTs There isn’t much tape of Karrfalt, but what I did find showed some of this ability. He’s got an extremely strong arm, with great footwork. Karrfalt has great touch on his deep passes. He throws well on the run, accurate placement giving his receivers a chance to get some YAC. It was a tease seeing so little, but I was impressed with that I saw. 2022 S. Vermillion QB [player_tooltip player_id="39060" first="Anthony" last="Garzolini"] (6’5” and 220lbs) @AnthonyGarzo1 Season stats: 56/91 for 963 yards with 10 TDs and 3 INTs Very calm in the pocket, Garzolini keeps his feet moving while he surveys the field for an open receiver. His great base allows him to get the ball out of his hands quickly, he’s very accurate on short and intermediate throws. His movement in the pocket buys his enough time to make the right decisions. Garzolini does a good job giving his receiver a chance on 50/50 balls. He’s a solid athlete as well, able to run when needed or just to buy time outside the pocket. Garzolini should continue to light up the stat sheet this fall. 2022 Bishop Luers QB [player_tooltip player_id="98092" first="Carson" last="Clark"] (6’2” and 185lbs) @CarsonRClark10 Season stats: 62/94 for 950 yards with 10 TDs and 2 INTs The lefty moves extremely well outside the pocket and he’s a threat to run the ball. He doesn’t always square his shoulders or have perfect feet, but that hasn’t stopped his from being extremely effective. It actually helps him as defenders can’t get a good read on his actions. Clark throws a very nice back shoulder fade, putting the ball in a place where only his receiver can get it. A solid prospect, that with a bit more work could really develop much more. 2025 Plainfield QB [player_tooltip player_id="196639" first="Carsen" last="Melvin"] (6’3” and 180lbs) @carsenmelvin3 Season stats: 56/82 for 895 yard with 8 TDs and 4 INTs For a freshman, Melvin is extremely poised inside the pocket. He sets his feet well and delivers very accurate passes. Melvin is not afraid to stay in the pocket to buy that extra time for his receiver to get open, even if he has to take a hit to do so. His ball placement is extremely impressive for his age, Melvin is athletic enough to buy time outside the pocket. As he continues to get older, his decision making will get better and the small nuances will come. For him to be on this list as a freshman, says a whole lot about his future, which is very bright. 2023 Mooresville QB [player_tooltip player_id="107220" first="Nicholas" last="Patterson"] (6’2” and 220lbs) @Patterson9N Season stats: 55/77 for 821 yards with 12 TDs and INT First off, the frame is fantastic, big lower half that Patterson uses to drive the ball. The footwork is impressive, his base is great, allowing a very smooth transition from his drop back to get rid of the ball. Great play action on zone read fakes, Patterson sucks the defense up to the line then goes right over the top. He’s got a very smooth throwing motion, a classic release from his ear. Patterson has a ton of potential and should continue to find himself amongst the states best quarterbacks regardless of class. 2022 Perry Meridian QB Mason Rohlman (6’1” and 185lbs) @pmhsmase Season stats: 56/89 for 782 yards with 6 TDs Another lefty, who has good pocket presence and gets the ball out quickly. He’s athletic enough to keep safeties honest about running, which opens up throwing lanes. Although he doesn’t have the best arm strength, ball placement and accuracy help negate some of that. His motion does need to be cleaned up a bit, it’s a longer windup. Overall, Rohlman is solid but does need some work. 2024 Andrean QB Scott Ballentine (5’11” and 165lbs) @ScottyB2024 Season stats: 72/112 for 738 yards with 6 TDs and 3 INTs Although Ballentine is on the smaller side, he’s got great vision from inside the pocket. I really like that he is able to change his arm angles without losing any of the zip on his throws. He’s a very solid athlete as well, able to get out of the pocket and make a play. Ballentine isn’t afraid to stand in and take a hit either, that extra time to get his receiver open. A very impressive sophomore year so far with a lot of upside. 2022 New Castle QB Eli Cooper (6’ and 165lbs) @Eli_Cooper22 Season stats: 41/79 for 719 yards with 10 TDs and 6 INTs Fantastic timing when running screens, Cooper gets the ball out quickly. He’s accurate on slants, and has good ball placement on his short throws. Cooper does need to work on his deep balls, they’re not terrible, but his average arm strength makes those throws a bit more difficult for him. He’s solid but not spectacular, Cooper has the potential to continue to put up solid numbers for the rest of the fall. 2024 Cathedral QB [player_tooltip player_id="109625" first="Danny" last="O’Neil"] (6’1” and 180lbs) @danny_oneil18 Season stats: 59/84 for 708 yards with 5 TDs The arm strength jumps off the on tape right away, O’Neil is able to make throws many sophomores can’t. Not only does he possess a fastball, he’s able to add touch to his throws when needed. It’s a great trait that many quarterbacks don’t understand early in their careers. O’Neil has a quick release, due to his very good footwork. The accuracy is there as well, he’s got a great internal clock in the pockets and knows when he needs to get out. O’Neil oozes with potential and should be viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in the state. 2023 Martinsville QB [player_tooltip player_id="185229" first="Tyler" last="Adkins"] (6’ and 180lbs) @TAdkins23 Season stats: 60/97 for 691 yards with 8 TDs and 6 INTs The escapability is impressive, Adkins has some very solid athleticism when in and out of the pocket. He has a quick release which makes up for his average arm strength. Adkins throws a nice short to intermediate ball, accurate placement to give his receivers a chance to gain extra yards. He does need to not be less risky, his 6 interceptions are a bit concerning. As long as he stays away from making bad decisions, there’s potential for growth and he could become a viable option for a team in the future.