Indiana’s Best Sophomore QBs
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The season has come and gone already. Now, we are taking a look at the best QBs who just wrapped up their sophomore campaigns and what their futures may hold. Danny O’Neil Danny O’Neil 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB…
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Continue ReadingThe season has come and gone already. Now, we are taking a look at the best QBs who just wrapped up their sophomore campaigns and what their futures may hold.
Danny O’Neil Danny O’Neil 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Cathedral | 2024 State IN – Cathedral – QB – 6’1″ 180 lbs
The first thing that stands out about O’Neil is that he has been very well-coached throughout his football career. He appears to have a very high football IQ and doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s going to get the ball out on time and right where it needs to be. O’Neil throws a very beautiful football and it’s typically because his footwork is so clean. Very rarely do his heels click together and he maintains a proper base. He has a very natural feel in the pocket and is able to maneuver around while keeping his eyes downfield and his shoulder square. If things break down he can and he will run. He isn’t the most explosive athlete but he’s a very good athlete who is going to take off and run every now and then. He’s going to stress the edges of the defense and make them defend every blade of grass. O’Neil has the highest ceiling of the class and if he gets into the right college program could really make some noise. O’Neil does currently have 1 official offer and that is from the University of Toledo.
Mason Reynolds Mason Reynolds 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Avon | 2024 State IN – Avon – QB – 6’2″ 200 lbs
Reynolds has very natural and great arm talent. He’s able to make just about every throw and make them off-platform if needed. He doesn’t have the most natural throwing motion and his mechanics could use some cleaning up but it isn’t anything that’s going to impact him at the HS level. When he has time in the pocket and isn’t rushed his mechanics are just fine. He doesn’t typically throw with a ton of touch because he has such a big arm. The ball is usually on a rope to his receiver and it hits them right in stride. Reynolds doesn’t run a ton but he can run. He’s got a big frame and is able to lower his pads and deal a hit when he needs to. He’s quick with his reads and doesn’t get rattled, even after making a mistake. He’s most comfortable in the pocket when he can sit back and slice and dice the defense. He is going to be at the All-American Bowl Game on Saturday, January 8th and I’m excited to get a glimpse of him on the national stage to see how he does. He has all the tools to be successful at the next level and this is a huge opportunity for him to showcase his skills.
Clay McClelland Clay McClelland 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Charlestown | 2024 State IN – Charlestown – QB – 6’1″ 170 lbs
McClelland is a lefty Quarterback and is able to make most throws. He doesn’t have the prettiest footwork or throwing motion but he’s a natural thrower of the ball. He likes to make quick decisions on the field and stress the defense. He doesn’t have a huge arm where he can throw the ball 60-yards but he’s got a strong enough arm to rip it and get the ball where it needs to be. He’s a really good runner and is able to make something out of nothing when the play breaks down. He’s able to run defenders over or make them miss when he needs to. He runs really tough and always squares his shoulders when he’s getting ready for impact. McClelland is going to continue getting better and he’s already one of the best in the state. His ceiling is really high and where he ends up at the collegiate level is going to be key. He currently doesn’t have any offers that I was able to find but I don’t expect that to last long. He’s going to have a handful of offers come his way this year and more to come in the coming years.
Owen Smith Owen Smith 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR LaVille | 2023 State IN – McCutcheon – QB – 6’0″ 165 lbs
The first thing you notice about Smith’s tape is that he plays very patient. He doesn’t panic or make bad decisions when his first option isn’t there. He’s going to go through all of his reads and make the right throw. If the throw isn’t there, Smith will roll out and extend the play while keeping his eyes down the field. He’s always going to set his feet and keep his shoulders square when going to make a throw. He doesn’t make many mistakes or put the ball in harm’s way very often. When he has pressure in his face he will stand in there and deliver the ball while taking the hit and get right back up. Smith is also a really good athlete they use in the running game sometimes to keep the defense honest. They don’t do it often, but they do it just enough to let the defense know they can’t get greedy. Smith is going to get better over the next few years and I can’t wait to see where he ends up at the next level.
Derrick Santiago – Bowman – QB – 6’0″ 190 lbs
Santiago is a fantastic athlete and is going to extend plays on the regular. They like to keep him on the move and see what he can do. They will roll out the pocket with him and see what he can find downfield. They have done a great job shifting the offense to fit his unique skills. He isn’t the most polished pocket passer but he can sling the rock. He doesn’t make very many mistakes and doesn’t live dangerously with the football. When he does run, he makes the decision almost immediately and will stick with his decision. He could keep his eyes downfield more often but as he grows that is something he will learn and get more comfortable doing. Santiago is a raw athlete that is still learning the position. He’s still learning as he goes but to be as good as he is right now while he’s still learning is a great place to be. He doesn’t have any offers yet but by the time his High School career is over he will be able to sift through his offers and choose the best fit for him.