PRZ Iowa | C/O 2022 Rankings | December Update

Some newcomers emerged and some existing ranked players saw their stock rise through outstanding and substantial play this fall. Take a look below to see where they landed in the 2022 position rankings and find out what makes them so good at their craft. These Quarterbacks had big Senior campaigns that should lead to plenty of opportunity at the next level. There is an abundance of talent and potential to be found on this list. Newcomers QB3 [player_tooltip player_id="243123" first="Tanner" last="Te Slaa"], 6’5 175, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12162892/Tanner-Te-Slaa">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tannerteslaa">Twitter</a> Te Slaa is headed to play division 1 basketball at South Dakota State University, but he can really sling it and has all the tools to play football at the same level if he wanted to. The 6’5 gunslinger put together one of the most impressive seasons passing the ball Iowa saw this year and joins the list near the top at number 3. All of Te Slaa’s production this season came through the air as he nailed 64% of his passes for 2,565 yards and 34 touchdowns; he only threw 6 interceptions. Te Slaa had the luxury of throwing to some exceptional targets who could go up and get it, but the placement of Te Slaa’s throws, especially downfield, could not have been more on point. Te Slaa seemingly came out of nowhere and helped lead the Nighthawks to a 3A state championship appearance. QB16 [player_tooltip player_id="243131" first="Brandon" last="Vlcko"], 6’2 200, Prairie, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FHzXF">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonVlcko">Twitter</a> Vlcko, another South Dakota State University commit to a sport other than football, will be heading up to Brookings next year to play baseball. The standout Catcher really seized the reins as Prairie’s Quarterback this year, though, and had a lot of success. He comes in on a very deep list of Quarterbacks in the class of 2022 at number 16. Vlcko threw for 1,587 yards and 10 touchdowns and added another 832 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Vlcko has one of the strongest arms in the state. He threw a touchdown pass to a vertical route on the single side of trips on the run, off his back foot, with pressure in his face 45 yards in the air. It was definitely one of the most impressive plays of the season. Vlcko is an elite athlete who would undoubtedly thrive at the next level. QB17 [player_tooltip player_id="243126" first="Grayson" last="Juel"], 6’3 195, North Scott, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11316647/Grayson-Juel">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/grayj_8">Twitter</a> Coming off a state championship season as a Junior, Juel stepped in as North Scott’s full-time starting Quarterback and was really able to light it up for the Lancers. In just ten games, and despite a first round loss in the playoffs, Juel was able to throw for 2,211 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 72% of his passes and throwing only 4 interceptions. Juel was one of the most efficient field generals in Iowa this fall and the newcomer lands at number 17 on a very deep list. Juel’s quick release and ability to throw on the run was a terrific fit in the North Scott spread that features a lot of underneath and timing routes. He was incredibly accurate and a master at placing his pass where only his target could get it, which was often in crowded, high-traffic areas of the field. QB19 [player_tooltip player_id="243128" first="Carson" last="Blietz"], 6’0 185, Kennedy, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EP5ST">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BlietzCarson">Twitter</a> First year starter [player_tooltip player_id="243128" first="Carson" last="Blietz"] helped the Cougars rebound in a big way after a limited 4-4 season a year ago. His 1,685 yards and 19 touchdowns were essential to Kennedy’s success. The boost that Blietz brought to the offense resulted in an undefeated regular season and a trip to the quarterfinals. He showed plenty of versatility taking snaps from the gun and under center this fall and lands at number 19 in the class of 2022 Quarterback rankings. The way he could hang in the pocket and make progressions or roll out on play-action and find targets on the move suggests he would fit into a number of systems at the next level. He is definitely a player with a lot of untapped potential who could emerge in a big way in college as he gains more reps and experience. QB26 [player_tooltip player_id="243129" first="Noah" last="Pettinger"], 6’4 180, Dubuque Hempstead, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXKqK">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/noahpettinger">Twitter</a> Pettinger really stood out at times this year for the Mustangs when they had to lean on the passing game in key situations like tight contests or playing from behind. The ability he put on display at Quarterback this season after taking his snaps at Wide Receiver a year ago gets him in the rankings at number 26. Pettinger is very tough, puts impressive touch on his passes, and has the kind of measurables you expect to see in a Quarterback who can play at the next level. Pettinger kept the ball on a Power Read this year, broke two tackles, and then carried a pile of five defenders another ten yards to set up a goal line opportunity. There is plenty of skill to boot evidenced by the way he slammed on the breaks to make a defender miss while scrambling and nail a target 40 yards downfield later in the year. Stockrisers QB2 [player_tooltip player_id="98642" first="Jack" last="Gilligan"], 6’1 190, Dubuque Senior, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWZrB">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JackGilligan6">Twitter</a> Gilligan jumps to number 2 on the Quarterback list after a season where he proved he is well-developed and college ready. He finished the year with 2,761 total yards and 23 total touchdowns, which was impressive against some of the state’s top defenses and led 5A through the regular season. The skill set and ability he put on display could very well see Gilligan earn some big time opportunities later in the recruiting game. His footwork after the snap is smooth and enables him to get the ball out whenever he needs to with plenty of power. If given time he will find the open receiver and has the throwing mechanics and motions to put the ball anywhere on the field. The lefty has all the attributes of a contemporary spread Quarterback: he is mobile, decisive, has plenty of arm strength and more. QB4 [player_tooltip player_id="147447" first="Conor" last="Gruver"], 6’1 165, Easton Valley, <a href="https://twitter.com/conorgruver12">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/conorgruver12">Twitter</a> Gruver absolutely lit it up in the world of 8-player football this year and is certainly the classification’s best true Quarterback, but it is clear that the position specific ability he has put on film would make him a big success regardless of classification. He moves up to number 4 in the Quarterback rankings. Gruver finished the year with a run to the state championship game completing 212 passes for 3,255 yards and 56 touchdowns. The ability he has in his arm is undeniable and could blossom into something big at the next level. He does a remarkable job of fitting and adjusting the speed and trajectory of his passes to the route he is throwing without sacrificing any mechanics. His release is consistent and picture perfect. The motion is concise and he gets plenty of torque and power through his wrist. QB8 [player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"], 6’0 185, Humboldt, hudl, <a href="https://twitter.com/CadenMatson">Twitter</a> Sparked by notable improvement and maturity in the passing game, Matson was one of the most electric football players you could find anywhere on a field this fall. He saw growth in completion percentage and yards per reception that helped the Humboldt offense be the unstoppable force that it was this fall. Matson threw for 2,611 yards and 33 touchdowns and added another 1,636 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. His combined yardage and scoring was tops in classes A-5A and he climbs up to the number 8 spot in the Quarterback rankings. The threat of what he could do on the ground opened up the passing game just like his Junior year, but the throws he could make when he did drop back became a lot more expansive. His timing and placement was excellent. QB9 [player_tooltip player_id="147479" first="Kolson" last="Kruse"], 5’11 160, Southeast Valley, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11611332/Kolson-Kruse">hudl </a> Field general [player_tooltip player_id="147479" first="Kolson" last="Kruse"] put together an incredibly productive season and played an instrumental role in the Jaguars capturing their first state championship. Kruse moves up to number 9 in the rankings after a season that saw him throw for 2,484 and 28 touchdowns, rush for 1,573 yards and 19 touchdowns, collect several honors and distinctions, and hoist the trophy at the dome. Kruse is a big time playmaker and put defenses in major binds over and over this fall when he could use his mobility and scramble. A perfect illustration of this came in the semis; Kruse was flushed to the right, found a target downfield that slipped behind coverage, and got a ton of whip through his arm to launch the ball across his body while on the run downfield to hook up for a touchdown. QB11 [player_tooltip player_id="148360" first="Mason" last="Morrow"], 6’0 175, Valley, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11412976/Mason-Morrow">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/masonmorroww">Twitter</a> Morrow took on the lead role this fall and performed at a very high level in arguably the toughest district in the state. Considering the competition, Morrow’s 1,953 yards and 23 touchdowns are that much more impressive. He moves up to number 11 in the 2022 Quarterback rankings. An established run game really opened things up for Morrow and when that was clicking he picked coverage apart. He delivered a signature performance in week 6 when he threw 4 touchdowns in an upset win over Ankeny. He put on a clinic on escaping pressure in that game and extending plays. Amherst is certainly getting a player that can step in and make an immediate impact. He is fearless; it’s rare to find a Quarterback who can stand and deliver like Morrow. The poise and composure is already next level.