Stock-Risers: Class of 2023 Quarterbacks
I started a series with Stock-Risers: Class of 2023 Running Backs. Today we’ll cover quarterbacks, one of the most critical positions on the field. They have the ultimate responsibility of commanding the offense. They must have intangible assets such as…
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Continue ReadingI started a series with Stock-Risers: Class of 2023 Running Backs. Today we’ll cover quarterbacks, one of the most critical positions on the field. They have the ultimate responsibility of commanding the offense. They must have intangible assets such as leadership, confidence, poise, and an understanding of defensive schemes. The state of Texas is always in the conversation when college coaches are searching for a well-rounded quarterback. Today, we’ll look at a few quarterbacks I had the chance to scout this past season.
Weston Smith – Colleyville-Heritage – 6’5″ 215lbs.
An ideal quarterback candidate possesses the appropriate height, powerful arm, accuracy, vision, and decision-making abilities. Weston Smith is a dynamic quarterback who is currently ranked number 2 in the state and 14th in the country according to Rivals.com. He has height, a strong arm, vision, athleticism to extend plays, and stats to validate his abilities. Smith threw for 2608 yards and 29 touchdowns this past season, leading the Panthers to a 12-2 season. Additionally, in week 8 of the season versus Birdville, Smith threw 267 yards and five touchdowns for a season-high. Smith has earned an offer from Florida State and currently speaking to Texas Tech and Dartmouth.
Jake Wilson – Byron Nelson – 6’2″ 190lbs.
One of the top passers in Texas was Bobcats quarterback Jake Wilson. Wilson threw for 3,916 yards this past season, had 39 touchdowns, 209 yards rushing, and five touchdowns on the ground. His record-setting season is noteworthy because Wilson did it in Class 6A, one of Texas’s most loaded and notable divisions. In addition, he possesses athleticism, poise, and pocket presence. I watched Wilson’s season-high game versus a talented Keller, where he threw for roughly 351 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he doesn’t hold any official offers but is slowly gaining interest from schools. As the current recruiting storm settles, I foresee Wilson earning several offers before the end of his senior season.
Jackson Gilkey Jackson Gilkey 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Ennis | 2023 State TX – Ennis – 6’2″ 200lbs.
Jackson Gilkey Jackson Gilkey 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Ennis | 2023 State TX led a talented Ennis Lions to an 11-1 season while going 7-0 within their district. He is a pro-style quarterback with patience, field vision, accuracy and can dissect defensive schemes. He can extend plays and is a great decision-maker if needed, only throwing four interceptions this year. This season Gilkey threw for 2561 yards, 23 touchdowns, had 254 yards rushing, and six touchdowns on the ground. One of his most notable performances was against Corsicana, where Gilkey went 19/22, threw for 306 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing. He currently holds an offer from the University of Houston. Look for him to have a standout senior season and gain more notoriety as he enhances his athletic abilities during the offseason.
Jake Strong Jake Strong 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Northwest | 2023 State TX – Northwest – 6’2″ 200lbs.
With the modernization of dual-threat quarterbacks effectively leading teams to successful offensive production, having an athlete like Jake Strong Jake Strong 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Northwest | 2023 State TX makes it difficult for defenses to defend. He is an athletic quarterback who can beat you with his arm or legs. He surveys the field and makes sound decisions under pressure when sitting in the pocket. Jake had 2,334 yards passing during his junior season, 29 touchdowns, 918 yards rushing, and eight touchdowns on the ground. His season-high game was versus Crowley in week seven. The Texans quarterback was 21/29 on completions, threw for 325 yards, two passing touchdowns, rushed for 113 yards, and scored one running touchdown. Jake Strong Jake Strong 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Northwest | 2023 State TX is a dynamic athlete who earned offers from Western Kentucky and Illinois State. Jake has been in contact with several schools and plans to visit Penn State before the end of the month.