2023 Quarterbacks Leading the Way

To have a successful season, leadership from both your seniors and your quarterback is of the utmost importance. A senior quarterback sets the tone for the entire offense- if not the entire team. Today, we look at some of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2023, before they embark on huge senior seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="107277" first="Carson" last="Parmer"], 6’3, 195 pounds, South Decatur While a lot of quarterbacks show panic when under pressure, [player_tooltip player_id="107277" first="Carson" last="Parmer"] shows poise. His highlight film shows several instances where he had to make throws while taking a hit. On those plays, he makes good decisions and accurate throws. Parmer displays good mobility both in the pocket and also when he has to eject the pocket. While on the move, he keeps his eyes down field and finds receivers. Parmer does well making off-platform throws. He shows that he has solid arm talent, and that he can throw a good ball. [player_tooltip player_id="107258" first="Christian" last="Johnson"], 6’1, 195 pounds, Parke Heritage [player_tooltip player_id="107258" first="Christian" last="Johnson"] is a playmaking machine at Parke Heritage. He completed 204 of his 309 pass attempts as a junior. He passed for an incredible 3,160 yards and 44 touchdowns. It is not just the astronomically high numbers that are impressive, it is how low his interception count was that will turn a lot of heads. Last year, Johnson threw only six interceptions for a touchdown to interception ratio of better than seven to one. As astounding as he is on offense, Johnson is a significant defensive contributor as well. He recorded 33 tackles with one quarterback hurry, one interception, two pass defenses and one fumble recovery. [player_tooltip player_id="107258" first="Christian" last="Johnson"] is ready to put on a show in his final high school campaign next fall. [player_tooltip player_id="185177" first="Blake" last="Herdes"], 6’3, 185 pounds, Evansville Central [player_tooltip player_id="185177" first="Blake" last="Herdes"] has the ability to play backyard football and make big throws when the play breaks down. Herdes’ 2021 season was limited to just six games, but one can expect a big senior year from him. In 2021, Herdes was 55 of 134 for 582 yards. He threw one touchdown and eight interceptions. Herdes has good arm strength, but he also uses his legs effectively. In his junior year, Herdes carried the ball 39 times for 151 yards. [player_tooltip player_id="185177" first="Blake" last="Herdes"] is a player to watch out for next year. [player_tooltip player_id="107220" first="Nicholas" last="Patterson"], 6’2, 225 pounds, Mooresville [player_tooltip player_id="107220" first="Nicholas" last="Patterson"] enjoyed an outstanding junior season, proving why he needs to be on teams’ radars. Patterson is very accurate and athletic- a combination that can make life difficult for the opposing defense on each play. Patterson is great at eluding the rush and using his legs to either keep plays alive or pick up yardage. Patterson makes great reads, rarely forcing throws into coverage. Patterson throws a good ball, and he can execute all the throws. He is accurate and leads the receiver when throwing the ball down the field. When firing to underneath targets, Patterson does well getting the ball out quickly, on-time and right where it needs to be. While Patterson can make plays as a runner, he is excellent at standing in the pocket and going through his progressions. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="107220" first="Nicholas" last="Patterson"] to make another big splash next season.