Under The Radar: Quarterbacks – 2024

As we continue with the <em>Under The Radar </em>series, we’re going to take a look now at the class of 2024, with three quarterbacks that could see a huge boost in their recruiting profile with strong junior seasons. While the prospects in the class of 2024 haven’t been ranked yet, I’m picking three quarterbacks who were quietly great last season and will get a bump in recruiting buzz if they take a leap in their development in 2022. <strong>Under the Radar Quarterbacks</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="251258" first="Derek" last="Hester"], Palmer Ridge Bears (QB)(So.)(4) - Hester had one of the more productive seasons last year of any passer in the class of 2024, as it was obvious much of the offense ran through him. Reviewing the stat line from his sophomore season, Hester went a highly accurate 165 of 246 (67%) for 2,345 yards passing, 25 passing touchdowns against 11 interceptions, and a QBR of 112.9 while also adding 193 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns as well. When you watch the tape from Hester’s sophomore season, you can see he displays outstanding accuracy at all levels of the field. Good pocket presence allows him to keep his eyes downfield while avoiding the rush. Shows an ability to throw accurately from different arm angles and while being off-platform. Displays poise and composure when forced to ad-lib outside of structure. Adequate arm strength allows him to threaten all three levels if thrown with anticipation. Displays outstanding ball placement on throws that require touch on the boundary or in the middle of the field. Shows enough ability as a runner for the defense to respect the threat of him taking off. While not a true duel-threat, he displays enough athleticism to create plays and gain chunks of yards when forced to scramble or on designed runs in short-yardage/goal line situations. Hester checks all the boxes recruiters look for in a quarterback with his tape, production, and frame (6’1, 165 lbs). If Hester can cut down on his turnovers and continue to grow as a passer, he’ll be a fun player to follow the next two years. [player_tooltip player_id="218297" first="Liam" last="Szarka"], Grandview Wolves (QB)(So.)(12) - Much like Hester, Szarka had a quietly productive sophomore season leading the Wolves offense. Any time the Wolves needed a big play through the air or on the ground, Szarka was frequently called upon. Looking at Szarka’s stat line from 2021, he went 145 of 264 (55%) for 1,924 yards passing, 14 touchdown passes against 8 interceptions, and a QBR of 83.3. Szarka also acted as a threat on the ground, rushing for 506 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. When you look at Szarka’s film from 2021, you can see that he has an extremely strong arm that allows him to hit receivers on short and intermediate routes in between tight windows while also giving him the ability to take the top off of even the most dynamic defensive backfields. Smart and poised QB that moves through his progressions quickly and decisively while limiting turnover worthy plays. Confident passer that takes calculated risks without forcing throws into no-win situations. Shows accuracy and great anticipation to all levels of the field. Precise passer while making throws on the run and against his body. Hard-nosed runner that isn’t afraid to be aggressive at the point-of-contact with the defender to gain extra yards. Displays good vision finding day light on designed runs. Displays a knack for escaping the pocket and creating big plays when forced to scramble. Shows great lateral agility and top end foot speed that allows him to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders.  Szarka possesses all the traits, production, and has the frame (6’2, 180 lbs) that college recruiters covet. If Szarka can take another step as a passer in his junior season, there’s no reason he shouldn’t establish a recruiting presence. [player_tooltip player_id="143640" first="Wyatt" last="Sprague"], Holyoke Dragons (QB/SS)(So.)(2) - Sprague is a dual-threat quarterback much like Szarka, except he’s a little bit more raw as a passer than Szarka, but is equally as talented athletically. Looking back on Sprague’s sophomore season, he went 95 of 165 (58%) for 1,247 yards passing, 10 passing touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and a QBR of 76.5. On the ground, Sprague accounted for 576 yards rushing and 11 rushing touchdowns on top of his passing production. In addition to his offensive output, Sprague accounted for 102 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack, 3 interceptions, 19 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovered while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown on special teams. To say Sprague is a utility player would be a disservice, as he’s so much more than that. When you look at the film of Sprague’s sophomore season, you can see he shows a smooth, quick, over the top release combined with consistent footwork in the pocket that allows him to maintain accuracy on throws to all levels of the field. Displays good arm strength on tight-window, short and intermediate throws as well as deeper throws along the boundary. Adequate presence in the pocket but his athleticism allows him to create more time than he otherwise would have. Shows good, consistent accuracy on short and intermediate routes that require throws with anticipation. True dual-threat QB that can routinely move the chains when forced to scramble or on designed runs. Highly elusive runner in the open field with enough foot speed and lateral agility to pull away from most 2nd and 3rd level defenders. While Sprague will need to be a more refined passer in his junior season, he has more than enough athleticism and the frame (6’2, 185 lbs) to become a college quarterback. If his passing ability goes to the next level, he will be an absolutely lethal player for the next two years.