QBs Emerge At Prospect Showcase

<strong>Naples, Florida - </strong>As <strong>Greg Hayes</strong> called out the names of the quarterbacks who were taking place in last Sunday’s Prep Redzone Florida Football Showcase, he was pumped up about the beautiful day in southwest Florida. As parents, coaches and athletes headed to the Paradise Sports Complex, the Ave Maria University offensive coordinator put some talented prospects through three hours of teaching and competition – all designed to have these young men jump on the radar. They came from all over the Sunshine State to get their names out there – and in the process – turned some heads along the way. Here is a look at the quarterbacks on hand: <strong>CLASS OF 2023</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="301854" first="Luke" last="Gisclair"], QB, 6-0, 180, Tampa Plant. </strong>Watching this quality passer throughout the event, you saw someone with a very strong and accurate arm. Follows in the rich tradition of Plant Panther quarterbacks – and is part of the rebuilding process. A very athletic prospect with outstanding grades. Did very well all day long. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14788936/61881bb05b3d390148cafe9d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14788936/61881bb05b3d390148cafe9d</a> <strong>Connor Whaley, QB, 6-2, 210, Tucker, Georgia. </strong>Traveling all the way from the Atlanta area, the objective for this young man was also showcase his skills against superior talent, and he didn’t disappoint. Has size grades and a solid work ethic, as he sowed during the testing drills and the 1-on-1 competition. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12861529/61d8b829da5bd80c703e9ae3">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12861529/61d8b829da5bd80c703e9ae3</a> <strong>CLASS OF 2024</strong> <strong>Fabian Rodriguez, QB, 6-0, 185, Doral Academy. </strong>While he runs out of a two back set during the season, here is a talented all-around prospect who is not afraid to run the ball and break the pocket. At the showcase, he showed good form and worked extremely hard to make the most of his trip across Alligator Alley. The coaches who watched him during the 1-on-1 phase were impressed at his mechanics. Huge spring ahead for more exposure with college coaches coming to see the Firebirds. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13373019/Fabian-Rodriguez">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13373019/Fabian-Rodriguez</a> <strong>CLASS OF 2025</strong> <strong>Jason Barket, QB, 5-11, 155, Miami Westminster Christian. </strong>Part of a young group of prospects who attended the event, and while his maturity still has to kick in, and it will, he showed that he is willing to learn, and as he continues to play the position and work hard in the off-season and through the spring, he has a chance. On Sunday, he made some very good throws, but also fell short – which is something that will definitely happen to a very hard worker. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16079668/Jason-Barket-Jr">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16079668/Jason-Barket-Jr</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="163001" first="Niko" last="Boyce"], QB, 6-0, 180, Naples. </strong>If you follow Naples High School, it is already common knowledge that this is a program that gets athletes ready for the big stage. This is one of those promising quarterback prospects who works extremely hard and will do everything it take to make an impact. Even though he throws a nice ball, this is a versatile run/pass prospect who can use his legs if needed to move the chains. Always working on his craft, he did not disappoint on Sunday, doing well in the drills as well as showing that his arm strength and accuracy are certainly an asset. Keep your eye on his progress. He could be that “next man up” for the Golden Eagles. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16385805/Niko-Boyce">https://www.hudl.com/profile/16385805/Niko-Boyce</a> <strong>Chase Garcia, QB, Bonita Springs. </strong>Like so many younger players, this is definitely a work in progress. During the next three years, plenty will happen as long as he stays with it and works hard. Maturity and natural growth will play a big part over the next few seasons. He is willing to work hard and showcase his skills. <strong>Cameron Kurzon, QB, 5-8, 145, Orlando Boone. </strong>Sometimes it’s not easy to tell about a prospect early on – with so much involved in the growing process, but in this young man’s case, you can tell that he is willing to put in the work throughout the year. A versatile signal caller, who can run as well showcase an accurate arm. As he matures and gets stronger, he has the chance to be special, and watching him at Sunday’s event, you can see that he is more than a work in progress. Keep an eye on his progress. <strong>TAPE:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8175858/619af2fc066bbd0594981860">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8175858/619af2fc066bbd0594981860</a> <strong>CLASS OF 2026</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="205736" first="Jack" last="Spaeder"], QB, 6-0, 150, Miami Dade Christian.</strong> When you consider that he is only in the 8^th grade, you can appreciate what he already brings to the table. A versatile talent who will make the move from youth football to a Dade Christian team that develops and teaches. Watching him during the showcase, you see a talent that just lacks maturity and a solid weight room. He makes all the throws, but lacks that overall arm strength – which is to be expected. Two years from now, when he gets bigger and grasps the defense a bit more, everyone will be on him because of his ability to pick things up. Excited to see how things unfold over the next few years. Remember the name! <strong><em>We will be spotlighting many of these prospects all week long, giving everyone a chance to shine!</em></strong>