SW Regional Showcase: QB Top Dawgs

Under the instruction of Coach J.P Tillman (@TheQBTech) we got to watch these quarterbacks react to real-time training. This QB group had a lot of strong arms and as a collective, they pushed the ball down the field and had command of their throws. Every single one of these guys don't have the next level attention their play warrants, yet everyone of them has talent to take it to the next level. <strong>Kaeden Smith | 6’0” 185lbs | 2023 | Manvel </strong> The Most Outstanding QB award went to Manvel’s Kaeden Smith. The junior has very solid fundamentals that translates to his throwing production. With good feet and body language, it allows him to fire the football with some impressive zip on it. Smith not only has superb velocity on his ball, but he knows where to place it. He did a phenomenal job of putting it only where his intended target could make a play. Between being accurate and having good throw power, he’s athletic. Currently sitting with no offers, he just might be one of the most under-recruited quarterbacks in the Houston area. <strong>Deuce Barrington | 5’11” 185lbs | 2024 | Katy Jordan <img class="size-medium wp-image-325939 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2175-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> Deuce Barrington was a man on a mission at the SW Regional Showcase. With clean footwork, his drops are precise and put his lower body in position to throw. In the 1 on 1’s the Jordan gunslinger seemed like he couldn’t miss. He possesses a very strong arm but more impressive is his down-the-field accuracy. Those downfield passes his WR wouldn’t have to break stride at all. Barrington is an under-the-radar prospect with a strong arm who is having stock rising spring. [embed]https://twitter.com/EvanShumardTV/status/1513260626486910981?s=20&t=AFNzFQpJYcSvajNCLcfbKg[/embed] &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-325940 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2197-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />[player_tooltip player_id="278781" first="Tanner" last="Huckfelt"] | 5’10” 155lbs | 2025 | Magnolia West</strong> With a very accurate arm you had to get eyes on [player_tooltip player_id="278781" first="Tanner" last="Huckfelt"]. Many people were surprised and impressed by his overall talent early on in the showcase. His accuracy was on point, and not just in the sense that the ball got to WR. On one rep in 7v7 he had a WR on a post and was able to flatten out his WR with a missile over the LB that brought down the receiver away from the safety. Huckfelt had command of his huddle and brought his A-game to the showcase. There is a lot of excitement around the young signal-caller that I expect to continue to grow throughout his high school career. [embed]https://twitter.com/TannerHuckfelt/status/1516539252993101826?s=20&t=AFNzFQpJYcSvajNCLcfbKg[/embed] &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-325941 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2191-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Marlon Freeney | 5’11" 190lbs | 2023 | Pickering (LA) </strong> Coming to Houston from Louisiana, Marlon Freeney didn’t waste his time attending the SW Regional Showcase. Freeney is a fluid mover and has good touch from the pocket. He does a great job shuffling around in the pocket while keeping his eyes down the field. With some solid footwork, his feet are always ready to throw along with his upper body. Freeney has a strong arm but also can add some touch to his passes. After 2 years on varsity, you can tell he knows how to take charge in the huddle. Freeney is a dual-threat with valuable rushing ability and even surpassed the 100-yard mark 3 times in 2021. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-325942" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2195-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="279397" first="STEPHEN" last="GILL"] Jr. | 5’10” 180 | 2024 | St. John’s</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="279397" first="STEPHEN" last="GILL"] displayed a very fast processing and controlled arm. His passes had the necessary touch to drop into his target. He appears cool, calm, collected on every rep, and delivered a successful ball. Gill impressed me initially with his ability to throw and lead a receiver out without them breaking stride. His game can continue to improve as he gets more experience, but Gill has the talent to lead the helm for his squad. His ball placement and quick release make any route available to hit for [player_tooltip player_id="279397" first="STEPHEN" last="GILL"]. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-325945" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2190-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Owen Lansu | 6’0” 155lbs | 2026 | Hendrick Middle School (IL)</strong> While watching the quarterbacks warm up the number 455 jumped out to me. Owen Lansu off-rip had great form and the velocity on his ball was impressive. Then I learned that he was just an 8th grader! Lansu plays well ahead of his age. His technique is precise and has the arm strength of a varsity quarterback. As this young gunslinger gets older and progresses he could turn into a highly sought-after recruit. He already has great tools and attitude to work with that coaches love. &nbsp;