Trait Ranking Series – Quarterbacks, Part II
In part one of the QB segment, we looked at traits that compose arm talent and running ability. In part two we will be doing the same for accuracy and pocket prowess. Arm Talent Accuracy In the Pocket Running Velocity…
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Continue ReadingIn part one of the QB segment, we looked at traits that compose arm talent and running ability. In part two we will be doing the same for accuracy and pocket prowess.
Arm Talent | Accuracy | In the Pocket | Running |
Velocity | Shoulder Placement | Pocket Awareness | Speed |
Deep Ball | Timing | Poise | Power |
Off-Platform | Anticipation | Pocket Manipulation | Elusiveness |
Release | Footwork | ||
Accuracy
- Jackson House Jackson House 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Dunham | 2023 State LA – St James Academy
Precision is the name of the game when watching Jackson House Jackson House 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Dunham | 2023 State LA ’s film. His timing and anticipation are pristine, allowing him to routinely throw receivers open, with the confidence to release the ball before they come open when required, putting the ball in spots where his receiver can run through it and make the catch. His instincts as a pure passer appear to be innate to a point that they simply can’t be coached, and his accuracy is deadly, with the ball routinely being put on the correct shoulder, in spots that only his receiver can make the catch.
2. Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2023 State KS – Maize High School
Johnson is masterful at creating YAC opportunities for his receivers, especially on slants and intermediate in-routes, and thanks to his arm talent, the ball arrives quickly, allowing his receiver to accelerate through the catch before defenders can break on the ball. He also shows uncanny touch on vertical and fade routes, allowing his receivers to run under the ball without breaking stride.
3. Hayden Jay Hayden Jay 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Mill Valley | 2023 State KS – Mill Valley High School
The two-time state champion is one of the more underrated prospects in the state in my opinion, in large part because of how complete a QB prospect he is. Jay throws seem and posts routes with uncanny timing and touch, with a highly catchable ball that allows his receivers to pluck the ball in stride. He also does a very good job throwing his receiver open, hitting the open shoulder with deadly precision.
In the Pocket
- Hayden Jay Hayden Jay 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Mill Valley | 2023 State KS – Mill Valley High School
The fact that Jay lands on the list that refers to abilities in the pocket, while technically being classified as a dual threat, is a testament to how complete a prospect he is. Jay’s footwork In the pocket is polished, with very clean and concise drop backs when he’s asked to throw from the pocket. The most impressive thing I saw on tape, and something that cannot be coached, is his poise and fearlessness in the pocket. Jay simply does not fade back in the pocket under pressure and will stand tall and deliver the football when he knows he’s about to get hit.
2. Jackson House Jackson House 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Dunham | 2023 State LA – St James Academy
You can’t be the quintessential ‘point guard’ QB without solid fundamentals, so it should come as no surprise to find House near the top of this list. House’s footwork in the pocket is on point more often than not, but what’s even more impressive is his savvy and instincts on the pocket. With highly coordinated feet and a sixth sense for open space, House’s movement in the pocket is subtle, but it shows an unteachable knack for knowing precisely where he needs to step to reset and avoid oncoming rushers.
3. Gabe Welch Gabe Welch 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Arkansas City | 2023 State KS – Arkansas City High School
Let’s start with the fact that someone could use Welch’s film when teaching a drop back clinic. His feet never stop as he navigates the pocket, while his eyes remain transfixed on his receivers and he does an excellent job resetting his platform when required. In addition, Welch has a sixth sense when it comes to avoiding free rushers, with innate anticipation and spatial awareness. It is absolutely no coincidence that he made a multitude of big plays on scrambles, as his eyes always seem to be a step ahead of the defense.