The Invite Only QBs From The Chris Evans Showcase
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There were only a few QBs invited to the showcase and they didn’t miss a beat. These 4 were selected to come in and throw because you need live arms for 1 on 1s. It obviously makes sense to bring…
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Continue ReadingThere were only a few QBs invited to the showcase and they didn’t miss a beat. These 4 were selected to come in and throw because you need live arms for 1 on 1s. It obviously makes sense to bring in young QBs to get them reps. Today, we’re looking at the QBs who were asked to throw and how they did.
Thomas Gotkowski Thomas Gotkowski 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Ben Davis | 2024 State IN – Ben Davis – QB – 6’1″ 185lbs – 2024
Gotkowski has a fantastic arm and that’s the first thing you notice. He’s able to sling the rock and whip it around the field. His hips always follow and he stays in line. As they should be, his hips are the driving force of his throws. His arm angle is able to change and he can whip it around the field. He’s got a nice form, quick motion, and it comes out hot. He’s able to throw with anticipation and rip it into some small windows. Throwing to his right, he’s incredibly dangerous, especially when untouched in the pocket. His downfield accuracy is fine and he’s also got a big arm. Gotkowski can step up and let it rip. He sees the field well and makes quick decisions. His film shows all of the same traits, just with live bullets. He’s able to throw the ball from multiple angles and doesn’t hesitate to throw through someone. He’s mechanically sound for his age and his hips are always in line. I talked with him quite a bit afterwards and he’s someone who likes to work. I was actually disappointed I didn’t get to talk to him and ran into him in the parking lot where he was grateful to talk. Gotkowski is also a decent athlete who can step up and run when he needs to. However, good things happen when he’s in the pocket. Ben Davis is in good hands this fall with Gotkowski and where he is with his development.
Juju Rodriguez Juju Rodriguez 5'7" | 145 lbs | QB Ben Davis | 2025 State IN – Ben Davis – QB/ATH – 2025
Rodriguez is a great athlete who is right on track with where he should be. While I wasn’t able to locate a H/W for him so I don’t have his specifics, he’s a smaller guy who could easily shoot up. He’s got long arms and legs and feels like he’s still growing. The best part, he’s got the arm and mobility to make plays regardless. Juju is able to throw guys open and is getting better. He knows where he’s supposed to go with the ball and then has the accuracy to put it where only his guy can get it. The best throw of the day, in my opinion, was from Juju. He stepped up and delivered a heat seeking missile about 30-yards downfield that ripped right over the ear-hole of the defender and into the receivers arms. It was one of those throws where nobody really believed what they just saw. I mentioned he’s a great athlete, and that’s selling him short. Juju can fly. I believe he finished second in the fastest man alive competition and the finish was close. He’s a hard worker and is a great athlete. If he doesn’t play QB, he could move to a handful of other positions, but he comes across as a leader. I say that because his demeanor never changed. When he’s on the field, he almost looks angry, but it’s because he locks in. I appreciate the look in his eye. He’s hungry and you can see it. He stepped up, made throw after throw, and never switched up. He expected to make those throws and moved on. A great thing to see in my opinion. I really liked Juju and what I saw. He’s going to keep developing, putting the work in, and when he gets his chance he’ll make the most of it.
Tanner Aspeslet Tanner Aspeslet 6'4" | 200 lbs | QB Lawrence North | 2025 State IN – Bishop Chatard – QB – 6’2″ 195lbs – 2025
Aspeslet absolutely looks the part and has the ability to match. He’s someone I ranked highly initially and turns out, that may have been too low. He’s got a big frame, lengthy, and is still growing. His listed weight is 6’2″ and he’s definitely up there. I’mf 6’2″ and it really felt like I was looking up at him. His arm checks out as well. He can let it rip and put the ball where he wants. His footwork is rather polished for his age and he’s got a nice base. I watched his feet quite a bit and while not perfect, doesn’t have a bad heel click that kills his power. He’s able to put the ball where he wants to and can drop the ball over the top. He was quick with his decisions and put the ball on a line every time. In the 1 on 1’s, he was feeling it. He got into a rhythm and made a handful of elite throws downfield. Every QB there did, but Aspeslet had a few throws over the middle of the field that made the LB look silly. Aspeslet’s development since I covered him a few months back has been clear as day to see. He looks good, he’s got a big arm, and he’s a good conversation. He’s someone who can easily develop into a college starter by the time he graduates. It’s crazy that he’s in the class of 2025. With his tools, fundamentals in line, and size he’s going to draw a ton of interest when it’s his time. Aspeslet’s future is bright and he’s just getting started. He’s a smooth operator who guys tend to rally around. I’m stoked to see him this fall and how far he’s come on the field.
Jayden Buchanan Jayden Buchanan 5'7" | 150 lbs | QB Roncalli | 2025 State IN – Roncalli – QB – 5’7″ 135lbs – 2025
Buchanan is one of my favorite recruits in the state just simply based on attitude. You notice him, immediately, every time he steps on the field. It’s for a multitude of reasons. You look over and see the shortest guy of the group leading everything and people looking to him for answers. Mess it up and he will bark at you. He likes details and I can appreciate that on the field. Yes, he’s currently undersized but is the hardest worker, most consistent player, and is the one everyone turns to if they have a problem. He makes throw after throw after throw and is always in line to take the next rep. He’s as consistent as can be and his footwork is fairly good for his age. His arm is fairly decent as well. Everything with him comes naturally and he’s a quick learner. He’s humble, never gets too over the top, and when he does celebrate, gets right back to work when he’s done. Personally, I’m not worried about his size because he’s still got plenty of time and could easily be 6’+ by the time he graduates, but also because I know you’re getting a hard worker and a leader. His ability on the field speaks for itself. If he’s not a QB, he’s able to go play WR and bounce around. He’s got a knack for making plays wherever you put him. He showed up and showed out on Friday and then again on Saturday. I’ve always heard good things, seen good things, and now have more reason to believe it. At the end of the day, he’s going to leave it all on the field and you’ll get the best out of him. I’m really excited to see what he can do this fall with all the development he’s had over the past 6 months.