2024 Rankings Update, Positional Breakdowns, QBs

Introducing the revamped Prep Redzone Pennsylvania 2024 rankings. In this piece, we will breakdown the top ten players at each position with this piece specifically highlighting the top ten quarterbacks. Plenty of new names and plenty of stock risers in this list alone. [player_tooltip player_id="164520" first="Samaj" last="Jones"] | 6’1, 210 | St. Joseph’s Prep [player_tooltip player_id="164520" first="Samaj" last="Jones"] will enter the 2022 Fall season as the top junior quarterback in the state. In a recent piece profiling the path ahead of Jones, we spoke in-depth about the pressure that might lie ahead for the elite dual-threat prospect. A ton of it is smoke and mirrors. For the time being, Jones is the top-rated passer regardless of class, with tape, recruitment and an outstanding work ethic to prove it. I am expecting to see an even more prolific, as well as confident, passer this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="64022" first="Alex" last="Erby"] | 6’4, 205 | Steelton-Highspire Deciding between Erby and Jones for the top spot is honestly splitting hairs. Jones exemplifies dual-threat, we know how coveted the ability to create with your legs is amongst collegiate staffs, yet Erby isn’t a statue behind center in the slightest. Calling Erby a dual-threat is a reach, but the young man makes up for in just about every way. In terms of checking off boxes, Erby might check off the most, making him one of the safest and surest bets when projecting to the next level. There’s a cerebral approach to his game, consistently making the right reads, consistent accuracy, height and weight check out. He’s productive in a system that wants to target all levels of the field. The fight between these two for the top spot will undoubtedly last until graduation in 2024. https://twitter.com/ErbyAlex/status/1497288723125448705?s=20&t=7OaqkKCTZ8R7KRwaDIQs5Q [player_tooltip player_id="98220" first="Julian" last="Dugger"] | 6’4, 195 | Penn Hills / [player_tooltip player_id="64000" first="Brad" last="Birch"] | 6’2, 180 | Gateway The first set of quarterbacks could be interchanged by the time November comes around. Same goes for both of these WPIAL quarterbacks, where either one could land the top spot after this Fall season concludes. Dugger might take the lead in terms of athleticism, recent recruitment and upside. Mechanical tweaks could unlock his game and elevate him to the top spot, a reality I could foresee down the line. All that being said, Birch flaunts the best arm talent of any quarterback in the state. Birch has the fundamentals, production and confidence to be the best quarterback in Pennsylvania. [player_tooltip player_id="142809" first="Jonathan" last="Ingram"] | 6’1, 175 | Roman Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="142809" first="Jonathan" last="Ingram"] starts us off in what would be considered the second tier of quarterbacks. I had the luxury of watching Ingram perform under the lights against one of the more formidable defenses the state had to offer in St. Joe’s Prep. I came away impressed. I have witnessed his play in the offseason, I came away impressed. In order to propel Ingram into that next tier of quarterbacks, we want to see consistency in all areas of his game. From footwork in the pocket, to seeing the field, to making the correct reads, a clean-up in all aspects would serve him dearly. The young man has undeniable potential, especially considering what he can do with his legs on the move. I hope to see the best version of Ingram this Fall. https://twitter.com/Jonningram2/status/1541620435527286785?s=20&t=7OaqkKCTZ8R7KRwaDIQs5Q [player_tooltip player_id="147011" first="Payton" last="Wehner"] | 6’0, 170 | Pittsburgh Central Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="147011" first="Payton" last="Wehner"]’s name is beginning to generate buzz outside of Pittsburgh, deservedly so. I see shades of William Penn’s [player_tooltip player_id="87840" first="Sam" last="Stoner"] in Wehner, beyond his height/weight combination. Wehner, the highest ranking un-offered quarterback, is currently in the same boat that many 2023 quarterbacks were in this time last year, especially given his build. Stoner, Susi and Hoenstine all put their money where their mouth is, put up huge junior campaigns and are now seeing their stock rise in recruiting. I foresee the same situation for Wehner as this Fall season will be crucial to eliminate any questions collegiate coaches might have of his game. [player_tooltip player_id="222655" first="Hayden" last="Johnson"] | 6’1, 180 | Manheim Township Johnson is another high-floor prospect who can take his stock as high as he wants to take it. The physical tools and frame are there. Johnson’s ability to move his launch point while feeling/evading pressure screams off the screen when watching his tape. He’s adept at keeping his eyes downfield, his depth perception and ability to stay the course despite chaos in the pocket is a huge plus for me. Time from reading the defense to release of the football is solid. All types of throws on tape, seams, corner routes, outside breaking routes hit on time. Johnson is a well put together prospect whose gleaming trait might be his moldability. [player_tooltip player_id="255745" first="Cole" last="Meehan"] | 6’2, 175 | Lansdale Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="255745" first="Cole" last="Meehan"] is the wildcard of this group. Meehan is a well-equipped and technically sound quarterback whose junior campaign will be analyzed by Division One programs across the East Coast. The big question with Meehan isn’t the young man’s desire, or work ethic, or mechanics. It’s simply production on the field, something that can be relatively easy to boost the longer the young man can develop in a system. We’ve spoken on Meehan’s top-five potential before, now it’s time to prove it. Meehan checks off many boxes, most of those boxes being things you can’t teach. Everything just needs to come together. [player_tooltip player_id="249886" first="Kanan" last="Huffman"] | 6’3, 180 | Pine Richland [player_tooltip player_id="249886" first="Kanan" last="Huffman"] has received a necessary boost this offseason. Huge offseason improvement has got to have the staff at Pine-Richland smiling ear to ear. Huffman’s rise in stock is reflective of his potential in this Pine Richland system, rather than production. As we continue to get closer to final senior grades, our projections on players impact their rank less and less. This is the final and highest projection Huffman can get without excellent production to match, huge junior season coming for the young man. [player_tooltip player_id="255059" first="Quentin" last="Goode"] | 5’11, 165 | Aliquippa A state champion, a 2nd-Team All-Conference quarterback who accumulated 2,000 yards and 17 scores, yet somehow still overlooked by many. Say what you will about Goode’s stature, he’s got a six-minute tape to back up most questions surrounding his game. Big splash throws are riddled throughout his film, proving to anyone that a big arm can be attached to someone who’s frame might be considered "small". The confidence and arm strength tie together well, throw in some burners on the outside and you have an Aliquippa offense that can beat you in seemingly any way. Quips defense is loaded with potential D1 prospects, some on the offense as well, so much so that Goode’s talent often gets over-looked.