2024 Quarterbacks to Watch for This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The transition to being an upperclassman is an important one for those who wish to be leaders on their teams. This leadership process is most important at the quarterback position. The Class of 2024 offers up a rising group of quarterbacks who are looking to shine this year. Today, we spotlight a group of five elite passing prospects who are heading into their junior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='109625' first='Danny' last='O'Neil'], 6'1, 185 pounds, Cathedral</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right-hander [player_tooltip player_id='109625' first='Danny' last='O'Neil'] is coming off a huge season which was capped off with a state championship medal being placed around his neck. O'Neil is an accurate passer who uses his arms and legs to hurt opponents. With his arm, O'Neil works all parts of the field. He throws a good deep ball and maintains drive and accuracy on throws to the perimeter. O'Neil makes outstanding decisions. On the R-P-O, he reads the defensive front well and makes good decisions as to whether to hand it off, run it himself or throw the ball. When the coverage is good down field, O'Neil can break the pocket and pick up yards on the ground. O'Neil threw 33 touchdowns and only a pair of interceptions for an incredible touchdown to interception ratio of 16:1 a season ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='322440' first='DJ' last='Gordon'], 6'1, 195 pounds, Park Tudor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Righty [player_tooltip player_id='322440' first='DJ' last='Gordon'] is a true dual-threat, capable of finding various ways to make plays for Park Tudor. Gordon is sensational at extending plays and giving his receivers additional time to get open, all the while forcing defenses to remain vigilant for the potential of him running the ball- something that he does to great effect. Last year, Gordon amassed 1,353 yards after completing 91/158 passes. Gordon recorded 17 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. He ran for over 700 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='322440' first='DJ' last='Gordon'] to create highlight reels plays on Friday nights this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='272853' first='Scott' last='Ballentine'], 6'0, 175 pounds, Andrean</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='272853' first='Scott' last='Ballentine'] engineered the Andrean offense to a state championship last year. Now in 2022, Ballentine looks to lead his team back to the Circle City to defend their title. Ballentine sees the field well and is great at reading defenses. He does not force throws into coverage and avoids costly interceptions. Ballentine can drive the ball to receivers outside the numbers. Ballentine can extend plays and buy time for his receivers. He connected on 222 of 325 passes in 2021, racking up 2,860 yards in the process. He tossed 27 touchdowns passes and only eight interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='301144' first='Tanner' last='Boyd'], 6'0, 185 pounds, Gibson Southern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='301144' first='Tanner' last='Boyd'] will have the difficult task of replacing Brady Allen at Gibson Southern. While it will not be easy, the indications are that [player_tooltip player_id='301144' first='Tanner' last='Boyd'] is capable of rising to the challenge. Boyd has flashed a lot of potential in limited varsity playing time. Boyd has good vision, something that helps in both the running and passing-game. When putting the ball in the air, Boyd can get the ball out quick and hit the target. He can be especially dangerous running the ball. He excels at both R-P-Os and designed quarterback runs. Boyd can find running room and pick up chunk yardage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='299879' first='Zander' last='Brazel'], 6'0, 185 pounds, East Noble</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='299879' first='Zander' last='Brazel'] had a big sophomore season, one that will inspire confidence that bigger things are on the horizon. Brazel threw 127 passes last year, finding the mark on 68 of them. Brazel accumulated slightly over 1,200 yards. He threw 14 touchdowns and an impressively low mark of four interceptions. Brazel tacked on 93 rushing yards. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='299879' first='Zander' last='Brazel'] to take the next step this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->