Is This The Year of QB in Alabama?
What if I told you the state known for tenacity and defensive prospects is also a landmine of young QBs? Week 0 presented a number of next-level gun slingers that will be factors in their respective recruiting cycles. Let’s check…
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Continue ReadingWhat if I told you the state known for tenacity and defensive prospects is also a landmine of young QBs? Week 0 presented a number of next-level gun slingers that will be factors in their respective recruiting cycles. Let’s check them out!
Highlights
Keenan gave an all-state performance against Hueytown and outdueled one of the better QBs in the state to get a victory and start the season off right. He went 27/38 for 329 yards with five touchdowns and showed age ain’t nothing but a number when the lights are on. The Ramsay product looks the part and has prototypical height with a frame that will add weight over time. He takes advantage of these passing lanes with a Nice quick, over-the-top whip lash release. Keenan shows dependability in the short game and consistently takes what the defense gives him. However, when throwing the ball downfield, he can win with touch and ball placement. Keenan also is elite at hitting off-platform throws consistently. He made several throws last week without having his base set and delivered darts despite that. Lastly, Keenan is remarkably poised for his age, He’s Calm, cool, and collected and seems to be in control of the offense. So in a few years, when you hear Kennan’s name tied to major programs, you heard it here first.
McClellan is a young gun who’s oozing with potential. The Clay-Chalkville product seems to have all the tools to develop into a power five player with the size, arm talent, and elite weapons around him. With a solid showcase against Briarwood, McClellan quietly proved he’s amongst the upper echelon of QBs in the state. He has an extremely live arm and gets a great spin on the ball. With a Rapid fire release and doesn’t lose accuracy when throwing on the run or off-platform and consistently hits guys between the numbers. Mclellan also showed tremendous toughness and poise when staring down the barrel of the gun and still delivering accurate passes down the field. This ability to make plays with his arm under pressure is very rare in young QBs and gives receivers extra time to work themselves open and make plays downfield. It’ll be interesting to see how McClellan progresses through the season and where he can take the Chalkville offense.
Jabari Collier
Jabari Collier
Collier is a dynamic dual threat with all the tools to develop into a next-level player. While rushing for 206 yards and 4 TDs on ten carries and adding in 173 yards through the air with 2TDs, he showed flashes of brilliance and potential as a standout QB in the state. As a passer, he gets a consistent spiral in all three levels, which is a testament to his natural arm strength. He seems to get solid distance on the ball with a simple wrist flick. As a runner, he’s a smooth strider who can get to stop speed in an instant. Shows elite/ track star-like speed and agility to weave through defenses on scrambles. Shows efficiency when throwing on the move. In closed quarters he’s extremely shifty and has excellent bursts out of his jukes. He took a lot of ankles during his game against Jasper and was one of the more elusive players we observed last week. It’ll be interesting to see the highlights Collier creates during the year.
Highlights
Handley diced up his opponent last week and has put his name in the conversation as one of the better pocket passers. With one of the tightest spirals in the state, Handley consistently delivers accurate passes in the quick and intermediate parts of the field. In the pocket, he can shred defenses and make quick decisions. This fast style of play, in addition to his dependable ball placement, gives his playmakers space, time, and opportunity to operate and stay ahead of the chains. Though he’s proficient in the short game, Handley can also throw the rainbow ball and deliver passes to receivers in stride-on-go routes, making him a threat to attack every level. Look for Handley to be of the more accurate QBs in Alabama and develop into a high end prospect.
Creel is quarterback with a backyard mentality and can consistently make something out of nothing. While throwing for 19-33 with 213 yards and adding 122 yards on the ground, Creel showed excellent improvisational skills and a high level of creativity. He’s extremely comfortable when the pocket breaks down and seems to thrive against chaos. He seems to always have an escape route/plan and uses his excellent mobility to generate chunk plays, throwing lanes, and time for his receivers. As a ball thrower, he’s efficient when throwing on the run and has a quick release. Shows comfort in working the middle of the field and can occasionally expose tight windows. Look for Creel to be a productive dual threat that should land some quality offers throughout the season.