Film Room: Analyzing Breakout QBs in Georgia, Part II
As expected, the state of Georgia has numerous top performers at the QB position this season. Some of them have inevitably broke onto the scene, while others have come out of nowhere and are starting to make their mark known.…
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Continue ReadingAs expected, the state of Georgia has numerous top performers at the QB position this season. Some of them have inevitably broke onto the scene, while others have come out of nowhere and are starting to make their mark known.
Here, we take a look at some of the breakout QBs the state has to offer, and analyze what has led to their big-time seasons.
Baxter Wright – Gainesville – 2024
Gainesville has quickly ascended into one of the best teams in the state this season, and they are doing it behind some stellar QB play from Baxter Wright. I got some eyes on Wright this preseason and was impressed with his decision-making and poise, but I would have never predicted this kind of success. So far, he has thrown for over 1000 yards and has added 9 TDs against just 2 INTs. He has also been efficient, completing over 70% of his passes. Wright has also rushed it in twice for TDs. On film, Wright has an unconventional release and some may say he moves a little awkwardly, but he plays under control and is a great decision-maker. He can mix up velocities on the ball and does an outstanding job of getting the ball into tight windows before they close. To me, it looks like he has the uncanny ability to read the defense and make quick decisions. Gainesville is one of the best teams the state has to offer this season, and they’re doing it behind the arm of their junior signal caller.
KJ Smith – Roswell – 2024
Smith came into this season with just one career start under his belt, but he is playing like a seasoned vet. Roswell has the history of producing elite QBs, and Smith looks like the next in line. On the year, he has completed 64% of his passes for nearly 900 yards and 8 TDs against 3 INTs. He has also been effective on the ground, coming off a 109 yard rushing performance with a TD. He is a true dual-threat QB that has flashed some serious playmaking ability, and he is only going to get better from here. When watching film, I am very impressed with Smith’s pocket prescience. He does an awesome job of standing tall and climbing in the pocket when under duress. He also shows the ability to break tackles and make throws when under pressure. He has a windup style delivery and can spin the ball extremely nicely, he shows tons of confidence in his arm and often places the ball to where only his receiver can make a play on it. His ability to layer the ball over defenders is uncanny. As a runner, he runs the option game very well and showcases RB-like vision. Smith is just starting to rise up boards and will be a name to watch over the next 2 seasons.
Tate Morris – McIntosh – 2023
Tate Morris went from being an unheard of prospect on the recruiting trail to one of the most productive players in Georgia in just one season. On the year, he has thrown for over 1500 yards with 11 TDs and just 3 INTs. He has also rushed for just under 600 yards and has added 3 rushing TDs. He currently leads the state in total yards with 2,143. When watching film, it is clear that Morris has rare arm strength. He has a compact release and can rip the ball downfield into tight coverage and let it fly for the deep ball. I am also very impressed with his ability to climb the pocket and take big hits. As a runner, he is extremely physical and shows some good burst. He reminds me a little of UGA QB Gunner Stockton. Finding breakout prospects like Morris is one of the most fun parts of this job, and hopefully he starts to appear on the radar for some colleges as well. He is a playmaker and can make any throw on the field, which gives him so much value at the next level.
JD Davis – Grayson – 2024
Davis transferred to Grayson after playing sparingly at Warner Robins for 2 years. Not only has he helped drastically improve the Grayson offense, but he has also vastly elevated his game and is performing very efficiently at a high level of football. It is very evident that he has tons of potential. He is a tall, lanky QB prospect with a big arm. Once he grows into his frame and continues to get more reps, I believe he can grow into a P5 football prospect. He already holds an FAU offer. He has a longer release and throws the ball with tons of anticipation. He hits his receivers in stride and doesn’t force many throws, those are highlighted by a 75% completion percentage. He also shows some promise as a runner and can throw on the move. Davis isn’t a flashy QB prospect, but it almost looks like the game moves slow to him and he makes the team around him better. When you pair that with his physical upside, then you have a noteworthy QB prospect.