2022 Season Recap: Midwest Passing Yard & TD Leaders
As they say: time flies. Somehow, the 2022 high school football season has come and gone, and although some are looking onward and upward and into the next season, PrepRedzone isn’t ready to put the 2022 season to bed and…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs they say: time flies. Somehow, the 2022 high school football season has come and gone, and although some are looking onward and upward and into the next season, PrepRedzone isn’t ready to put the 2022 season to bed and is pumped to present a Midwest special reviewing and recapping the top statistical leaders on offense, defense, and special teams in the 11 states of America’s Heartland. To start, we’ll kick things off with the always-important QB position, and this fall there were some eye-popping personal efforts from gunslingers and signal-callers all around the Midwest. Let’s find out who finished #1 in yards and TDs, check out their recruitment and potential commitment status, and breakdown their game and what made them so successful in 2022, all right here, only with PrepRedzone! Before we begin, I want to make sure to let our lovely readers know that I only focused on 11-man competition, and that I used and appreciated the stats from sites such as MaxPreps, MNFootballHub, The DZone, and BoundIA. Thanks for reading!
—
Dakotas
Passing Yard Leader: Michael Rostberg (Fargo Shanley, ND) C/o 2023. 6’3, 205 lbs. = 2,969 passing yards
The well-built senior out of the high-quality Fargo area had a senior season to remember and led both North and South Dakota in passing yards, TDs, and completions and finished his senior year going 238-388 (61%) for 2,969 yards and 34 TDs to 8 INTs at almost 250 passing YPG. His play helped the Deacons to a 10-2 overall record and an 11AA state title with a big win over Bismarck Century in the final, 48-7. Excitedly, the senior also has his next step figured out and committed to one of the hottest teams in the entire FCS in the St. Thomas Tommies, who are growing a nice little footprint into Fargo and who earned Rostberg’s commitment on August 1st. The Tommies are going to be pumped to get the First Team All-State QB into camp this upcoming summer. He’s big-armed, mobile in and around the pocket, and quick to get the ball out of his hand, which all combine to become very hard to defend for DBs and rushing DL. He picked apart more than his fair share of defenses in 2022 and is poised to do the same at the FCS level.
Passing TD Leader: Michael Rostberg (Fargo Shanley, ND) C/o 2023. 6’3, 205 lbs. = 34 passing TDs
—
Illinois
Passing Yard Leader: Bradyn Little (Quincy) C/o 2025. = 2,773 passing yards
The sophomore finished his last year as an underclassman in style, going 174-279 (62%) for 2,773 yards and 24 TDs to 11 INTs at a 252 YPG average. His play helped the Blue Devils record an 8-3 overall record and 5-2 record in conference, and for his efforts, he earned First Team All-Conference and 6A All-State HM honors, as well as holding the title of Illinois’ passing leader in 2022. He also set seven school records, including four single-game records, and two single-season marks, and is already the school’s career record holder for passing yards with two full seasons of competition remaining. Still a young buck, Little’s recruitment is at its early stages, but he competed at Western Illinois’ prospect camp this summer and is prepping for a big camp circuit this summer as he heads into his junior year. I love his touch on intermediate and deeper throws, especially on out-breaking routes, and his arm strength helps him stretch the field as well as fit the ball into tight windows. Little’s timing and footwork also look consistent, and he possesses a quick and efficient throwing motion to boot. He’s got a ton of big plays and high-level passing performances in front of him.
Passing TD Leader: Tyaire Lott (Sacred Heart-Griffin) C/o 2023. 6’2, 190 lbs. = 39 passing TDs
The leader and figurehead of the 2022 Illinois 4A state championship squad, Sacred Heart-Griffin’s senior QB Tyaire Lott was fantastic this entire season and elevated the Cyclones to an undefeated season in 2022 and finished as the state’s leader in passing TDs with an impressive 39 in 14 games. He was also second in the state in passing yards with 2,751, threw at a 71% completion percentage, and only tossed 2 INTs all season. Lott earned 4A All-State First Team honors for his efforts and was also a News-Gazette First Team All-State pick. At the time of this article’s publishing, Lott holds an in-season offer from Missouri S&T, as well as offers from Roosevelt and Judson. Because of the senior’s standout decision-making and ball security, which helps him get through his reads fast, identify 1-on-1 coverage and open receivers, and get the ball out quickly, not to mention his overall accuracy, Lott was the undisputed TD leader through the air in the Land of Lincoln and whichever college program lands him is going to get a stud. Still uncommitted!
Indiana
Passing Yard Leader: Jackson Willis (Indianapolis Lutheran) C/o 2025. 6’2, 180 lbs. = 3,890 passing yards
Indianapolis product Jackson Willis created an eye-popping personal stat line as an underclassman this past season and finished 2022 with 198 completions off 286 attempts (69%) for 3,890 yards and 51 TDs to a mere 6 INTs. That’s almost 278 yards a game with a 143 passer rating in 14 games of action. Excitedly, Willis aided the Saints to their second-straight Indiana 1A state championship and a now-30 game winning streak on the gridiron. Not only did his numbers place him at #1 in the Hoosier State for yards, Willis is ranked at #7 in the entire nation in passing yards, and he was also named All-Conference and 1A Junior All-State for his performance in 2022. With a skillset that includes touch on his downfield throws, the arm strength to lead his receivers open, and accuracy in his off-platform throws, the lefty gunslinger shows off arm talent more akin to a senior than a sophomore and can sling the ball over the field on any throw asked of him. No offers yet, but they’re coming.
Passing TD Leader: Jackson Willis (Indianapolis Lutheran) C/o 2025. 6’2, 180 lbs. = 51 passing TDs
—
Iowa
Passing Yard Leader: Drew Kluender (Woodbury Central) C/o 2024. 6’3, 180 lbs. = 3,419 passing yards
A Class A competitor from the Hawkeye State’s small school ranks, junior quarterback Drew Kluender led Woodbury Central to the Class A state semifinals and an 11-1 record that resulted in the 6’3, 180 pounder leading the state in passing yards at well over 3k. He finished the fall with 200 completions on 335 attempts (60%) for 3,419 yards and 37 TDs to only 9 interceptions and an impressive 17 yards per completion. The Wildcats QB was named First Team All-District and Second Team All-State for his performance throughout the season, and Iowa State has gotten in the mix due to his efforts, sending him a game day invite that he accepted in November, as well as sending a congratulatory recruiting graphic after he was named All-State. Tall and poised in the pocket, Kluender flicks the ball out of his hand with impressive and noticeable zip that gets the ball into the hands of the receiver quickly and effectively, and uses that arm talent to fit the ball into tight coverage and small windows. I’m not exaggerating, the ball flies out of his hand like it’s shot out of a cannon, and he’s able to generate that same velocity on the move as he does from the pocket. Big-time talent out of the small school ranks.
Passing TD Leader: Teagon Kasperbauer (Harlan Community) C/o 2023. 6’2, 195 lbs. = 40 passing TDs
One of the more decorated QBs on the list, Teagon Kasperbauer led his Harlan Community Cyclones squad to their second-straight 3A state championship in late November in a tight, one-score finish with Mount Vernon to finish with a 12-1 record in 2022. With a 65% completion percentage, the 6’2, 195 pounder was 162-249 for 2,665 yards and a state-leading 40 TDs for the 11-man ranks. He only threw 5 INTs this season as well. In addition to the hardware he earned from the state title run, Kasperbauer was named First Team All-State and First Team All-District, and last May the NAIA Benedictine College program reached out for his first college football offer. He’s still very much uncommitted, however, but potential college programs should check out his timing, the arm strength to take the top off the defense and lead wideouts on the deep ball, and his ability to exploit tight coverage as well as take advantage of open receivers. Also possesses good size and is only getting better. Kasperbauer is one of the most under-recruited QBs on this list.
Kansas
Passing Yard Leader: Dalton Whitworth (Rock Creek) C/o 2023. 5’11, 175 lbs. = 3,233 passing yards
The Sunflower State’s passing yard and TD leader comes out of 3A Rock Creek and their senior stat-monster Dalton Whitworth. With his propensity to throw the deep ball and a host of speedy wideouts to distribute it to, Rock Creek had an explosive passing attack and offense and had an eight-game stretch of posting 40+ points with two 70-point games and a 56-point total as well. The Mustangs finished 9-2 on the year with two playoff victories, and Whitworth finished his final year of prep football with 229-332 (69%) for 3,233 passing yards and 38 TDs to 11 INTs. With a quick release, velocity on his intermediate throws in the MOF, and the ability to throw on the run, the senior was a big play waiting to happen and has been rewarded for his success with a growing list of college offers. Tabor College, University of St. Mary, Ottawa, Bethany College, and Bethel College have all reached with offers during his senior campaign.
Passing TD Leader: Dalton Whitworth (Rock Creek) C/o 2023. 5’11, 175 lbs. = 38 passing TDs
—
Michigan
Passing Yard Leader: Kalieb Osborne (Waterford Mott) C/o 2024. 6’4, 200 lbs. =2,779 passing yards
Quarterbacks elevate their teammates and the players around them, and most of my favorite QBs share the similarity of not coming from powerhouse programs and finding success at historically dark horse teams. Waterford Mott’s Kalieb Osborne is a great example of some of these qualities, and with two FBS MAC offers already under the belt, I’m not the only one noticing. While leading the Corsairs to their first-ever District Championship, Osborne put up a ridiculous personal stat line that included going 184-288 (63%) for 2,779 passing yards and 23 TDs not to mention his 1,774 rushing yards and 31 TDs on the ground. He was named First Team All-State for his production and impact, and with his great size, a big arm that consistently steps into his throws, and the toughness to hang in the pocket and finish passes through contact, not to mention the big-play ability with his legs, and you have a no-doubt D1 talent poised for even bigger gains in 2023. PRzMI will be eagerly watching and awaiting news on his recruitment and development.
Passing TD Leader: Bryce Underwood (Belleville) C/o 2025. 6’3, 205 lbs. = 37 passing TDs
The superstar sophomore is arguably the most prolific QB on this list in terms of recruitment and hype and backs it up in his play, production, and success, having already won back-to-back Michigan D1 state titles as an underclassman. In 2022, while leading the Tigers to an undefeated season, Underwood threw for 2,751 passing yards and 37 TDs while showing off a ton of strengths and attributes as a passer and rusher. Capable of running the read-option or picking apart defenses out of shotgun, the 6’3, 205 lber. can sling the rock all over the field and I especially like his arm strength and touch on out-breaking routes past the hash and down the seam. He gets the ball out of his hand quickly, is smooth and precise with his footwork when evading pressure around the pocket, and has arm talent for his days, and when you combine it with how athletic he is as a running threat and you have a hellish player to try and game plan for as an opposing DC. Already holding over 20 FCS, FBS, and P5 offers headed by the likes of Notre Dame, Michigan, Tennessee, and Miami (FL), and you have a blue-chip prospect and one of the best players in the nation for the class of 2025. You’ll be hearing his name all over the place in the coming years.
Minnesota
Passing Yard Leader: Jakob Nachreiner (Springfield) C/o 2024. = 3,119 passing yards
Class A competitor Springfield, who was the 2022 state runner-up this past fall, has had a recent string of potent passing attacks from the small school ranks in Minnesota that has been comfortably taken over by junior Jakob Nachreiner. The Land of 10,000 Lakes’ yardage, TD, and completions leader in 2022, and finished his junior campaign going 210-307 (68%) for 3,119 yards and 40 TDs to 13 INTs, as well as 10 wins, 240 passing yards a game, and over 10 yards a completion. In classic small-school fashion, Nachreinier doesn’t have updated film or a super active Twitter, so sadly I can’t get a better glimpse into his game and recruitment. Still, numbers don’t lie, and neither do wins, and the rising senior isn’t lacking in either of those departments.
Passing TD Leader: Jakob Nachreiner (Springfield) C/o 2024. = 40 TDs
—
Missouri
Passing Yard Leader: AJ Raines (Timberland) C/o 2023. 6′, 180 lbs. = 2,979 passing yards
The Show-Me State’s big dog in the passing game, Raines was named All-State, All-District, and All-Conference in 2022 and had a three-phase stat line that included throwing for 2,979 yards and 32 TDs, rushing for 1,207 yards and 16 TDs, recording 40 tackles and 5 INTs, and kicking 39 PATs and 3 FGs. Dynamic, mobile, and able to throw at different angles, he could pop off a big play in a variety of ways for his Timberland squad and helped them go 9-4 in 2022 against some of the state’s top competition. He also set 12 school records in single-game, season, and career passing marks, and currently, the likes of Illinois College, Quincy, Clarke, McKendree, and Fontbonne are in pursuit of the Wentzville product’s services and PRzMO will be making sure to keep you posted on an upcoming commitment, whenever it arrives.
Passing TD Leader: AJ Raines (Timberland) C/o 2023. 6′, 180 lbs. = 32 passing TDs
—
Nebraska
Passing Yard Leader: Daniel Kaelin (Bellevue West) C/o 2024. 6’3, 195 lbs. = 3,186 passing yards
Another surefire P5 QB prospect, Daniel Kaelin comes out of the talent-rich Bellevue area and goes into his junior offseason already holding offers from Florida State, Nebraska, Arizona State, Kansas, Minnesota, Mizzou, Michigan State, Vandy, Rutgers, Duke, and Kansas State. The 6’2, 195 lber. posted was 236-371 (64%) for 3,186 yards and 36 TDs to just seven INTs while helping the Thunderbirds compete against some top Nebraska competition and go 7-4. Gretna High School proved to be their downfall in 2022, but Kaelin will be coming back next fall as one of the top overall players in the state and will have that district matchup circled for 2023. With his huge arm that can stretch the field vertically and throw off-platform, as well as the ball placement he shows on throws all over the field, Kaelin also shows the physical tools and mental processing to play at a high level at the P5 ranks. Total package who should have Gretna, Bellevue West’s other rivals, and the entire state on notice all of 2023.
Passing TD Leader: Abram Scholting (Pierce) C/o 2023. 6′, 180 lbs. = 42 passing TDs
Scholting and his Pierce High School Bluejays squad have been mainstays in the state title conversation of Nebraska high school football Class C1 ranks and under the leadership of their QB Scholting, have won two state titles and a state runner-up with the 2023 grad at the helm. He also put up some outstanding personal statistics, and finished his senior campaign going 116-161 (72%) for 2,352 passing yards and 42 TDs to a mere 4 INTs. That helped him earn an outstanding 143 QBR, and he also added 97 carries for 702 rushing yards and 8 more TDs. Undefeated with another state championship in 2022, Scholting’s patience, decision-making, and overall accuracy, not to mention the dual-threat ability, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses to try and contain, and he made a number of beautiful throws where he dropped the ball right into the receivers hands and between tight coverage this fall. The tape backs up the numbers and whoever lands the gunslinger is going to get a baller. Nebraska-Kearny, South Dakota-Mines, Central Missouri, Northwestern College, Northern State, Morningside, and Wayne State have all reached out with offers to the distinguished senior.
Ohio
Passing Yard Leader: Danny Stoddard (Medina) C/o 2024. 6’1, 190 lbs. = 5,035 passing yards
The state of Ohio plays some of the best high school football in the entire nation and you can see that reflected in the stat lines at the top of the state’s leaderboards. In the passing department, Medina junior Danny Stoddard blew the leaderboards open and led the state in 2022 with 5,035 passing yards and 58 TDs for some astronomical prep quarterback numbers. He also threw at a 67% completion clip (339-508), and also added 692 rushing yards and 12 TDs for some gaudy total TD numbers as a junior. Stoddard was named Ohio’s D1 Offensive POY for his troubles, led Medina to a GCC championship, and looked good doing it, showing off a big-time arm that can explode downfield when he sets his feet or even off his backfoot and placing the ball where only his wideout can get to it. Also an elusive and fun-to-watch runner when he tucks and takes off, Stoddard only has a Toledo visit under his belt in-terms of recruiting news, but that should change if he can sling the ball around during the camp circuit like he can on tape. I’m jealous of the Medina fans who get to watch Stoddard week-to-week, as he was a splash play machine this past fall and has certainly solidified himself on PRzOH’s radar.
Passing TD Leader: Danny Stoddard (Medina) C/o 2024. 6’1, 190 lbs. = 58 passing TDs
—
Wisconsin
Passing Yard Leader: Aidan Keyes (Belleville) C/o 2023. 6’1, 190 lbs. = 3,012 passing yards
Senior Aidan Keyes surpassed his hometown of Belleville’s population (2,559) in passing yards (3,012) in 2022 and averaged nearly 275 passing yards a game as the Wildcats went 9-2 this fall. Finishing the year with a stat line of 197-320 (62%) for over 3K yards 39 TDs to only 10 picks, Keyes was instrumental in Belleville’s success and was particularly efficient with his touch and accuracy on fades up the sideline and on in-breaking routes (slants, posts) in the MOF and especially in the redzone. He saved his best throws for when Belleville was inside their opponents 20, and is also a strong, tough kid who can hang in the pocket and deliver throws through big hits. Heckuva personal run to conclude his prep career for Mr. Keyes.
Passing TD Leader: Jerry Kaminski (Sun Prairie East) C/o 2023. 6’2, 205 lbs. = 40 passing TDs
North Dakota Fighting Hawks commit and PrepRedzoneWI Showcase standout and veteran Jerry Kaminski was the big dog and #1 QB in Wisconsin during 2022 and led his Sun Prairie squad to a D1 championship appearance in 2021 before the school split into East and West in what was their inaugural season in 2022. The Madison product, who trains with ThrowItDeep in Chicagoland and plays with the heavyweight Midwest Boom 7v7 squad, set school records for single-season passing yards (2,785), single-season TDs (40), and rushing TDs (5), and also threw at a 62% completion clip and only tossed 7 interceptions. He has twice been named All-Region, twice All-State, earned Conference OPOY recognition, and was Wisconsin’s Offensive POY and the Dave Krieg Award winner for senior QB of the Year in 2022. Kaminski also holds a 30-4 career record as a starter. He uses a live arm, accuracy to put the ball safely in the receivers catch radius, anticipation, and the ability to get through his reads and made the best decision for his offense to his advantage, and the stats and film back that up. North Dakota got a good one and the Missouri Valley should be on notice.