2023: Clutch Quarterbacks
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These signal callers always make the biggest throws in the most significant moments. The 2023 class is loaded with talent at the position with the most eyes on it. McCae Hillstead McCae Hillstead 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Skyridge…
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Continue ReadingThese signal callers always make the biggest throws in the most significant moments. The 2023 class is loaded with talent at the position with the most eyes on it.
McCae Hillstead
McCae
Hillstead
5'11" | 175 lbs | QB
Skyridge | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 5’11 || 175 || Skyridge High School || 2023
Hillstead is one of the state’s best players, regardless of position. He may have missed a large portion of the 2022 season with an injury but came back just in time to lead the Falcons to their first-ever 6A state championship. Hillstead does everything an elite quarterback does at a high level, but when plays break down, you begin to see how special he is. He’s nearly impossible to sack and does a great job buying time behind the line of scrimmage. When he runs, he’s hard even to get a hand on, let alone bring down. Factor in his accuracy, and you have one of the best quarterbacks in Utah.
Jackson Brousseau
Jackson
Brousseau
6'5" | 215 lbs | QB
Lehi | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’5 || 215 || Lehi High School || 2023
Brousseau is a two-time 5A state champion who’s led the Pioneers to a 25-3 record over the previous two seasons. The 6’5 quarterback is a maestro inside the pocket. Brousseau does a great job running an offense and distributing the ball to his playmakers effectively. He excels at avoiding pressure and will stand tall to deliver a strike even if he knows he’s about to get hit. In addition, Brosseau has a howitzer for an arm and can deliver accurate strikes to any level of the field. He closed out the 2022 high school season with a triple overtime touchdown pass to secure back-to-back state championships for the Pioneers.
Ryder Burton
Ryder
Burton
6'2" | 180 lbs | QB
Springville | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’2 || 180 || Springville High School || 2023
Burton makes throws in games that would make NFL scouts at pro days salivate. His ability to launch balls accurately off platform is remarkable. Burton does a great job evading pressure and always keeps his eyes downfield. No play is ever dead as long as he’s still up. He can dodge a sack, reset his feet and launch a ball 30-plus yard in the air. Burton possesses elite accuracy and will deliver big throws over the middle of the field and outside the numbers. In addition, he can scramble for big gains and does a good job avoiding hits. The soon-to-be BYU Cougar is a true game-changer.
Ezra Hariss
Ezra
Hariss
6'1" | 195 lbs | QB
Stansbury | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’1 || 195 || Stansbury High School || 2023
Harris is one of the state’s best athletes and best quarterbacks. The dual-threat signal caller can decimate defenses with his legs and arm. Harris has a lively arm and gives his receivers chances to make plays on the outside. He does a good job evading pressure and keeping plays alive. As a runner, he’s good between or outside the tackles. Harris can stop on a dime and change direction. He’s hard to chase down from behind and does a good job following his blockers. He had 50 touchdowns in his final season and will no doubt score a few more at the next level.
Chase Beyer
Chase
Beyer
5'10" | 175 lbs | QB
Park City | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 5’10 || 175 || Park CIty High School || 2023
Beyer makes improbable throws look routine. Whether it’s finding a receiver in the corner of the endzone or delivering a first-down strike off his back foot, Beyer gets it done. He does a good job taking what the defense gives him and doesn’t try to force what’s not there. Beyer is a good scrambler who does a good job recognizing when there is yardage to be had on the ground. He’s a good athlete who can make defensive linemen miss in the pocket and buy his receivers time to get open. Beyer is as tough of a single caller as you will find in the state.
Nic Staffieri
Nic
Staffieri
6'2" | 195 lbs | QB
Pleasant Grove | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’2 || 195 || Pleasant Grove High School || 2023
Staffieri throws one of the states best balls. His mechanics are impressive, and the ball looks great coming out of his hand, no matter how far he needs to launch the pigskin. Staffieri shines at making tight window throws both inside and outside the numbers. He does a good job stepping up in the pocket and remains calm when surrounded by chaos. In addition, he displays good command of the offense and sees the whole field. Staffieri doesn’t lock in on reads and goes through his progression at a steady pace. He’s got a strong arm and can drop balls into his receiver’s breadbasket.
Devin Watson
Devin
Watson
6'1" | 175 lbs | QB
Summit Academy | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’1 || 175 || Summit Academy High School || 2023
Watson loves to let it rip, and when he does, defenses everywhere have to look out. He can launch it to the moon when he wants to, and has one of the state’s quickest releases. Watson can rifle passes into small areas and puts zip on the ball that few defensive backs can bat away in time. In addition, he can deliver accurate strikes on the move rolling out to the left or right. His accuracy outside the numbers is impressive, and he does an excellent job finding the soft spots in zone coverage. Watson always finds a way to make the big throw and will do so at the next level.
Noah Fuailetolo
Noah
Fuailetolo
6'1" | 240 lbs | QB
Desert Hills | 2023
State
UT
|| QB || 6’1 || 200 || Deseret Hills High School || 2023
Fuailetolo led the Thunder to a 4A state championship with some big plays. He started his season with a tremendous three-touchdown performance on the road against a tough Brighton team and only continued to ball out. Fuailetolo always finds a way to move the chains and puts his body on the line to do what’s best for his team. He’s a strong runner who embraces contact and breaks out of arm tackles. Defensive linemen struggle to bring him down in the pocket, and he does a good job scrambling. In addition, he has a strong arm and isn’t afraid to show it off.