2024 Breakout QB’s to watch for this Fall
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Next Man Up is a positional series highlighting players with breakout potential in the upcoming season. These five QBs all hope to breakout soon, in both their season and recruiting processes. Gunnar Trachte WA #148 QB #10 HEIGHT 6'4" WEIGHT 205…
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Continue ReadingNext Man Up is a positional series highlighting players with breakout potential in the upcoming season. These five QBs all hope to breakout soon, in both their season and recruiting processes.
Trachte burst onto the scene as a Junior this year, slinging the ball deep with a strong arm that helped maximize Enumclaw’s offensive weaponry. He’s at his best standing tall in the pocket and delivering the ball all over the field, where he can make accurate and tight throws to all three levels. He excels going deep, but has great vision and instincts to find open middle routes and place the ball between defenders. He errs on the side of caution, leading receivers into the open field in tight coverage. His throwing motion isn’t as pretty as others but his arm potential is limitless in the right scheme. He stood out at the Cleats V Cancer underclassmen combine, where he’s already garnered interest from universities. He carried himself well and displayed his coach-ability in conversations as he also made several good throws with other top competition in the 1-on-1 drills. Look for Trachte to lead a talented Enumclaw team and have a big recruiting cycle next year.
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Viars is an excellent athlete who gets the most out of his tools at QB. He has great footwork and shines when extending plays. He’s accurate while throwing on the run, which his plus hip flexibility allows him ideal form for. He throws off his back foot by digging it into the ground and generates his power from the legs. This allows him to launch it far after a few seconds in the pocket or zip it when he has to get it out quick. He makes quick decisions and gets through his reads efficiently, but is very aggressive when trying to make plays. He’ll challenge defenders while giving his teammates a chance to catch it, but could calm himself to minimize risky decisions. His playmaking style will be fascinating to see in Coach Bainter’s system at Bothell this year, where colleges are certain to be watching closely as well.
Highlights
Caleb Northcroft Caleb Northcroft 6'2" | 165 lbs | ATH Pullman | 2024 State WA
Caleb Northcroft Caleb Northcroft 6'2" | 165 lbs | ATH Pullman | 2024 State WA
Northcroft made the switch from WR to QB last year and instantly became one of the hardest to defend in the state. He’s shifty and fast and extremely fearless with defenders in his face, providing elite mobility that the defense is forced to respect. Then he uses his feel for space to read the defense and pick up easy yards no matter where the defense chooses to cover. His offense was run-heavy, which utilizes his rushing skillset but leaves more passing film to be desired. He can throw accurate deep balls on the run and deliver bullets from the pocket, but another year of throwing programs will be key to his college prospects. He also needs to develop his quick-read ability to think holistically as a field general in addition to an offensive playmaker. Northcroft might need to give college scouts more film, but his raw playmaking shows the promise and potential of a next-level quarterback.
Duran is a confident dual-threat QB who isn’t afraid to throw it up and let his receivers go get it. His length allows him to sail the ball with an easy arm motion as he sets his feet lightly. He loves to tuck it and run, and gashes deep coverage with long strides. He likes to dink-and-dunk and can zip it in short range. He’ll get crisper in his progressions by sharpening his footwork. Great coordination helps him be a standout basketball player as well. He helped lead Chiawana to a 10-1 record in 2022 and should garner significant recruiting attention this year.
Highlights
Knutzen has a nice touch on deep and medium lob passes to hit receivers in stride. He built good chemistry with targets and has great timing on each throw to give himself bigger and safer windows to pass into. He stands tall in the pocket and delivers with a simple and repeatable arm motion that trades zip and firepower for touch and accuracy. He could increase his arm strength through lower-half strength and flexibility training. He’s relaxed under pressure and displays sound footwork and good football IQ. The consistency in his progressions allows him to make plays as they develop and break down. He’s looking to lead Burlington-Edison back to a winning record this fall and hoping to play college football next.