2024 Dual-Threat QBs Bound for Monster Senior Seasons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw plenty of up and coming junior quarterbacks shine during the 2022 season, so don't be surprised when a few seniors have a monster year in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which dual-threat quarterbacks are bound for breakout seasons next fall? Let's take a look…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553243' first='KJ' last='Smith'] - Roswell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first-year starting quarterback at Roswell was an unknown signal-caller coming into the 2022 season last year, but he ended his junior season as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2024 class. Smith had an extremely productive season and made big plays all year long with both his arm and his legs. A confident quarterback with plenty of talent and leadership skills, Smith is a consistent passer with a strong arm and the ability to run. He played better and better as the season moved along and led the Hornets all the way to the 6A semi-finals last year. He led the Hornets to 40+ points in eight games last year and in three of the team's final four games. A great decision maker who had a knack for finding the end-zone, Smith threw for 2,758 yards and 34 touchdowns. He proved that he can win games with his arm and has a chance to light up the stat sheet through the air as a senior in 2023. As a runner, he shows great burst and the ability to break tackles. If you don't wrap him up, he's going to slip through a tackle and take off for a big gain. He's got plenty of speed, elusiveness, and playmaking ability on the ground. He rushed for just under 750 yards and 4 touchdowns last year and could have an even bigger senior season running the ball next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baxter Wright - Gainesville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Elephants are one of the fastest-rising programs in Georgia right now and they are coming off a 6A state championship appearance in 2022. A big reason why was the excellent play of their dual-threat junior quarterback, Baxter Wright. As a passer, the 6-foot-2 170-pounder, Wright has been extremely accurate all season long, completing an outstanding 72.6% of his passes. He was as productive as it gets not only in the junior class last year, but across the state, throwing for an eye-opening 3,343 yards. What's more impressing was his incredible TD/INT ratio. Thee promising junior threw for 40 touchdown passes last year while throwing just four INTs. He did a great job of taking care of the football and it led to one of the best seasons in school history. He understands the position, does his job, and has one of the best arms across the state in the 6A class. Not only can he throw on defenses, but he knows how to take off and run as well. He's quick, mobile, and opens up thee Gainesville offensive with his legs. Last season, Wright took off for 563 yards and rushed for nine more touchdowns, making him easily one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in Georgia for the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='137480' first='Taeo' last='Todd'] - Troup County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for a dual-threat quarterback in West Georgia, [player_tooltip player_id='137480' first='Taeo' last='Todd'] is your guy. An explosive runner who ran wild on defenses left and right last year, Todd showed that there just aren't many quarterbacks across the state with his skillset. He may not be the biggest quarterback out there, but he's an elite athlete with a raw, talented arm and the ability to fly by defenders with his legs. There wasn't a single opposing defense who could stop him last season as he rushed for an amazing 2,012 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was just deadly with his legs with his ability to zig-zag past defenders and then take off with his speed down the field. One of the fastest quarterbacks in the state, Todd was a true game-changer in that aspect of his game. He was also a consistent passer, throwing for 2,454 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six INTs. He executed the offense every Friday night and showed his D1 athleticism over and over again. He led the Tigers to an outstanding 12-2 record and will look to have Troup County in contention for a state championship in 2023 as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->