Hayden's Hotshots: My Top 50 QBs Before Next Season

Before every football season, I try to gather the very best Minnesota has to offer at every position, regardless of grade or class of the teams. I went through hours and hours of film to find who I believe are the top 50 QBs heading into the 2023 season. Please note that these rankings are NOT the official PrepRedzone Rankings, instead just my analysis. I based these rankings on previous season stats, film, offers, individual interviews, and overall hype around the prospect. And I'm pleased to present who I believe are the top 50 MN QBs!   #1 [player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'] - Mankato West 2024 6'1" 215 lbs   2022 Stats: 2933 all-purpose Yards, 41 TOT, 67% completion percentage, 126.1 passer rating   "Ball don't lie" - Rasheed Wallace. Neither do numbers. McAninch has quietly put together one of the most complete seasons I've ever seen by a high school athlete, and he is still flown under the radar. His arm strength and accuracy are extraordinary and he has fantastic pocket awareness. I predict by the end of the 2023 season he will have a state title and unanimous consent as the best QB in the state. He currently holds interest from St. Thomas (MN), SDSU, and UND.   #2 [player_tooltip player_id='105379' first='Tanner' last='Zolnosky'] - East Ridge 2024 6' 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 2913 passing yards, 27 TDs, 62% completion percentage, 115 passer rating   Too many people Zolnosky is the clear QB1 in Minnesota and it's easy to see why. He has tremendous arm strength and is an absolute playmaker with the ball in his hands. He had four games last season with a QBR above 150. His pocket presence is unmatched by any QB in MN, and he always seems to extend the play just long enough for him to make something magic happen. He holds one offer from Bowling Green, and interest from plenty of other D1 schools.   #3 [player_tooltip player_id='105394' first='George' last='Bjellos'] - Woodbury 2024 6'2" 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 1220 passing yards, 14 TDs, 65% completion percentage, 104.2 passer rating   Bjellos enters his senior season with two years of solid varsity action under his belt. His arm talent is great, he excels at hitting back shoulder throws almost always perfectly dropping it into the breadbasket of the WRs. His release is very quick as well, and he's able to rip the ball into a wideout's hands before he takes a sack. Bjellos is a stand-and-strike QB, and he's good at what he does.   #4 [player_tooltip player_id='652799' first='Chase' last='Pemberton'] - Andover 2024 6'3" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Pemberton saw very limited action in the 2022 season, but that hasn't stopped the hype from building up around him over the last few months. I had the good fortune of seeing Pemberton up close at a QB camp early on in the year, and the hype has been very warranted. He can throw the ball on a rope, and in his film can be seen using his legs to extend plays, as well as taking designed QB runs. He's surprisingly shifty and should be a name you have on your radar in 2023. He has interests from Winona State, Augustana, and SMSU.   #5 Rees Grimsud - Mayo 2024 6'2" 175 lbs   2022 Stats: 2146 passing yards, 24 TDs, 65% completion percentage, 123.4 passer rating   One of the most underrated passers in MN, in my opinion, Grimsrud rounds out our top 5. He's another one of MN's top arm talents, who is a talented pocket passer. This kid is a lofting deadeye, he's dangerous when you get him a WR on a deep route. He hits tight windows in close coverage and is not afraid to let his arm rip in a close game. Grimsud is going to be a game-changer next season.   #6 [player_tooltip player_id='348683' first='Logan' last='Butler'] - Hutchinson 2024 6'4" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: 1030 passing yards, 7 TDs, 60% completion percentage, 93.4 passer rating   Butler is another prospect with a ton of hype surrounding him this off-season. Coaches love his college-ready frame, as well as his throw power and mechanics. Although he's seen most of his work from the play action, he's shown the ability to open himself up at camps. With a team that just graduated their top two backs, and is returning their top wideout, expect Butler to do big things in 2023. He has interests from NDSU, USF, Minnesota State, Upper Iowa, and SMSU.   #7 [player_tooltip player_id='246255' first='Cole' last='Heilbrun'] - Wayzata 2024 6'2" 205 lbs   2022 Stats: 1503 passing yards, 14 TDs, 58% completion percentage, 103 passer rating   Our winter Stock-Up Showcase MVP, Heilbrun's stock continues to rise throughout the offseason. His release is lightning-quick, and he shows no problem hitting tight windows downfield. His throw power is among the best in Minnesota, and he has no issue throwing on the run, or scrambling to extend a play if need be. His poise in the pocket is also very well-developed. He's gotten interested from St. Thomas (MN), Iowa State, Penn, and Yale.   #8 [player_tooltip player_id='242401' first='Milos' last='Spasojevic'] - Minnetonka 2024 6'4" 215 lbs   2022 Stats: 1307 passing yards, 10 TDs, 67% completion percentage, 88.4 passer rating   The lanky Skipper's signal caller was able to showcase some of his talents last season, and those flashes of brilliance are what land him at #8 on my list. Spasojevic does an excellent job of leading his wideouts on deep balls and passes inside of the hash. He has no issue quickly working through his reads, and he does a great job of bouncing around in the pocket to extend the play. He also showed off the ability to extend plays on his legs as well. He has interests in St. Thomas, NIU, NDSU, and SDSU.   #9 [player_tooltip player_id='241908' first='Austin' last='Randall'] - Waconia 2024 6' 170 lbs   2022 Stats: 662 passing yards, 6 TDs, 59.3% completion percentage, 75.2 passer rating   His stats may not jump out at you, but Randall has been rapidly developing this off-season. As a passer, his accuracy and confidence have grown tenfold. He was already one of the top QBs in the state in terms of pocket presence, and with his improved passing, I have confidence that he will smoothly transition into a top passer in MN. Especially with the absence of his top 2 backs, I predict his senior season will be a huge breakout year. He has interests from SMSU, Upper Iowa, and Sioux Falls.   #10 [player_tooltip player_id='1142977' first='Ayden' last='Helder'] - Stewartville 2024 6'2" 190 lbs   2022 Stats: 1556 passing yards, 27 TOT, 69% completion percentage, 130.0 passer rating   Helder had a breakout junior year, leading Stewartville to a 10-1 record. His film shows a dangerous and quick release and a solid arm talent. He's quick enough on his feet to extend plays and is more than capable of throwing on the run. Helder is a playmaker with great accuracy who needs much more hype coming out of the season he just had. Colleges are sleeping on the well-rounded QB.   #11 [player_tooltip player_id='224134' first='Nick' last='Kinsey'] - Stillwater 2026 6'2" 190 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Kinsey remains one of the great mysteries of Minnesota football. The incoming sophomore has not yet started a varsity game, yet he holds two D1 offers, one of which is from SEC powerhouse Ole Miss. He started as the JV quarterback for BSM last season and will end up contending for (if not winning) the starting role for the Stillwater Ponies. His film shows everything you'd want from a QB, great throw power, and amazing accuracy. He also shows off some serious pocket escapability. Kinsey is full of potential and I'm pumped to see him next season.   #12 Carter Reinbold - Mound Westonka 2024 5'9" 190 lbs   2022 Stats: 1905 all-purpose yards, 30 TOT, 59.3% completion percentage, 123.5 passer rating   Reinbold is the definition of a dual-threat QB. He is dynamic as a runner, able to make defenders miss at any given time. He averaged a staggering 8.9 yards per carry during his junior season. He's also dynamic as a passer, extremely accurate and consistently making the right reads. He throws very few interceptions and is comfortable throwing on the run. He is exceptionally good out of the play action. Reinbold is a dangerous athlete with interest from Sioux Falls, SMSU, and Augustana for football. As well as an offer from Hamline for tennis!   #13 Nirvaan Yogarajah - BSM 2024 6'2" 160 lbs   2022 Stats: 2594 passing yards, 18 TDs, 61.1% completion percentage, 88.1 passer rating   The junior QB from Benilde picked up big time in the second half of the 2022 season, leading to at the time winless Knights making it to the section finals game. One of Yogarajah's best features is how elusive he continues to be in the pocket. He manages to extend plays several seconds after they break down. When given time in the pocket he can let loose his arm. He slings the rock downfield with ease and does a great job of hitting windows in tight coverage.   #14 Jacob Mattick - Coon Rapids 2024 6'2" 180 lbs   2022 Stats: 1034 passing yards, 12 TDs, 57.4% completion percentage, 97.6 passer rating   Mattick was among the players I covered in my first-ever game as a PrepRedzone writer. I was very impressed then, and I'm staking my claim right now that he is a top-15 QB in the state. He has the misfortune of getting injured and splitting reps his junior year, but his tape shows a QB with great arm strength and great accuracy, especially on the deep ball. He shows great poise under pressure in the pocket as well. Combined with 3-star WR [player_tooltip player_id='438689' first='KhiJohnn' last='Cummings-Coleman'], I predict a big season for Mattick and the Cardinals.   #15 [player_tooltip player_id='105409' first='Cole' last='Gerrell'] - Forest Lake 2024 6' 175 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Although he was varsity ineligible last season, Gerrell is primed to take the helm of what was a dangerous Rangers team the previous year. His film shows a QB with a fabulous pocket presence and a quick release. He shows no problem slinging the rock into tight windows and can hit intermediate and deep throws with ease. He can throw on the run and has showcased the ability to escape the pocket multiple times. Look for Gerrell to be a force to be reckoned with next year.   #16 Maximus Simms - Simley 2024 6'2" 170 lbs   2022 Stats: 704 passing yards, 8 TDs, 58.5% completion percentage, 92.7 passer rating   The former STA standout has announced that he's playing at Simley for his senior season, and I'm excited to see what happens. The athletic QB leaves one of the most run-heavy teams in the state, and will hopefully have a chance to show off his arm more in the upcoming season. His film shows off some great mobility, and he seems comfortable even when the pocket begins to collapse. He's got a quick release and quick feet. Simms should be a dominant QB within his new system next season. He has interest from UND.   #17 [player_tooltip player_id='241904' first='AJ' last='Donovan'] - La Crescent 2024 6' 170 lbs   2022 Stats: 1973 passing yards, 25 TDs, 58.4% completion percentage, 94.5 passer rating   Donovan is a three-sport athlete who returns as the starter for the La Crescent-Hokah Lancers. He's coming off a record-breaking season (most TDs thrown in a season) and looks to continue his dominance during his senior campaign. The best attribute I've gotten from his film is his ball placement. He consistently hits narrow windows and makes tough passes outside the hashes. If you combine his fantastic stats from his previous season, and some great film, you have a small school QB making a top-20 appearance.   #18 [player_tooltip player_id='242447' first='Frank' last='Daniels'] - Blaine 2024 6'3" 210 lbs   2022 Stats: 1260 all-purpose yards, 14 TOT, 48.1% completion percentage, 68.2 passer rating   Daniels is a big-body dual-threat QB from a 6A school with a really high upside. His film shows this off, he's deceptively quick and fairly agile for his large frame. Defenders often struggle to bring him down. Arm-talent wise he has exactly what you'd expect from a prospect of his size. He can hurl the ball downfield and is accurate at targeting wideouts on the outside of the hashes. He currently has interest from SDSU.   #19 [player_tooltip player_id='105383' first='Daylen' last='Cummings'] - Centennial 2024 6'1" 190 lbs   2022 Stats: 1011 all-purpose yards, 9 TOT, 54.2% completion percentage, 73.0 passer rating   Cummings was a key leader on a dangerous Centennial team that qualified for state last season. He is a fantastic athlete and often uses that athleticism to extend broken plays or complete tough passes. His best trait is his ability to throw on the run. On play-action passes or when the pocket breaks down Cummings demonstrates an incredible talent to sling balls into tight windows on little more than a flick off his back foot. He currently has interest from a variety of colleges.   #20 [player_tooltip player_id='493314' first='Jackson' last='Thornburgh'] - Apple Valley 2025 6' 165 lbs   2022 Stats: 1676 all-purpose yards, 14 TOT, 51.9% completion percentage, 79.0 passer rating   Rounding out our top 20 we have [player_tooltip player_id='493314' first='Jackson' last='Thornburgh'] from Apple Valley. He stepped into the QB role after a couple of games and never looked back. His best attribute has to be his arm strength. He can sling the rock with ease and does a great job of dropping passes right into the wideout's bread basket. He also can escape the pocket and extends plays well on his legs. Thornburgh is a criminally underrated prospect.   #21 Reece Dawson - Rogers 2024 6'3" 220 lbs   2022 Stats: 833 passing yards, 9 TDs, 61.7% completion percentage, 95.3 passer rating   Rogers was a dangerous, run-heavy team in 2022, with their top back leaving, it's a real possibility that Dawson sees a greatly increased workload. His film shows off a lot of great things, the best of which is his passing ability of the play-action. He carries out his fakes very well and releases the ball before the defenses realize they've been duped. He also shows off some great decision-making when rolling out of the pocket. I expect Dawson to take a big leap during his senior year.   #22 [player_tooltip player_id='234766' first='Riley' last='Grossman'] - Lakeville North 2025 6'1" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: 1162 passing yards, 10 TDs, 42.8% completion percentage, 71.6 passer rating   The sophomore over doubled the number of yards and TDs he picked up last season, and he's only going to get better. The lefty continues to rapidly improve in all facets of the game. Going through his film his best quality continues to be his proficiency in the play-action offense. He continues to develop his ground game and has grown as an athlete. His rapid development could mean big things, as the Gophers have taken an interest in the upcoming junior.   #23 [player_tooltip player_id='234900' first='Brady' last='Kittelson'] - Blooming Prairie 2025 6'1" 170 lbs   2022 Stats: 1153 passing yards, 14 TDs, 68.3% completion percentage, 134.5 passer rating   I first saw Kittelson at our Stock-Up Showcase and he was beyond impressive. He's a great athlete, running a 4.7 and broad jumping 9'5". As those numbers might imply, he's a dangerous athlete on the ground. He easily makes defenders miss and can stop and start at the drop of a hat. He can sling the ball in the pocket as well and has shown off the ability to throw on the run. Kittelson is a very well-rounded QB with great stats, and he's due for his big breakout any time.   #24 [player_tooltip player_id='241903' first='Charlie' last='Brandt'] - Mahtomedi 2024 5'11" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: 866 passing yards, 7 TDs, 48.4% completion percentage, 80.2 passer rating   Brandt will enter his second year as the Zephyrs starter and continue being one of the most underrated QBs in MN. He was a key part of a team that made it to the state semi-finals last season and I believe he will only continue to develop and grow as a passer. The best attribute of his film is his throw power. Brandt can sling the rock from all sorts of awkward positions and has no problem moving the ball downfield off an awkward back-foot pass. He's also quite agile within the pocket and does a good job of stepping up to avoid pressure. He has interest from USD.   #25 [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'] - Monticello 2025 6'3" 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 869 all-purpose yards, 8 TOT, 43.5% completion percentage, 44.9 passer rating   Emmerich is hands down the most athletic QB on this list. He can truthfully play any offensive skill position and near any position on defense. He's an all-state track and field athlete and that speed shows the second he gets into the open field. The best attribute of his film is his athletic versatility. He's a hard runner who can beat nearly all defenders to the edge, and has even shown the ability to hurdle defenders. Emmerich is strong enough to run over defenders and quick enough to beat them downfield. Emmerich is one of the best athletes in the state and is due for a massive season.   #26 Timmy Guler - Pelican Rapids 2024 6' 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 1972 all-purpose yards, 22 TOT, 64.1% completion percentage   Guler was a stat monster last season for the Pelican Rapids Vikings. The now junior is a versatile dual-threat QB who led the Vikings to a 7-3 record in 2022. What really stood out to me from his film was how well-rounded Guler is. When he stays in the pocket you can see him progress through his reads to hit the right target. On option plays or designed runs, he's equally efficient. He can make defenders miss in space and is fast enough to beat many to the outside edge. Guler has interest from a variety of colleges ranging from NAIA schools to FCS ones.   #27 [player_tooltip player_id='1148647' first='Nolan' last='Geislinger'] - Eden Valley Watkins 2024 6' 150 lbs   2022 Stats: 2904 all-purpose yards, 42 TOT   Geislinger was an essential part of EVW's state-run. The stat monster continues to be widely underrated as he puts up eye-popping numbers week in and out all last fall. He's a true dual-threat QB who will make you pick your poison against him. When he runs he lowers his shoulder and fights tooth and nail for every yard. If you choose to stack the box to counter that, he will open up and launch bombs all over the field. He has great arm strength and does a great job of leading WRs on deep routes. He zips the ball into tight windows and will continue to be one of the best QBs in AA.   #28 [player_tooltip player_id='105384' first='Jack' last='Wojciak'] - Irondale 2024 6' 170 lbs   2022 Stats: 459 passing yards, 7 TDs, 51.8% completion percentage, 76.9 passer rating   If you've followed my writing, you know how high I was on Wojciak at the start of last season. Unfortunately, his junior season got cut short but I'm confident in a quick turnaround for the Irondale senior. Wojciak has a lot of raw talent, he's got good arm power and can sling all up and down the field. He's elusive in the pocket and does a good job of stepping up and out when he feels pressure. Back shoulder passes are his specialty. Wojciak is a good leader who I'm betting on this fall.   #29 [player_tooltip player_id='242490' first='Tyson' last='Schultz'] - Jefferson 2024 6'4" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: 1088 passing yards, 7 TDs, 51.2% completion percentage, 61.7 passer rating   His 2022 stats may not be crazy, but his stock this offseason has only risen. I've seen Jefferson at a few camps and I can confidently say he may even be bigger than advertised. He fills out every bit of the 6'4" frame and has the throw power that you'd expect from a taller QB. He puts great touch on the ball and can heave it all across the field. He's also shown me that he can throw on the run. He will be paired with the top WR in the state his senior season so I expect big things from Schultz this fall.   #30 [player_tooltip player_id='641133' first='Chase' last='Thompson'] - Alexandria 2025 6'7" 200 lbs   2022 Stats: 1357 passing yards, 8 TDs, 58.9% completion percentage, 79.0 passer rating   The younger brother of Gophers basketball player Treyton Thompson, the Alexandria giant will return for his junior season with a solid year of varsity play under his belt. Thompson has an absolute cannon for an arm and can stretch the field like no one else in the state. As the QB with the single most upside in the state, Thompson's potential is what lands him as my preseason #30 QB in MN.   #31 Grady Guida - Buffalo 2024 6'1" 165 lbs   2022 Stats: 1989 all-purpose yards, 16 TOT, 57.8% completion percentage, 71.4 passer rating   Guida was an absolute dog last season. He led the team in passing yards, rushing yards, and TDs. He put up some crazy numbers against good teams and he should only improve before his senior season. When you're watching his film one of the first things that stick out to you is his athleticism. He is incredibly elusive in the pocket, he can be seen ducking and weaving defenders before taking off downfield. He can roll out of the pocket well and is able to throw on the run. Keep an eye out for him next season.   #32 [player_tooltip player_id='246007' first='Levi' last='Hahn'] - Mayer Lutheran 2024 6' 210 lbs   2022 Stats: 1139 all-purpose yards, 14 TOT, 45.6% completion percentage, 74.0 passer rating   I first covered Hahn a couple of weeks ago and I stand by my takes. The thick Mayer Lutheran QB continues to garner college interest this offseason and the hype is completely warranted. Hahn is an extremely fluid athlete who has a smooth throwing motion. He has no problem tucking the ball and gaining a first down on his legs either. He can put a great touch on the ball and has gained the interest of a ton of colleges.   #33 [player_tooltip player_id='326246' first='Elliott' last='Viland'] - Bethlehem Academy 2024 5'9" 165 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   It's important to note that Viland was the starter last season, I just cannot find his stats online. Despite his shorter stature, Viland has a cannon for an arm. He's incredibly athletic and is a dangerous runner once he gets into open space. When he's rolling out he's shown the ability to sling the ball downfield 20 to 30 yards off little more than his back foot. Great athleticism combined with great film and an 8-3 record led Viland to the #33 spot.   #34 Evan Freking - Anoka 2024 6'4" 180 lbs   2022 Stats: 2 GP, 561 passing yards, 4 TDs, 60% completion percentage, 82.3 passer rating   Freking, unfortunately, got injured during week 2 of the regular season last year, but he's entering the season as the projected QB1 for the Anoka Tornadoes. If you watch his film you'll see an athletic and lanky QB who can really stretch the field with his arm talent. He can scramble and throw on the run and does a nice job of leading wideouts on deep balls. I believe Freking can do great things in a full season.   #35 [player_tooltip player_id='248321' first='William' last='Devries'] - Roseville 2024 6'1" 175 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   It's important to note that Devries did start last season I just could not find stats for him. Devries does a lot of things right that you'd like to see from a college prospect. He's very athletic and has shown the ability to play a variety of positions on both sides of the ball. As a QB he boasts some solid arm talent, can throw on the run fairly well, and has no problem standing in the pocket and striking either. He does a good job of using his athleticism to extend plays on his legs.   #36 [player_tooltip player_id='105407' first='Kameron' last='Fox'] - Cooper 2024 5'10" 175 lbs   2022 Stats: 863 passing yards, 6 TDs, 61.6% completion percentage, 93.1 passer rating   It is important to note that Fox only played 5 full games due to injury. Fox has been a varsity starter for two different teams in his career and he continues to prove himself one of the top QBs in the state. Breaking down his film, I believe his best trait is his ball placement ability. Fox consistently hits tight windows and always places the ball directly in the wideout's hands. He's extremely comfortable striking between the hashes and has shown pocket escapability. He has interests from SMSU, Minnesota State Mankato, and MSUM.   #37 [player_tooltip player_id='279756' first='Caden' last='Wick'] - Prior Lake 2024 6' 190 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Wick is a QB I think could have started for the Lakers last season. He's part of a strong Prior Lake 2024 class and looks to make a solid postseason push this year. A film breakdown shows a calm and confident QB who does a great job of striking from the pocket. He rips balls into tight windows and is comfortable hitting passes at all three levels. He's already garnered a ton of college interest from some NSIC contenders. Keep Wick on your radar this year.   #38 Elyjah Sweet - Park Center 2024 5'10" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: 585 passing yards, 6 TDs, 55.3% completion percentage, 82.1 passer rating   The Park Center QB only got 6 games last season, but he left his mark when he played. He looks to be the clear week 1 starter. He boasts a quick release and has the confidence to hit tight windows. One of the things that I was most impressed with is his mobility in the pocket. Sweet can weave between defenders with ease. He's also patient in the pocket, he works through his reads calmly before releasing the rock. Don't sleep on Park Center.   #39 Cullen Gregory - Willmar 2024 6'2" 225 lbs   2022 Stats: 1808 all-purpose yards, 12 TOT, 54.8% completion percentage, 65.7 passer rating   The well-built Willmar junior will return for his senior season and look to build upon the success that they saw last season. Gregory is another QB that I would consider a true dual-threat athlete. He can easily stand in the pocket and deliver some nice deep balls or throw some slants with great ball placement. But he can just as well take designed QB runs and truck defenders. If Gregory can continue to develop his passing further this offseason, Willmar will be a very tough team.   #40 [player_tooltip player_id='105413' first='Conner' last='Connell'] - Luverne 2024 6'4" 225 lbs   2022 Stats: 1472 all-purpose yards, 16 TOT, 50.8% completion percentage, 91.1 passer rating   The Luverne prospect has gathered a bunch of D1 hype this offseason and it's clear why. Connell is an amazing athlete who is exceptionally quick for his size. He's the kind of player that you need to get the ball. Connell can create a whole new dimension to an offense, he's lined up at QB, TE, and WR. He dusts everyone when he's running routes and if somehow they stick to him, he'll run them over. Give the Luverne kid his respect, he's legit.   #41 [player_tooltip player_id='235957' first='Miskir' last='Esayas'] - Park 2025 6' 165 lbs   2022 Stats: 3 GP, 364 passing yards, 5 TDs, 49.1% completion percentage, 93.8 passer rating   Originally listed as an ATH, Esayas made a smooth transition to QB last season where he took over the helm for a few games due to injuries. At that time, I liked what I saw from the upcoming junior. For someone with very little varsity or QB experience, Esayas did a great job with what he had. He puts solid zip on the ball and will stay in the pocket and take a hit to make the play. With an offseason to prep and a year under his belt, Esayas could be a 6A danger next year.   #42 [player_tooltip player_id='650239' first='Nick' last='Walter'] - Annandale 2024 5'10" 175 lbs   2022 Stats: 1885 passing yards, 21 TDs, 60% completion percentage   Where to start with Walter? Despite being a little undersized, Walter has an absolute cannon. He can hurl the ball down the field with ease and does an excellent job of leading wideouts on deep passes. He has a great release and is comfortable throwing the ball from almost any position. He's also a great athlete who is more than willing to extend the play if it breaks down, and is plenty comfortable with taking designed QB runs. Walter is an absolute game-changer for Annandale.   #43 Ben Magnuson - St. Francis 2024 6'1" 185 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   I've had the pleasure of growing up and knowing Magnuson personally, but trust me he deserves to be on this list. He's got a lot of traits colleges coaches look for, (height, throw power), but he outshines nearly everyone with his game IQ. Magnuson breaks down defenses in seconds and does a phenomenal job going through all of his pre-snap checks. His ability to see what the defense's tendencies are and where they are going allows him to make presnap audibles. He rarely throws interceptions and puts a nice touch on the deep ball. He's my dark horse QB for 2023.   #44 [player_tooltip player_id='660460' first='Noah' last='Theis'] - Tech 2024 5'10" 145 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Theis will step into a starting role after what was a tough season for the Tech Tigers. I first saw him in action at the 612 QBs Offensive Showcase and his performance there is what lands him on this list today. Theis has phenomenal pocket poise, he never seems to get pressured regardless of the situation. He also has fluid and smooth mechanics, which allow him to release the ball at various funky arm angles with the same great degree of success. Theis is a sleeper pick to help turn Tech around and I'm pumped to see him this fall!   #45 [player_tooltip player_id='368541' first='Landon' last='Danner'] - Rosemount 2024 6'3" 200 lbs   2022 Stats: 603 all-purpose yards, 3 TOT, 54.7% completion percentage, 46.4 passer rating   Danner was the QB behind Rosemount's state-run last season that ended with the Irish taking second. Danner fits in perfectly in Rosemount's system. He is great at hitting wideouts out of the quick play-action plays that Rosemount has become known for. He's also a plenty capable ball carrier in his own right. He can turn a bootleg into a TD and does a good job of following his lead blockers downfield into open space.   #46 [player_tooltip player_id='362278' first='Gaven' last='Dean'] - Lakeville South 2025 5'10" 165 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Brother of former Lakeville South QB Camden Dean, Gaven looks to follow in his footsteps. While Lakeville South has primarily been a run-first team, Gaven's film shows off some great passing which could help add a whole new dimension to the Cougar's offense. He's quick to set his feet at the top of his drop and does a nice job of delivering solid passes on deep routes outside of the hashes. Dean is a high-upside prospect to watch next season.   #47 [player_tooltip player_id='592125' first='Mason' last='West'] - Edina 2026 6'4" 175   2022 Stats: N/A   West is another 2026 QB with a ton of hype behind him. As a freshman, he started as the JV QB and looks to be in serious contention for the varsity role in 2023. He was in fact the only underclassman Edina put forth that completed a varsity TD last season. West has great size for a freshman and appears almost wise beyond his years in the pocket. He's got a bazooka for an arm and can lead near any WR on a deep route. He's got a great release and I'm pumped to see if he's gonna be the week 1 signal-caller for the Hornets.   #48 [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'] - JCC 2026 6'3" 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 2335 all-purpose yards, 26 TOT   The JCC freshman put up some crazy numbers in his rookie year. Within a year I predict P5 offers will begin flowing for Voss, but right now I had to throw the soon-to-be sophomore as an HM. He's got a lightning-quick release and puts great zip on the ball. He's quick on his feet as well, he shows no issues stepping up in the pocket and breaking down a defense with his legs. There is no doubt in my mind that Voss will be an MN superstar one day.   #49 [player_tooltip player_id='551344' first='Dylan' last='Blount'] - St. Clair 2024 6'1" 180 lbs   2022 Stats: N/A   Blount has been a staple of the offseason camp circuit. If you break down his film you see a lot of great things. He's super nimble in the pocket and does a great job of avoiding defenders when they crack down on him. He is a gritty runner too, always eager to push forward to get extra yards. He's got a fast release and is a great competitor. St. Clair went 10-1 last season and may do better with Blount during his senior campaign.   #50 [player_tooltip player_id='606591' first='Hayden' last='Charboneau'] - Barnum 2024 6'2" 195 lbs   2022 Stats: 1372 passing yards, 20 TDs, 63% completion percentage   I got my first look at Charboneau at a 612 QBs camp this spring, and what I saw earned him the final sport on my list. He will enter his 4th year as a starter for the Barnum Bombers this fall. He is very well-rounded as a QB, comfortable standing in the pocket but able to escape and get a first down if the pocket collapses. Barnum has been a section runner-up the last two years, I believe that during Charboneau's senior campaign, they will break through.

Before every football season, I try to gather the very best Minnesota has to offer at every position, regardless of grade or class of the teams. I went through hours and hours of film to find who I believe are the top 50 QBs heading into the 2023 season. Please note that these rankings are NOT the official PrepRedzone Rankings, instead just my analysis. I based these rankings on previous season stats, film, offers, individual interviews, and overall hype around the prospect. And I'm pleased to present who I believe are the top 50 MN QBs!