’23 Preseason Super 7 – 4A Quarterbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/05/23-preseason-super-7-5a-quarterbacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super 7 – 5A Quarterbacks</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IOWA CITY, Iowa –&nbsp;</strong>It's hard to believe we're hitting the end of another school year. That means a new high school football season is only a summer away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No better time than the present to start looking ahead at the 2023 campaign. Highlighting top returners helps refresh our memories and prepare us for what's ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's analyze seven difference makers among Class 4A quarterbacks:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320562' first='Graham' last='Beckman'], '24, Iowa City Liberty - </strong>Beckman (6-2, 200) shined in a season-opening upset against rival City High at Kinnick Stadium and kept rolling throughout the campaign. He paced junior quarterbacks in Class 4A and 5A with 31 touchdown passes. He shows a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15145412/636a7ae11600f600808301ab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong arm, a quick release and very good mobility</a>. He should be receiving more attention in recruiting. He's really good. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole Marsh, '24, Waverly-Shell Rock - </strong>It's not often you see a quarterback blocking during his highlights. Marsh (6-6, 210) <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14609822/638fff45a0183504bc8b765a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doesn't mind mixing it up</a>. A standout on the basketball team, he brings athleticism along with a strong arm behind center. He stresses defenses with the threat of passing or running. He displays good speed on the move with an ability to throw accurately on the move. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='247923' first='Quinton' last='Tran'], '24, Clear Creek Amana - </strong>Tran (5-11, 185) tossed 11 touchdowns with just one pick at Iowa City High in '22. He did most of that damage when starter [player_tooltip player_id='247922' first='Drew' last='Larson'], also a junior, was sidelined with an injury. Tran split time with Larson in '21. Tran should shine as a senior. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13003964/636c6788a681270968abbfc3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">He's accurate and moves really well</a>. He has solid arm strength, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kyler Gerardy, '24, North Scott - </strong>Like the others on this rundown, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14871809/638d6f920dc9ef0d241879df" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerardy (6-0, 170) is an athletic quarterback</a>. He makes plays firing the ball through the air, but he's very dangerous running, especially in the open field. He threw 15 touchdowns with just five interceptions and completed over 70 percent of his passes. He ran for 1,217 yards and 19 scores in helping the Lancers reach The Dome. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='633628' first='Ronan' last='Thomas'], '24, Xavier - </strong>Thomas (6-1, 180) piloted the Saints to a state title in '22, completing 67.1 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and only five picks. He averaged 16.6 yards per completion and added nine scores on the ground. That speaks to his dual-threat ability. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16464210/637e8c5566558e0b1001565c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">He can spin the ball with good touch on the deep bal</a>l. He's adept at throwing across his body running left. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320774' first='Ty' last='Mikkelsen'], '24, Dallas Center-Grimes</strong> - Mikkelsen (6-0, 175) <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13336665/63310d67f561220e4c22180b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gets the ball out quick with good accuracy</a>. He zips the ball into tight windows and on his receiver. He threw for almost 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior last fall. He added a rushing score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malik Epps-Keller, '25, Cedar Rapids Washington - </strong>Epps-Keller (5-11, 160) delivered exciting plays as a sophomore for a solid Warrior squad. He can <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16609100/6397afbd19afbf0c284f1a52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chuck it deep with ease and accuracy</a>. He can leave defenses grabbing air when <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16609100/634e1812b018d518387b3254" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he tucks it and goes</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to Watch: </strong>Kayden Anderson, Glenwood; Brett Harris, Western Dubuque; Teagan Kasel, '24, LeMars; </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->