'23 Preseason Super 7 - 5A Quarterbacks

IOWA CITY, Iowa - 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.   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.   Let's kick the party off by taking a look at seven difference makers at quarterback in the 5A Class:   [player_tooltip player_id='376911' first='Connor' last='Moberly'], '24, Southeast Polk - Moberly (6-4, 195) guided a prolific Ram offense during a state championship run by completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 1,954 yards and 14 touchdowns with only four interceptions. The Iowa State commitment also rushed for four scores.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14673095/6356a573ab927905ec868d48" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moberly is big and athletic</a>, which helped him lead the Southeast Polk basketball team in rebounds this past winter. His strong, accurate arm fits the ball into tight windows and to receivers where they can add yards after the catch. He moves well and buys extra time with his legs.   [player_tooltip player_id='247922' first='Drew' last='Larson'], '24, Iowa City High - Larson (6-2, 190) broke out last season, his first as a full-time starter. He ranked second among 5A quarterbacks in '22 with a 146.5 rating, completing 68.0 percent of his passes for 1,841 yards and 19 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He added 303 yards and five scores on the ground, and picked off two passes as a safety.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14816115/638645b464ded80228e139f1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Larson's best trait is his accuracy</a>. He has a good arm and moves well, in or out of the pocket. I could see him fitting at defensive back or receiver with his athleticism and feel for the game as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='252226' first='William' last='Nuss'], '25, Johnston - Nuss (6-0 170) helped the Dragons reach The Dome last fall with 23 touchdown passes and eight interceptions as a sophomore. He averaged 16.0 yards per completion and 43.3 yards on three punts.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14959264/63c7fd5734535416b852dc73" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuss can spin the football</a> with a strong arm that also makes him a baseball prospect (1.114 OPS in '22). His highlights show that strength but also nice touch on the deep ball. Some of that can be attributed to good footwork, which he shows in straight drop-backs or when he moves the pocket.   [player_tooltip player_id='245608' first='Jack' last='Wallace'], '25, Iowa City West - A two-year starter, Wallace (6-3, 216) completed 57.7 percent of his passes for 1,754 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions as a sophomore. He took a large step forward from Year 1 to 2, served as a captain and is poised for another leap in '23.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15145032/63559aba0dcaf80bf09f45b0">Wallace is a good athlete</a> who also competes in basketball and track. The athleticism shines in how he plays the quarterback position. He can pick up important yards on the ground and keep plays alive when they go off of schedule. He impresses with arm strength and his ability to throw into small windows. He also boasts nice touch throwing deep.   [player_tooltip player_id='118822' first='Trenton' last='Smith'], '24, Ankeny Centennial - Smith (6-1, 200) enters his fourth season as a starter off of a junior campaign that saw him complete 67.3 percent of his passes for 1,319 yards and 10 TDs with only three picks.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5518805/63691c3a9681160934710093">Smith is a strong passer</a> with an ability to move the pocket with his legs and throw accurately on the run. He's a threat on designed runs as well. He feels pocket pressure and keeps his eyes downfield as long as possible. The right-hander likes throwing while rolling left and completes passes from multiple arm angles.   Vincenzo Gianforte, '25, Cedar Rapids Kennedy - Young for his grade, Gianforte (6-0, 190) shined in his first season as a starter for a Cougar outfit that racked up a 7-2 regular-season record. The sophomore completed 52.8 percent of his passes for 1,362 yards and 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions.   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16056693/635d61290dcb0d0b680ceacd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gianforte offers escapability</a> and comes up with creative ways to get the ball to his receivers. His arm is strong, he releases the ball quickly, and he holds his fundamentals even under pressure. He can operate out of the gun or under center, and does a nice job with play-action.   Charlie Zimmerman, '24, Bettendorf - The Bulldogs ran the ball more than twice as much as they passed it in '22. Zimmerman (6-0, 175) contributed with his rushing ability. He also completed 57.4 percent of his throws for 877 yards and nine touchdowns against six interceptions.   Bettendorf posted an uncharacteristic 3-6 record last fall, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15019036/6354155f2ab1670508192cee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zimmerman did a nice job making plays</a> when they were there. He showed a good feel for read-option, delivering with his arm and his legs. He's athletic with good speed and could project at multiple positions in college.   Others to Watch: Austin Waller, Linn-Mar; [player_tooltip player_id='247925' first='JeCari' last='Patton'], '24, Des Moines East; [player_tooltip player_id='1417545' first='Etienne' last='Higgins'], '25, Council Bluffs Jefferson; [player_tooltip player_id='1240560' first='Beckett' last='Bakker'], '26, Waukee; [player_tooltip player_id='294444' first='Sam' last='Johnson'], '24, Waukee Northwest; Carter Krug, '24, Dubuque Hempstead; Tate Hermansen, '24, Cedar Falls.

IOWA CITY, Iowa - 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.