Which Quarterbacks Could Take a Big Step Forward as Seniors?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, I wanted to look at which 2024 quarterbacks I think could take a big step forward this fall. These young men have flashed upside on tape and some even put together some impressive statistical numbers in 2022. However, I think they got more in the tank and could develop nicely this fall &amp; be among Illinois' top signal-callers in the 2024 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me at @hsfbscout on Twitter!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Freedom Ali, 6'1" 190, Loyola</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not a ton of experience, but when he got his chance he shined. He's super mobile, is a physical runner between the tackles, puts enough air under his deep ball for his target to run right under it, and is one tough customer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='168907' first='Michael' last='Champagne'], 5'9" 150, Glenbard South</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not the biggest guy out there, but the first thing that jumps out to you on tape is the raw arm talent. Michael is accurate on-platform or off-it, he can thread the needle between two defenders and does a good job transitioning his body weight from his back leg to his upper half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Logan Smith, 5'11" 165, St. Joseph-Ogden</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A spread quarterback with a live arm, excellent third-level touch, and the ability to buy time when the pocket collapses. He's got a bit of a backyard playing style that forces defenders to lock on when he's outside the pocket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Johnny Weber, 6'5" 190, Carmel</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weber has good size, calm feet, great awareness inside the pocket, and consistently throws a catchable ball within the framework. He's not afraid to tuck it and run if nothing presents itself downfield and has a quick set-up for called RPOs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='271288' first='Jason' last='Penza'], 6'2" 185, Crystal Lake Central</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Penza has a twitchy upper half, he uses his eyes to move opposing safeties and can generate high velocity on short-intermediate throws. He shows excellent anticipation and has some speed that can be utilized on called quarterback runs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='161316' first='Braden' last='Tischer'], 5'10" 170, Lincoln Way-East</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A winner with excellent athletic ability and a competitive on-field nature. He's slippery inside the pocket, can process quickly, shows pinpoint accuracy, and has filthy change of direction. He's such an exciting prospect to watch on tape and was a key cog for East's runner-up finish in 8A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='161346' first='Dennis' last='Mandala'], 5'10" 170, IC Catholic</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He finds the holes in zone coverage &amp; will eat them up, he knows how to manipulate defenders, and can throw out of awkward arm slots. Dennis squares his shoulders when throwing on the move and does a good job working to his second &amp; third reads in his progression. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->