Oregon 2024 Under the Radar: Quarterbacks
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Up next on the under the radar series is the only position group left, the quarterback group. Oregon has talent at the quarterback position with players like Cru Newman Cru Newman 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Central Catholic |…
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Continue ReadingUp next on the under the radar series is the only position group left, the quarterback group. Oregon has talent at the quarterback position with players like Cru Newman Cru Newman 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Central Catholic | 2024 State OR and Nick Sakys Nick Sakys 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB West Linn | 2024 State OR . However, in this series, I look at some guys who may be getting a bit overlooked and deserve recognition. Here are five signal callers in Oregon that people need to keep an eye on.
First up is the new South Salem Saxon, Athan Palmateer Athan Palmateer 6’2″ | 195 lbs | QB South Salem | 2024 State OR . Athan played for Sprague last season, where he was quite the quarterback, leading them to a respectable 6-5 record, including a first-round win in the Columbia Cup. Athan has nice velocity on his throws and looks comfortable making any throw on the football field. I was also impressed with his deep ball, as he can flash some nice zip on his throw or incredible touch, whatever is necessary for the ball to get to the receiver. His technique is solid, especially when he stays disciplined on the run. I am excited to watch Athan at South Salem this upcoming season and am interested to see what schools come calling.
Highlights
Next is a very talented kid out of Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Rocco McClave Rocco McClave 6’2″ | 180 lbs | QB Crescent Valley | 2024 State OR . The skill that jumps out to you immediately after watching Rocco’s tape is his gorgeous deep ball. The touch and accuracy of his deep throws are what is most impressive. Rocco is also quite the athlete. There were multiple instances of him running around behind the line of scrimmage, trying to make a play just like Patrick Mahomes does on Sundays. With that being said, it is a good thing that he can throw on the run with ease, showing off that touch even while evading defenders. I believe Rocco is being overlooked mainly because of his unique throwing motion, but I am here to confirm that the kid can throw the ball with the best of them. I am very excited to see how Rocco looks during his senior season.
Now we have Kaden Hale Kaden Hale 6’3″ | 200 lbs | ATH Forest Grove | 2024 State OR out of Forest Grove High School. Although Kaden is known for playing quarterback for the Vikings, I can understand why we at Prep Redzone listed him as an Athlete. After watching Kaden’s film, two main skills stand out to me: his athleticism and arm strength. Kaden is quite speedy and explosive, as he can make impressive runs for a quarterback. Kaden can also launch the football, either in the pocket or on the run. Most of his impressive throws came on the run, and even though that is great, I would have liked to see him sit back and deliver in the pocket a bit more, but that might be because he did not have enough time as Forest Grove went 3-6 last season. Kaden is a bit more of a project than the other quarterbacks on this list, but the skills are there.
Highlights
Lastly, we have Kallen Gutridge Kallen Gutridge 6’4″ | 195 lbs | QB Wilsonville | 2024 State OR , the left-handed quarterback for the Wilsonville Wildcats. Kallen is an athletic quarterback with a pretty throwing motion in the pocket. He is not afraid to run, and the Wildcats coaching staff is not afraid to see him run either, as they ran multiple QB-designed runs for him. He is elusive and can make people miss, and he is more than capable of putting his shoulder down and finishing a run. Kallen also has a nice deep ball that showcases his strong arm and soft touch. If Kallen can show that he is comfortable making every throw on the field this upcoming season, he should get some looks from colleges that need a quarterback.