2025 Rankings Update: The State’s Top Ten Junior Quarterbacks

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64beb59f14782"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["599217"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"From Watchlist to ranked inside the top ten at his position, great debut for Bishop Guilfoyle's [player_tooltip player_id='599217' first='Chase' last='Kissell']. 6'2, 185, Kissell flaunts a desirable and suitable build at quarterback, one that checks off boxes at the next level. One of the more intriguing prospects, especially considering the young man might be next-level worthy away from the quarterback position. Kissell should probably be deemed an ATH, as his rank is this high because of how special he is a DB. All things considered, Kissell still ranks inside the top 150 for a reason. The long list of quarterbacks ranked behind Kissell are all deserving to be placed inside the top ten, we are splitting hairs between 15-9. Excited to see what parts of his game have developed further this coming Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c64f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598914"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Twitter says 2024, Hudl says junior QB 2025. Clarification would be great, yet I always go with a kid's Hudl before anything. [player_tooltip player_id='598914' first='David' last='Shields'], standing at 6'2, 190, reminds me a ton of another former Mt. Lebanon passer in Joey Daniels, who committed to Dayton football a couple of years back. Shields has a ways to go to match Daniels's production and imprint at the program, yet Shields flashed Division One level throws on tape last Fall. 6'2, 195 as an incoming junior, the lefty passer has ample time to carve out his own recruiting lane/resume. Good accuracy downfield, plenty of five-wide sets deployed by Mt. Lebo on tape, you can see Shields work through some kind of progression, which is a plus, could be a half-field scan, which again, would be a plus. Love his command in the pocket, consistently poised whether the pocket is clean or spotty. Big time potential here.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c6c2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["264249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bethel Park's [player_tooltip player_id='264249' first='Tanner' last='Pfeuffer'] is the only passer outside of the top five with an offer under his belt. We are a ways away from worrying about recruiting interest for many on this list, yet it's worth mentioning that West Liberty has already reached out, got ahead of the ball, and offered [player_tooltip player_id='264249' first='Tanner' last='Pfeuffer'] a scholarship. Pfeuffer, so long as he stays on his current development projection, should be a future lock for D2 interest throughout the state. Again, I know many PSACs that won't offer 2024s at this point, so we are a bit ahead of ourselves. It goes to show just how far along Pfeuffer is right now. 6'6 frame jumps off the tape. There's noticeable depth in his dropback specifically because of the stride he possesses, that's an additional plus beyond the obvious. Works in a system with a ton of play-action sets implemented. Locates his downfield reads well and one time. I think Pfeuffer could make strides in terms of arm strength relative to his build. Very high ceiling.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c72a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/pfeufer06/status/1672664308046610433?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/pfeufer06/status/1672664308046610433?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Top three potential, the first quarterback to place inside the Top 100. That being 6'4, 195-pound Pope John Paul II leader [player_tooltip player_id='598736' first='Luke' last='Terlesky']. A tick under 70% completion percentage last Fall. 2,000+ yards through the air under his belt, with 20+ total scores to his name too. If you set quarterbacks by tier, I'd argue Terlesky breaks off into a new tier above the passers ranked beneath him. Love his throwing motion, consistent and replicable too. Not necessarily the fastest, but clean and helpful against pressure. Terlesky is a big kid who certainly excels within the pocket, yet his tape shows off some off-platform throws in situations where he's forced to move his launching point. Leads corner and seam benders well in front of his wideouts. Blends caution and confidence well when making downfield decisions. There's a lot to like pre/post throw. More people should be in on this kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c790"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255085"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As we get closer to these prospects' final grades, we have to reflect current recruitment trends with almost the same weight as my grade after watching tape. Gettysburg [player_tooltip player_id='255085' first='Brady' last='Heiser'] straddles this line. Personally, I think Brady is a Top 3-5 QB in his class, yet it's tough to deny Kosko and Zollers' current recruitment status, with each passer securing multiple FBS offers to this point. In terms of ranking, we like Heiser as the best un-offered option in this class. I'd bet house money that Heiser will be a future lock to earn FCS scholarships down the line, I've been around for some time and have seen comparable passers follow the same path. FCS, as well as the sixth spot, is [player_tooltip player_id='255085' first='Brady' last='Heiser']'s floor, in my opinion. I have a strong feeling we haven't seen the best Heiser on the field, or on the recruiting trail. 6'1, 200 pounds, 4.0 GPA, outstanding kid who I have no problem vouching for on and off the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c7f4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255088"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='255088' first='Luke' last='Kosko'] hops on and off our rankings for the same reason. He has no sophomore tape. Usually, we never rank kids without tape, which is why Kosko has seen himself placed on WL time and time again. Now, he ranks inside the top five, what changed? Recruitment, college coaches vouching for the kid, has swayed me enough to give him a spot on our lists. Very early in 2022, Kosko made news after announcing he received a G5 offer out of Marshall. A year later, he added to his list an offer out of UNC Charlotte. Two meaningful offers to the 6'4, 210-pound passer, formerly out of Seton La Salle. Now at Thomas Jefferson, Kosko will presumably produce an undeniable tape that will further validate this ranking. Hopefully, the last update will be the last time Kosko will end up on WL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c856"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386093' first='Matt' last='Zollers'] has been praised on this site long before his first Group of Five offer. Here's my evaluation on the Spring-Ford passer dating back to last February.rnrnu003cblockquoteu003eu003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='386093' first='Matt' last='Zollers']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘ build immediately grabs your attention. 6'3 and just under 200 pounds, Zollers also boasts one of the better pre-throw packages in this class. Absolutely clean feet and drop after the snap. Great eye discipline after receiving snap, great pre-throw arm angles that ensure little to no sway before bringing the ball up to his shoulder. Zollers is a step ahead of the curve mechanically and it shows once the ball is released. Outstanding deep ball accuracy and a ton of velocity without much wasted motion. Zollers' release is efficient, much of his attention to detail pre-throw is why this young man is so successful on the field. I hope D1 programs begin to catch on to how this kid is developing. The tape isn't too lengthy, I'm hoping to see a full Fall season of Spring-Ford's quarterback dominating competition.u003c/blockquoteu003ernSince, Zollers has elevated inside the top five, while also securing an offer out of Old Dominion. The likes of Bowling Green, Temple, and UNC Charlotte, should all be in on Zollers, as well as every local FCS program. We know how different things are for quarterbacks on the recruiting trail, it's tough to get noticed. I have a feeling Zollers won't be needing much help from guys like me moving forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c8ba"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MattZollers/status/1672282274228756480?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MattZollers/status/1672282274228756480?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386285"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386285' first='Skyler' last='Smith'] is back inside the top three. I feel comfortable saying that there aren't too many names in the state more talented than a healthy [player_tooltip player_id='386285' first='Skyler' last='Smith']. There's a real case to be made for Smith at the two spot, considering that Shawn Lee is at two because of his Power Five offer. Temple offered Smith back in April, I imagine after talking with those in the know, that Smith is squarely on radar at programs like Rutgers and Maryland. Health will be brought up of course, yet a dominant and productive season behind center will put all those conversations to rest. Love the work put in by this kid all off-season. [player_tooltip player_id='263040' first='Shawn' last='Lee Jr.'] might surpass Smith in terms of overall athleticism. That being said, I'm fully comfortable and ready to make Smith the second-ranked QB after [player_tooltip player_id='154352' first='Stone' last='Saunders'], so long as his tape warrants it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c91d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["263040"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Harrisburg's [player_tooltip player_id='263040' first='Shawn' last='Lee Jr.'] picked up his first FBS offer out of Kent State University back in January, Lee Jr. doubled his offer total after picking up his second offer this past May, a P5 one at that, out of Iowa State. I would love to know if Iowa State and other Power Five programs like Lee Jr. at Quarterback or ATH. We've placed [player_tooltip player_id='263040' first='Shawn' last='Lee Jr.'] inside the top five on Merritt and tape alone, so a leap to the two spot isn't necessarily unrealistic. That being said, knowing what these coaches think of the young man is crucial when attempting to assess if he should stay at QB or ATH on our site. Shawn Lee is not a struggling passer by any means, far from it. It might surprise some, but I wouldn't be too shocked if BIG12 and ACC programs did like him at QB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c982"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["154352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='154352' first='Stone' last='Saunders'] places at the top of the quarterback rankings for yet another update. This is a statement I'm likely to repeat for years to come. It's a testament to how advanced the young man is behind center. Knowing who he's working with, I know there is attention to detail given to every aspect of his game. There isn't a quarterback in the world, especially at this level, that doesn't have areas to improve upon, Saunders is no different. Yet I know he and his team are working to eclipse any ceiling media outlets such as ourselves might place above his head. You could say that Stone has bigger fish to fry, you'd likely be correct. Saunders ranks as the top passer in his class and would do so If I had to rank every quarterback in the state regardless of class. Saunders' game oozes confidence, yet this will be the first time we see the passer take the field with a ring on his finger. Will we see an even further improved Saunders this coming Fall? I believe we will.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64bf597c3c9e4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Stone_Saunders8/status/1673724041503424512?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Stone_Saunders8/status/1673724041503424512?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->