Midseason Report: Five QBs to Know

Ryan Wesley

September 25, 2023 @ 11:30 PM

As we approach the midway point of the season, there are a handful of quarterbacks who have flown under the radar but are quietly making a big impact.    These underrated QBs have been putting up impressive numbers while leading their teams, proving that they deserve more recognition than they are currently receiving.   This report will look at five quarterbacks who have stood out during the first half of the season and could be poised for a breakout league performance.   Reeve Holliday | Columbine | 2024   31 of 37, 467 yds, 7 TDs | 14 car, 60 yds, 1 TD   Holliday is one of the more poised quarterbacks in the state, making him a legitimate sleeper. Columbine's run-heavy offense is not a scheme that enables QBs to shine as big-time passers, but Holliday has supplanted himself as an exception to the norm. His understanding of the offense has given him the ability to run it with ease. He has the arm strength to make almost any throw on all levels, while his accurate ball placement gives his receivers a chance to make a play. Holliday is a reliable QB with a significantly high ceiling, making him a potential steal as a recruit.   Paul Mitchell | Widefield | 2024   45 of 78, 714 yds, 11 TDs; 16 car, 141 yds, 4 TDs (first 4 games)   Mitchell is a dual-threat QB who has been making waves during the first half of the season. His mobility allows him to make plays with his legs, but he has shown time and time again that he can also deliver precision passes to his receivers. The 6-foot-3, 195lbs QB has been instrumental in leading his team to multiple victories, both through the air and on the ground. Mitchell's versatility and accuracy make him a true force to be reckoned with on the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='251260' first='Frankie' last='Dardano'] | Denver North | 2024   70 of 115, 900 yds, 12 TDs | 27 car, 194 yds, 4 TDs   Dardano is another QB making waves with his impressive athleticism and precision passing ability. He has a quick release that allows him to fit passes through tight windows, and his mobility makes him a dual threat on the field. He can make plays with his arm or legs, and his ability to improvise when the play breaks down is truly remarkable. Dardano is a natural leader and his teammates know they can rely on him to run the offense.   Gavin Ishmael | Frederick | 2025   104 of 160, 1,483 yds, 13 TDs  | 55 car, 211 yds, 3 TD   Ishmael has been turning heads with his impressive numbers. He leads the state in passing yards while also establishing himself as a dangerous runner. His throwing mechanics are solid, and he has a knack for finding his receivers downfield. He consistently makes big plays and is a true leader on the field. Ishmael is a talented QB who will undoubtedly continue to make a name for himself as a college recruit.   [player_tooltip player_id='1296071' first='Joe' last='Steiner'] | Eaglecrest | 2025   56 of 89, 928 yds, 12 TDs | 17 car, 133 yds, 2 TDs   Steiner is a player who has been quite impressive during the first half of the season. The 6-foot-4 mobile QB is capable of putting a fantastic touch on his throws. His height allows him to see the whole playing area with ease, and his athleticism gives him an advantage on the field. Steiner has quickly turned himself into a must-watch player during league play.

As we approach the midway point of the season, there are a handful of quarterbacks who have flown under the radar but are quietly making a big impact.