Stock Rising Quarterbacks
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We have seen a lot of the usual suspects playing at the level we expected, but we have also had some guys that are climbing the ranks and jumping into the forefront at the QB position, and are either drawing…
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Continue ReadingWe have seen a lot of the usual suspects playing at the level we expected, but we have also had some guys that are climbing the ranks and jumping into the forefront at the QB position, and are either drawing college attention, or are about to. This article will highlight 5 QBs across the state that you should start buying stock in now, because their rise is inevitable.
Drake Irwin Drake Irwin 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Rockford | 2024 State MI , Rockford- Rockford is off to an absolutely incredible start, reeling off 5 straight against some pretty stout competition, and just rolling over them. Drake is lethal from the pocket, typically delivering big time throws on the money. He has pretty incredible arm strength, hitting deep balls with ease. He makes really quick reads, understands what he is seeing and throws darts with no hesitation at all. It appears that it comes extremely natural and easy to him. He already has over 1,000 yards and is completing around 70% of his passes right now. I love what I am seeing from him as a pure QB and leader. I am hoping to catch a Rockford game this season because I would love to see a complete game from Drake.
Isaac Pace Isaac Pace 5'10" | 155 lbs | QB Northville | 2024 State MI , Northville- I had the opportunity to check out Pace in week 1 against Clarkston at The Big House. What I witnesses was extremely impressive. Taking over the offense, he seemed extremely natural. His throwing motion is smooth and decision making is very quick. He seems comfortable in the pocket and is solid at the little moves to extend the play or just make himself more comfortable to throw. I really enjoy watching him lead Northville on this successful season so far. I think he could absolutely become a good QB at the next level that could be a real leader for a team.
Jackson Conn, Ithaca- Jackson is a pure gunslinger at the QB position. He is putting on a passing clinic so far this season, sitting just shy of 1,000 yards, and 15 TDs already. I got to see him play in week 2 and he seemed very in control of the offense, and was making the right reads and putting the ball pretty on the money. He was good at throwing it up where only his receivers could get it, and didn’t really put the ball in harms way throughout the night. It seems his season is continuing to roll on vert similarly to that week 2 matchup. The real test to his skill will come soon when the weather starts to deteriorate and the competition gets stiffer in the playoffs. I’m pumped to see if they can continue this elite passing attack late into the fall. If they can, there is no reason this team can’t be playing at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.
Joe McCarthy Joe McCarthy 5'11" | 195 lbs | QB Petoskey | 2024 State MI , Petoskey- Joe is having himself an extremely stellar season. Now sitting atop the history books at Petoskey with the most passing yards in school history, Joe is just pouring it on at this point. Just this past week he threw for over 300 yards and 4 TDs in the first half. I have been high on him for awhile, and it’s great to see him really shining, maybe even more than I thought. His absurd stat lines are now a weekly thing, as he is just slinging it. His arm talent is obvious, but he continues to impress me with how he seems to be reading the defense much better than the last time I saw him. I love what he can do, and I think the next level could unlock a ton more from Joe with the right situation. Hopefully he gets that opportunity.
Preston Wallace, Evart- Last season, Preston threw for over 2,500 yards and 34 TDs, and it appears he is right on pace wit that once again. His completion percentage has dipped just a touch from 68% to 64%, but he is already at 1,359 and 18 TDs. His arm talent is extremely high and his decision making seems to be awesome as he has only 1 interception thrown on 108 attempts. His timing is really good, typically he is one step ahead of the defense and doesn’t put the ball in danger much at all. I really like what he presents physically at 6’1 175, and I think he could fill out even more before long. He needs a lot more college attention than I am seeing so far. His stock should be through the roof as a diamond in the rough type of guy.
There are plenty of others that are starting to emerge as elite QBs in the state as well. Check back with us in a few weeks and we’ll be highlighting even more QBs taking up some spotlight across Michigan!