Top Quarterbacks of 2023….so far
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Des Moines, Iowa – As we are past the halfway point of the regular season, there has been very impressive Quarterback play from many different players throughout the state. The Quarterback position is seen as the pinnacle of the offense and…
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Continue ReadingDes Moines, Iowa – As we are past the halfway point of the regular season, there has been very impressive Quarterback play from many different players throughout the state. The Quarterback position is seen as the pinnacle of the offense and many of these QBs have proven so thus far. Today’s article will present a list of the top Quarterbacks in the state so far this season.
* List is subject to players from all classes and isn’t in any particular order
Vincenzo Gianforte
Vincenzo Gianforte
Gianforte has been on fire all season for the cougars, the Junior has 1,477 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions with a passer rating of 147.1. After starting off the season 0-2, Gianforte and the cougars have been on a tear winning their last 4 games. Now sitting at 4-2, this offense has come into class 5A as one of the leagues best and it all starts with the man under center. He is a natural pocket passer who knows how to scan the field and calmly go through his progressions. He has the ability to fit the ball in tight windows and place them in spots only the receivers can get. His zip on the ball also needs to be talked about more as he releases pretty quickly whenever he gets into that motion. The junior is also a little crafty as he has natural athleticism to avoid sacks and escape pressure pretty well.
The state leader in passing yards and touchdowns has been electrifying all season. Beckman has 1,795 yards, 17 touchdowns, 9 interceptions all with a passer rating of 127.2. He seems to always know where he’s going with the ball and continues to fit throws into very tight windows with exceptional accuracy. He has an arm that allows him to be proficient in the short, intermediate and deep game but also is smart enough to recognize where his check-downs are. When you watch this film you can see he has the IQ to be a very efficient leader and player under center. Ever since the season started Beckman has kept his statistical lead and hasn’t looked back since. Look for the senior to make a final push to put crazy numbers towards ends of the season and possibly even make a push for his team to make the playoffs.
Highlights
Now Flora may not be the most traditional quarterback on this list, however he is perhaps the best athlete on this list. The ADM senior has proven to be one of the most efficient dual threats within the state. With 780 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, he has shown he’s a capable passer. On the ground he has 91 carries for 1,185 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is responsible for 28 total touchdowns and is a huge reason to why ADM is for is 5-1. A year ago he was a one thousand yard passer and one thousand yard rusher, by the end of this season he will repeat that statistical achievement perhaps . Flora is just an all around play-maker who can do it all and barely makes mistakes in the process. He has speed, elusiveness, a steady arm and just good vision that allow him to be a factor in all aspects.
With 1039 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and a passer rating of 148.0, Smith has respectfully put together a good senior campaign so far. He also has a completion percentage of 70% which currently leads all starting QBs in 5A. He has already surpassed his touchdown total from last year and will soon enough pass his yardage total as well. The offense may not relay on a heavy pass scheme but Smith can get the ball to his play-makers and the offense cooks. He knows how to extend play action plays and is able to hit on shots he chooses to take. He isn’t reckless with the ball at all and knows how to be patient in the pocket, he is a reliable pocket passer who can scramble if needed. The Jaguars senior has been sound all season and shows up when the offense needs him. Look for the Jags to make a push with these last games left.
Highlights
The senior has been surgical this season for the rams. With a 6-0 record, he has posted a stat line of 1176 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 1 interception and a passer rating of 137.0. Moberly is a leader on this offense that knows how to win. The Iowa State commit shows tremendous poise in the pocket, the athleticism to move around and knows how to spread the love between his receivers. His zip on the ball is like no other, as it almost looks effortless for him to get the ball out so quick. With only 1 interception this year his ball security is what sticks out most because it shows he’s capable of leading a high powered offense while making minimal, if any mistakes. While it may seem normal, the fact is Moberly has been on fire since week 1 and is making a statement that they want to be in the dome again this year and continue the success they ended last season with.
Highlights
Carson Lullmann
Carson Lullmann
The Tornadoes QB has had quite the journey within his high school career. Unlike the other players on this list, Lullmann didn’t necessarily start off as a QB nor was he ever a skill player. Not too long ago he was a two way lineman protecting and sacking the QB, fast forward and now Lullmann has quietly put together an exciting season so far. The Storm Lake product is second in 4A with 1,616 yards but first in touchdowns with 20 and holds a passer rating of 128.8. The senior resembles the likes of “Big Ben” as he is a big yet sturdy QB who doesn’t necessarily go down on first contact. Make no mistake, Lullmann may not be the most athletic but he is one of the most proficient. He is calm whenever he drops back and seems to know where his targets are or need to be. He has an strong arm that allows him to stretch defenses vertically but has a quick enough release to be efficient in the quick game. To his credit Storm Lake is better off than they were a year ago and has a potential chance to make the post season. Look for this team to make a late season push with Lullmann leading the helm.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14873438/Carson-Lullmann
Sitting at 6-0, Creston seems to be having the perfect season so far. A lot of that has to do with the play of Cael Turner Cael Turner 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Creston | 2024 IA . The senior has been nothing but consistent all season. It sometimes seems like he’s out there playing backyard football, as he looks like a crafty magician running around back there barely getting touched. Even when Turner seems like he’s going to get sacked or taken down he still manages to somehow get the ball out to the perfect place of where it needs to be. The misdirection and finesse he plays with is second to none as he has a pump fake that actually works well enough to freeze defenders. His legs can also cause problems as he brings some elusiveness and speed whenever he exits the pocket. Turner currently sits atop of the 3A leader board with 1,613 yard, 20 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Highlights
Manske is a talent that many have started taking notice of. While he sits second in 3A with 1398 yards and 14 touchdowns, he so far accomplished one thing no other QB on this list has. He hasn’t thrown a single interception up to this point. The Algona junior has made some pretty spectacular throws this season, some were on the run and when it leaves his hand you wouldn’t think it would be complete. Yet majority of the time it was. Manske is a legit QB who has a good frame and rocket launcher type arm. He is able to make a lot of throws off his back foot while displaying very good touch on his deep ball. He is a smart player who understands to take what the defense gives and then quickly exploits it. Sitting at 4-2, Algona will need to finish strong in order to enter the postseason, however if Manske continues this style of play the Bulldogs will certainly see their playoff hopes become reality.
Honorable Mentions
Tate Platte | Des Moines Christian | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/13079213/Tate-Platte |
Kellen Cockrell | Williamsburg | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/14938517/Kellen-Cockrell |
Preston Ries Preston Ries 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Monticello | 2024 State IA | Monticello | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/14912449/Preston-Ries |
Joey Rhomberg | Mount Vernon | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/11832396/Joey-Rhomberg |
Gentry Dumont | Regina Catholic | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/13038061/gentry-dumont |
Aiden Harder | Norwalk | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/14736939/Aidan-Harder |
Bobby Bacon Bobby Bacon 6'0" | QB Iowa City | 2025 IA | Iowa City | Junior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/16105010/Bobby-Bacon |
Luke Andersen | Ankeny | Junior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/16527085/luke-anderson |
EJ Miller | Independence | Junior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/16482408/ej-miller |
Will Arkfeld | Harlan | Senior | https://www.hudl.com/profile/16440846/will-arkfeld |