2025s Making a Name For Themselves: Part 3 – Under the Radar QBs
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As we venture into the last chapter of this journey through the class of 2025, our attention shifts to the unsung heroes orchestrating the offense – the quarterbacks. This year, the class of 2025 has a deep slate of QBs…
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Continue ReadingAs we venture into the last chapter of this journey through the class of 2025, our attention shifts to the unsung heroes orchestrating the offense – the quarterbacks. This year, the class of 2025 has a deep slate of QBs who, despite flying under the radar, are showcasing a caliber of play that’s hard to ignore. They’re not just flinging the pigskin; they’re leading their team, reading defenses, and delivering strikes with a mix of poise and precision. The spotlight may naturally gravitate towards the more heralded names, but these young gunners are showing why they deserve more recognition with each game.
Jaxon Knutson Jaxon Knutson 6’3″ | 210 lbs | QB McClintock | 2025 State AZ from McClintock is a dynamic quarterback that’s truly eye-catching. His agility is one of his standout features, with remarkable quickness and top-end speed that serve him well both in and out of the pocket. When the play breaks down, Knutson has a knack for keeping things alive, exhibiting a fluidity that makes him so hard to bring down. His ability to dart away from an oncoming rush, find space, and then make a play is a sight to behold. He has really good arm strength, delivering throws with a zip that’s necessary to fit the ball into tight windows. His prowess doesn’t end there; Knutson’s capability to throw off balance and from various arm angles showcases a level of quarterbacking finesse beyond his years. Whether it’s a designed run or an impromptu scramble, his knack for making something happen when it matters is impressive. His performances have a blend of natural athleticism and cultivated skill, making him a quarterback who can not only get the job done, but often in a manner that leaves spectators in awe.
Jaxon Castro Jaxon Castro 6’2″ | 210 lbs | QB Arizona College Prep | 2025 State AZ of Arizona College Prep is a QB who moves to the beat of his own drum in the pocket. His footwork is poetry in motion, effortlessly dancing around defenders while keeping his sights set downfield. There’s a mature rhythm to his game that’s hard to miss. Though his throwing style isn’t textbook, the ball comes out clean with a nice zip. Showing us that the end result is what matters most. His arm strength is solid, sending the ball flying across the field to hit his targets with ease. Castro has a way of making the difficult look effortless, and his knack for delivering throws that hit the mark even under duress is impressive. With every snap, he shows a finesse and understanding of the game that’s intriguing and speaks volumes of his potential.
Robert Knorr Robert Knorr 6’1″ | 175 lbs | QB Mountain Pointe | 2025 State AZ from Mountain Pointe is a quarterback who brings a sturdy presence to the field. His footwork is one of the sharper tools in his belt, providing a solid foundation whether he’s in the pocket or on the move. While he has a long delivery that can take some time to develop on deeper throws, he still sends a good looking ball down the field. The good decision-making is there, though sometimes the ball stays in his hand a tad too long. Knorr’s build gives him a robustness that complements his game well. His ability to transition from the pocket to open field when needed showcases a good pair of legs that come in handy. Each play with Knorr at the helm feels measured, and even with a few rough edges, there’s a steadiness to his game that’s assuring. His throws, coupled with his sturdy frame and nimble legs, make him an interesting prospect to follow as he continues to hone his craft under the Friday night lights.
Chase Gieszler
Chase Gieszler
Chase Gieszler from Verrado is that exhilarating blend of athlete and quarterback that keeps the stands buzzing. The first thing you notice is his legs – they’re a spectacle. Whether it’s evading a sack or sprinting down the field, Gieszler’s lower body is a high-octane engine that keeps plays alive. While he has a tendency to drift back a little, which can add some unnecessary air to his throws, the balls he delivers are quite catchable. His form might not be out of the quarterback coaching manual, but it gets the job done. He tends to leave the pocket a tad early, but once he’s out, his elusiveness is a sight to behold. Gieszler is still a thrilling passer, showcasing arm strength that’s a headache for defenders. Even when the play breaks down, his eyes are still scanning the field for an open man as he dodges trouble. There’s a raw, electric energy to his game that, with a bit of refinement, could morph into a quarterbacking style that’s as dominating as it is exciting to watch.
Paul Palmer is a quarterback who seems to have a natural knack for the position. Commanding the offense for Casteel, his finesse in the short game is notable, effortlessly putting touch on throws when needed. Yet, when it’s time to go long, his arm morphs into a cannon, sending powerful throws zipping down the field. The secret seems to be in his arm speed, which is not only quick but generates the kind of power that makes defenders wary. When Palmer decides it’s time to let it fly, the ball rockets out with that quick release that’s as efficient as it is effective. His form is something to admire, textbook in execution and a clear product of diligent work. Once he hits that last step in his drop, the decisions come fast and they come smart, showcasing a football IQ that pairs well with his physical attributes. There’s a method to his play; a calm, deliberate build-up that crescendos into explosive plays downfield. Palmer’s approach to the quarterback position is both methodical and thrilling, making him a name to keep an eye on as he continues to develop his game.
Paradise Valley has themselves an emerging start at QB. Charlie LeVinus Charlie LeVinus 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Paradise Valley | 2025 State AZ is a name that reverberates with promise every time he steps on the field. His ability to hurl absolute darts on the run speaks volumes about his arm strength and control. When LeVinus lets it fly, the ball not only looks great but lands softly in the receivers’ hands, making it easily catchable. He exudes a sense of playbook mastery that seems to give him an extra beat to make plays, a comfort that resonates through his team. His elusiveness in the pocket is paired with a calm demeanor that almost feels like the eye of a storm amidst the turbulent rush of defenders. This calmness translates to pinpoint accuracy that makes every throw look like a well-scripted play. What’s truly compelling is the trust he has in his receivers. LeVinus isn’t hesitant to send the ball skyward, giving his teammates a chance to make a play. This fearless trust combined with his impressive arm, pocket control, and cool-headed accuracy makes Charlie LeVinus Charlie LeVinus 6’2″ | 190 lbs | QB Paradise Valley | 2025 State AZ not just a quarterback to watch, but a burgeoning field general leading the charge with a blend of skill and poise that’s simply electrifying.
Highlights
Aiden DeLeon
Aiden DeLeon
Apache Junction quarterback, Aiden Deleon, showcases a brand of elusiveness that keeps defenders on their toes. His eyes are always scanning downfield, even as he sidesteps trouble with a nimble grace. His touch on passes is impressive, delivering the ball with a finesse past his experience. Though every throw may not be textbook clean, they find their mark with a reassuring accuracy. His quick cuts out of the pocket highlight a player comfortable with changing direction on a dime. While the sidearm throws may appear more often than necessary, reducing the power on some throws, they display his adaptability to game situations. The more you delve into his game, the more his accuracy and confidence shine through. Deleon isn’t afraid to test tight windows, showing trust in his arm and his receivers. His play is a blend of promising accuracy and fearless execution that makes him an intriguing quarterback to keep an eye on.
Eltorna Gant Eltorna Gant 5’9″ | 180 lbs | QB Casa Grande | 2025 State AZ is a spectacle behind center, with an arm that’s nothing short of a cannon, he’s making waves for Casa Grande. His feet dance around the pocket with a casual ease; ignoring the chaos around him, sidestepping pass rushers and finding that perfect spot to unleash a bomb downfield. The effortlessness of his throws is mesmerizing. It’s as if with a mere flick of his wrist, the ball soars 50+ yards cutting through the air. His bravery in the pocket is commendable, willing to stand firm and deliver a throw even when a big hit is imminent. His confidence extends to his receivers, whom he trusts implicitly to make a play. He’s not just throwing the ball; he’s giving his receivers a chance to shine. The synergy between Gant’s powerful arm, nimble feet, and unwavering trust in his teammates makes him a quarterback that commands attention.
Nicholas Fitzgerald
Nicholas Fitzgerald
Nicholas Fitzgerald from Mesa is the kind of quarterback who brings a rhythmic flow to the offense. His footwork is refined and syncs perfectly with the unfolding play. Before the snap, his reads are sharp and intuitive, setting the stage for what often turns into a well-executed play. The timing he has with his receivers is a testament to the work clearly being put in off the field. His accuracy is a highlight, delivering the ball with a precision that keeps the chains moving. Fitzgerald may not boast blazing speed, but his legs are nimble and quick, enough to elude defenders in the backfield. Whether dodging a sack or scrambling for some positive yards, Fitzgerald’s ability to keep plays alive is invaluable. His game is a blend of mental sharpness and physical agility, turning potential losses into gains, and keeping the offense humming smoothly. With every snap, Fitzgerald brings a balanced mix of smarts and skills to the gridiron.
Williams Field quarterback, Kody Guy Kody Guy 6’2″ | 200 lbs | QB Williams Field | 2025 State AZ , is the embodiment of poise and rhythm from the quarterback position. His arm strength is decent, but it’s his pocket presence that truly shines. Guy maneuvers the pocket with a dancer’s grace, creating just the right amount of space to get a clean throw off. His release is quick and effective, ensuring the ball is out before the rush can get home. Pre-snap, his reads are sharp, laying the groundwork for a successful play even before the ball is in his hands. He might not often progress to his second or third reads, but his initial pre-snap decisions are usually spot on, showcasing a quarterback who understands the game well. Amidst the fight on the field, Guy’s demeanor remains unflappable. No matter the pressure, he stays cool, exuding a calmness that not only steadies himself but resonates through his offense. His game is a composed march down the field, reflecting a quarterback who knows his job and executes with a quiet but impactful efficiency.
Braylen Rooney Braylen Rooney 6’5″ | 200 lbs | QB Arcadia | 2025 State AZ of Arcadia is a towering presence in the pocket, a quarterback whose stature alone commands attention and hints at a promising translation to the next level. His height doesn’t just serve him well in surveying the field, but adds an intimidating layer to his game. Rooney has a knack for keeping his eyes downfield even when the pocket collapses, scrambling not in panic, but with a deliberate intent. His awareness on the field is exceptional; he seems to have an innate sense of where his receivers are even in the midst of chaos. There’s a few times watching his film where where I thought he’d lost sight of an open man, only for him to reset his feet and deliver a throw to that very receiver. Showcasing field vision that’s simply impressive. On the run, his form is textbook, managing to harness full body power behind his throws without compromising on arm speed or mechanics. Rooney’s throws carry a nice touch, yet when the situation calls for it, he can sling it with a zip that cuts through tight windows. His game is a blend of physical prowess and mental acuity, with form that makes every throw look like a piece of quarterback artistry.
Jace Ashley embodies a composed ferocity that makes his game both engaging and effective. His demeanor on the field is calm, cool, and collected, a steady presence that navigates turbulence like a seasoned player. His play style is a unique blend of quick and aggressive moves executed with precision. Ashley is a player who’s as technically sound as he is daring. The form on his throws is textbook, but it’s his toughness that sets him apart. He bounces back from hard hits with a resilience that’s inspiring, always ready to get back into the fray and deliver a clean throw. His tape is a testament to his arm strength, where each throw, powered by a full-body effort, rockets down the field with commanding velocity. But there’s more to Ashley’s game than just a strong arm; his proficiency with progressions displays a quarterback with a mature understanding of the game. He’s often scanning the field, moving from his first to his second option, or beyond, and it’s exciting to witness.
Highlights
Colton Buckingham Colton Buckingham 6’3″ | 185 lbs | QB Coconino | 2025 State AZ , leading the offense for Coconino, is a quarterback who seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to reading the field. His good reads often result in an extremely catchable ball. He’s a player who understands the nuances of delivering a well-timed, well-placed throw. What stands out is his decisiveness and the skill in his pre-snap reads. He’s got a knack for using his eyes to mislead defenders, although sometimes he might linger a bit too long on a look-off, which could be a hiccup against elite defenses. Yet, Buckingham has the accuracy to counterbalance this, often finding a way to deliver a strike even when the window is closing fast. His game is a blend of mental sharpness and execution, displaying a quarterback who’s not only mastered the basics but is developing a deeper understanding of the position. The way Buckingham maneuvers the game, coupled with his ability to deliver a clean, catchable ball, makes him an intriguing prospect to follow as he continues to gain experience under center.
Highlights
Kaleb “Bubba” Burras is like a live wire on the field, especially when he tucks the ball and takes off. His throwing form might need some polish, but the raw natural talent is undeniable. He possesses a powerful arm that sends the ball soaring down the field, paired with an awareness that keeps him in sync with the rest of the offense. His anticipation on deep routes, trusting his receivers to be where they need to be, is something to admire. But it’s when he becomes a ballcarrier that Burras truly electrifies the crowd. He’s a bundle of fast-twitch muscle fibers darting around the field, making defenders miss with an ease that’s breathtaking. His agility and quick cuts make him a daunting challenge for any defender. His natural ability to move and shake off tackles, coupled with an innate sense of how to avoid the big hit, showcases a player with a deep, instinctive understanding of the game. Each play with Burras at the helm is a potential game-changer, his every move on the field echoes with the promise of something thrilling.