Class of 2025: 4 OCC QB’s
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There are 3 games left in the 2023 season (which is hard to believe). 2024 prospects will be on to early signing day, or starting to decide on their future in the next couple months. This means that it’s time…
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Continue ReadingThere are 3 games left in the 2023 season (which is hard to believe). 2024 prospects will be on to early signing day, or starting to decide on their future in the next couple months. This means that it’s time to start looking ahead to 2025 prospects. In a mini-series on covering prospects from the OCC (Ohio Capital Conference), I will compile a top 4 list on each position group. Starting with the most important position on the field, we enter the QB room.
rnBrennen Ward will be a top returning QB in Central Ohio, and even some may argue the state of Ohio. Coming in at 6 ‘3, he has the physical traits to succeed at the next level. Ward totaled 24 touchdowns in 2023, leading the Lions to a 10-0 record. Ward plays in a primarily 10 personnel offense that features a 3+5 step passing, along with quick game. His film shows that he can hit the shot plays, but also has the ability to be accurate in quick game. He can extend plays with his feet in the pocket, and that is something college coaches will enjoy. I foresee Ward playing in a system that want QB’s to be on schedule (pure progression), and more of a pocket presence than creating. If you watch his tape, he plays with a great base and has an elite arm path. His quick game throws show just this as his exit velocity is very high.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16118573/65517a93c11a7e045c44d66d
Jaystin Gwinn might be the most explosive athlete in Columbus. Not only is he a great QB, but he has the ability to extend plays like no other. No other player in central Ohio is more important to an offense than Jaystin is right now. Jaystin was in a spread O that featured zone read option schemes, as well as 3 and 5 step passing game. Jaystin utilized extending plays more-so than a pocket presence. The ability to get guys to miss in space is the biggest trait Jaystin possesses, and colleges will take notice. Once Jaystin was able to utilize and find space, this was when he was at his best. College offenses that want a more read option (spread option-think Coastal Carolina) QB, this is where he fits best in my opinion.
Highlights
The final QB to talk about is Ronald Jackson Ronald Jackson 6’0″ | 170 lbs | QB Westerville North | 2025 State OH . Westerville North got to 9 wins in 2023, and Jackson played a big part of that. Jackson is a dual threat QB who played on schedule and in the pocket, and was also able to create. His Worthington Kilbourne tape shows exactly this. You will see an explosive athlete that is able to break away in a zone read system, but also able to hit a stick route on quick game. Jackson plays with a great base and has all the right arm angles to make the quick game throws, and the shot plays. Jackson also has a elite feel for space as a ball carrier. This gives an offense a huge advantage, and Jackson can do both. I foresee Jackson having an even bigger year in 2024.
Andrew Leonard
Andrew Leonard
College coaches that want an air raid style QB, this is Andrew Leonard. Leonard was in a system that featured a slew of quick game concepts, and 3+5 step as well. He plays in structure, but also has the ability to create. As a baseball player, he is also able to use any arm angle needed to make plays. As you will see in the Findlay tape, Leonard was able to get explosive plays with his feet. Andrew’s film also shows him getting through his progression in a timely manner, which college coaches will love to see. I see Andrew rising even more during his senior campaign as Olentangy Liberty brings back a ton of talent.