Pops Picks: Standout 2028 QB’s From AYF Nationals

After bringing you <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/pops-picks-standout-2028-qbs-from-ayf-nationals-part-1-3/">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/pops-picks-standout-2028-qbs-from-ayf-nationals-part-2-3/">Part 2</a> of this series earlier this week, we wrap up our look at 2028 Quarterbacks at AYF Nationals. There was a lot of football to be seen last week at the AYF National tournament. Between myself and a few others, we did our best to see the most 2028 and 2029 prospects that we possibly could. With nine fields hosting games at the same time, different age groups/divisions, kids playing up or down and no clear way of finding out what grade (class) the athletes were in–you can imagine the hard work it took to compile what we got. In full disclosure, we didn't see every team–a near impossible task. However, we did see the overwhelming majority of kids in the 12U-14U age brackets. Here is a look at Part 3/3 at the top 2028 quarterbacks we saw.    So. Cal was well-represented at all levels at AYF Nationals this year. Some organizations had multiple teams representing, such as the San Diego Bolts, who had both their 12U and 13U teams in Florida. The 13U Bolts were a very talented team and led at the helm by quarterback DeAngelo Barbosa. Known as, "The Blue Lambo" the 13U Bolts had a fast and furious offense and Barbosa had the keys. While he currently lacks ideal height and is a shorter/stockier quarterback, he repeatedly spun that thang out there for his arsenal of weapons to go get. The core of the team has been together since they were eight years old and the bulk of them wrapped up their youth football career with a second place finish in the 13U D2 bracket.   After a convincing 12-0 over Texas Elite in round 1 of the AYF 13U D2 National tournament, the NC Darkhorses got a rude awakening in their second game at AYF Nationals, as they fell 18-0 to eventual National Champions, the AZ Sun. However, the play of quarterback Christian Smith and his surrounding cast, helped the Darkhorses battle back and finish in third place. Smith is on the smaller side right now, but can sling it. He has raw ability right now but good foot work in his drops. In addition to physical growth, hitting the weight room hard will help improve his strength.    A team I took note of last year, but spent a little more time looking at this year, was the CLCF Chiefs out of Rhode Island. After an undefeated season, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1114185' first='Jonathan' last='Leroux'] and the boys struggled to get the offense going at AYF Nationals, as they scored just eight points in their first two games, both losses. However, watching Leroux play, it was obvious the Southpaw has some skill. He also plays some safety on defense, so moves decently well. Athleticism is there, as is above average arm strength. Has a case of happy feet in the pocket, though. Needs to work on getting set and making sure his lower body and upper body are in sync through out his passing motion.   As mentioned above, the Phoenix 14U All-Stars had a huge roster of over 40 kids, including carrying three quarterbacks on their active roster to Florida. [player_tooltip player_id='1111798' first='Jason' last='Haines'] is another one of those quarterbacks that stood out to me, in my limited time being able to watch them. Haines has decent height at this point, standing 5-foot-10 and 140 pounds. What caught my eye was his frame and how long his legs looked. The righty a great job for the Jr. Cobras during the regular season and carried that into All-Star play. Also played some defensive back this year and showed a physical side.           Rounding out the look at 2028 quarterback's at AYF Nationals, is yet another Phoenix quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1114410' first='Emmett' last='Osterdock']. With a younger birthday and a crowded QB room at the 13U All-Star level, Osterdock shared reps as the lone 2028 prospect on the 12U All-Star team. Right off the bat, I loved his short throwing motion and minimal footwork. Spoke with him and his father for a minute while warming up, and they told me he trains with Throw It Deep--founded by Jeff Christensen. Christensen also trains Patrick Mahomes, so that's a pretty good place to start. Osterdock has the potential to be a good high school quarterback, if not even at a higher level.

After bringing you Part 1 and Part 2 of this series earlier this week, we wrap up our look at 2028 Quarterbacks at AYF Nationals. There was a lot of football to be seen last week at the AYF National tournament. Between myself and a few others, we did our best to see the most 2028 and 2029 prospects that we possibly could. With nine fields hosting games at the same time, different age groups/divisions, kids playing up or down and no clear way of finding out what grade (class) the athletes were in–you can imagine the hard work it took to compile what we got. In full disclosure, we didn't see every team–a near impossible task. However, we did see the overwhelming majority of kids in the 12U-14U age brackets. Here is a look at Part 3/3 at the top 2028 quarterbacks we saw.