Who’s preparing for new quarterbacks in 2024?
In this article:
Even after consecutive Class 5A state championships, Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin isn’t afraid to try something new. For the first time in about two decades, Artesia will employ a dual threat quarterback in 2024 after years of producing prolific…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEven after consecutive Class 5A state championships, Artesia head coach Jeremy Maupin isn’t afraid to try something new.
For the first time in about two decades, Artesia will employ a dual threat quarterback in 2024 after years of producing prolific pocket passers, including Nye Estrada Nye Estrada 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB Artesia | 2024 State NM , who graduates in May after throwing for over 6,000 yards and 76 TD passes in two years as the Bulldogs’ starter.
Artesia’s new quarterback entering the offseason is rising senior Izac Cazares Izac Cazares 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Artesia | 2025 State NM , who displayed his versatile skills in 2023 by rushing and catching the football while also serving as Artesia’s backup QB. Cazares had the second most carries of any Artesia RB behind Frankie Galindo Frankie Galindo 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Artesia | 2025 State NM and had the second most receptions behind Ethan Conn Ethan Conn 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Artesia | 2025 State NM .
“Izac is going to be a very good quarterback for us next season,” Maupin told Prep Redzone New Mexico. “But he’s a lot different from Nye. He played slot this year and we put him in the backfield for some different packages. But don’t get fooled. He can sling the rock. He’s definitely a dual threat guy. It’s going to be fun to have him (playing QB) next season.”
Maupin said Cazares will be Artesia’s first dual threat quarterback since about 2001.
“It’s been a long time,” Maupin said.
Here are some other teams preparing for new quarterbacks in 2024:
LOVINGTON: Rising senior Mathew Prudencio and rising junior Jayden Gutierrez Jayden Gutierrez 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB Lovington | 2026 State NM will compete this offseason to replace Wyatt Gomez Wyatt Gomez 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Lovington | 2024 State NM , who was sensational in his only year directing the Wildcats offense and led the Lovington to the 4A title with a near flawless performance in the playoffs. Gutierrez was a Second Team All-State safety for the Wildcats and also played slot receiver.
HOBBS: The new quarterback for the Eagles will likely be either this past season’s backup Brock Beaty Brock Beaty 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Hobbs | 2025 State NM (653 passing yards + 7 TD) or rising junior Javen Hernandez Javen Hernandez 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Hobbs | 2026 State NM , who played mostly defensive back in 2023 with 47 tackles and 3 INT.
ROSWELL: Coyotes coach Jeff Lynn said three players will compete to replace Manny Fuentez Manny Fuentez 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Roswell | 2024 State NM at QB – rising senior Jacob Palomino, rising junior Luke Lynn and rising senior Andrew Padilla.
SANTA FE: Demons head coach Andrew Martinez that three quarterbacks will compete to replace Michael Abeyta – rising sophomore Izaiah Juarez, rising senior Jeremiah Larranga and rising junior Jose Rivera.