Junior Jump: 8 QBs That Earned a Spot on the Updated ’25 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/january-rankings-update-who-was-added-to-our-arizona-2025-list/">the new update to our 2025 rankings</a>, there are now 29 ranked quarterbacks and another nine on the watchlist. The state of Arizona is in good hands next year, with the amount of talent getting ready to take over for their final season. Let's take a closer look at the eight newcomer QBs added to the '25 rankings!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1145522"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145522' first='Mason' last='Jensen'], a rising talent from Eastmark, showcases a blend of technical skill and natural football instinct that sets him apart. u003cstrongu003eHis footwork is incredibly refinedu003c/strongu003e; active without seeming nervous, it allows him to navigate collapsing pockets with a mature calmness. Jensen's eyes are always scanning downfield, even when he's scrambling out of the pocket, a testament to his situational awareness. He shows an impressive touch on deep throws, able to drop it in a bucket to his receiver in stride. While his arm strength may not be his standout feature, his timing and decision-making more than compensate, ensuring he rarely puts the ball in harm's way. His lower-half mechanics continue to impress, with a strong base and smooth movements, you can tell he's spent time working on it. Finishing his junior campaign with over 1,800 yards on a 66% completion rate, Jensen is a quarterback to watch closely in the 2024 season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1145523"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145523' first='Sylus' last='Stevenson'] brings an electrifying presence to the field with his powerful arm. His ability to maintain that power when he's on the run really sets him apart. One of the key features of Stevenson's game is his ability to beat the blitz, quickly recognizing them, and being able to get the ball out in time. That part of his game will translate well to the next level. His confidence shines through in his throws, especially over the middle, where he's willing to challenge tight windows. This fearlessness extends to him as a runner, where his athleticism shines. His toughness and willingness to take on contact, both as a passer and a runner, add a layer of versatility to his play. u003cstrongu003eStevenson finished the 2023 season with a quarterback rating of 124.5u003c/strongu003e, the highest of anyone added to the '25 rankings, and still has room to improve his game for next year. It seems as though Apollo's opponents are in for a rough season!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1041517"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1041517' first='Charlie' last='LeVinus'], leading a potent Paradise Valley offense, has an exceptional command of the quarterback position. His ability to make accurate throws on the run is second to none. u003cstrongu003eA lightning-quick release not only adds zip to his passes but also helps get the ball outu003c/strongu003e just before facing a big hit. LeVinus' comfort with the playbook shows in his play; he moves with a calmness and control that would be impressive from most quarterbacks at the next level, never mind high school. His trust in his receivers is evident, not afraid to give them the chance to make plays. In addition to his arm talent, his physicality as a runner stands out. His long frame allows him to fight for extra yards, demonstrating not just speed, but strength. LeVinus has a great flow within the offense; he knows where and when to take his shots, and does so without putting the ball in danger. Amassing over 1,500 yards in just five games this year, it's hard to imagine what he'll be able to do with a full season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1145537"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145537' first='Paul' last='Gaither'], the promising quarterback from Hayden, impresses with his remarkable arm strength and deep ball accuracy. It's impossible not to notice as soon as you throw on the tape. Averaging 25.4 yards per completion this past season, his big arm seemed to be on constant display. Gaither's ability to unleash powerful throws without sacrificing precision is a highlight of his skill set. His deep ball form is incredibly impressive, showcasing both strength and control. Showing just how little he hurts his team, u003cstrongu003ehe had 29 TDs to just two INTs this past seasonu003c/strongu003e.  Gaither's speed as a runner adds a dynamic aspect to his game, allowing him to extend plays and keep defenses on their toes. His elusiveness is not just about speed; he has a subtle toughness that makes him hard to bring down. Gaither isn't the type to deliver a hit stick, but he certainly has the ability to power through defenders. In the current offense, Gaither is asked to do some complex play action which keeps his eyes off the play as it develops. To be able to snap his head around and know where to look and immediately, while also being ready to deliver the ball is extremely difficult; Gaither makes it look nearly effortless.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1145539"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145539' first='Simon' last='Lopez'], the talented quarterback from Red Mountain, is a powerhouse on the field. It starts with his really good arm strength and the capability to deliver stunning deep balls. u003cstrongu003eHis accuracy, particularly on these long throws, is a testament to his technique and form.u003c/strongu003e It seemingly always has him in the right position to make a play. Lopez has really good footwork on his initial drop; I would love to see him maneuver within the pocket a little more. When the pocket starts to break down, he can look to scramble before the pocket has fully collapsed, but he has the athleticism to do so. Always keeping his eyes downfield, he balances this with the ability to break a game open with his legs. As a runner, Lopez has impressive speed, combined with an elusiveness that effectively gets the job done. He's surprisingly hard to bring down, even without having the biggest frame.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1145556"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145556' first='Mason' last='Lloyd'] is a true dual-threat quarterback. He has exceptional speed and agility that make him a dynamic force on the field. The ability to extend plays with his legs seems to come naturally; he can easily turn a broken play into a big gain with his quickness and vision. He showed that all throughout this past season, finishing with 761 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground. u003cstrongu003eHe has the top-end speed that can leave defenders in the dust if he can get the edge.u003c/strongu003e Through the air, Lloyd's touch on the deep ball shows promise, but it's his ability to improvise and create plays that truly sets him apart. His agility in the pocket allows him to avoid sacks and keep plays alive, often leading to unexpected explosive plays. Lloyd's decision-making under pressure is mature for his age, showing a strategic understanding of the game. Overall, [player_tooltip player_id='1145556' first='Mason' last='Lloyd']'s playstyle is a blend of athleticism, intelligence, and improvisational skill, making him an exciting prospect to watch going into his senior season.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1145565"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145565' first='Hone' last='Wray'] is a technically sound quarterback who's upper body mechanics lead to a powerful arm. His poise within the pocket stands out immediately, able to move throughout the pocket without taking his eyes off the play developing downfield. Wray's footwork provides a solid base, making him more of a threat as a scrambler. Wray's ability to keep his eyes downfield, even when on the move, is a key aspect of his play. This skill, combined with his speed, allows him to extend plays and create opportunities. u003cstrongu003eHis willingness to withstand big hits and quickly recover shows incredible toughness and resilience.u003c/strongu003e Though he has a slightly long delivery, it doesn't hinder his ability to get the ball down the field. With a full year of experience under his belt, Wray is set up to have a big 2024 season for Estrella Foothills.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1077030"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Chase Gieszler, the dynamic quarterback from Verrado, knows how to make plays under pressure. His agility and quickness make him seemingly impossible to bring down behind the line of scrimmage, always a threat to turn potential losses into gains. Gieszler's composure and vision on the run are particularly impressive, maintaining accuracy even while going full speed toward the sideline. His ability to avoid sacks is complemented by his quick delivery, ensuring that he gets the ball out of his hands. u003cstrongu003eThe Verrado QB always seems composed under pressure, even when facing multiple free rushers.u003c/strongu003e This speaks to his mental toughness and game awareness, and it only got better as the year went on. While he sometimes gets caught flat-footed going through progressions, his overall athleticism and playmaking ability make up for it. Gieszler's tendency to keep his eyes downfield while maneuvering through potential tackles allows him to exploit openings in the defense.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6c85be4507"} /-->