Most Productive Gunslingers Returning in 2024
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Use code Johnson30 of 30% off a new subscription We continue our series of the top returning stat monsters here in WI with a dive into the QBs. This is a fun group of talented signal callers. QBs that led…
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We continue our series of the top returning stat monsters here in WI with a dive into the QBs. This is a fun group of talented signal callers. QBs that led their teams on deep playoff runs, and piled up the passing yards and TDs at an outstanding pace. There is truly talent for every level in this group of signal callers. So lets get to know them by diving into the tape as well as looking at the monster numbers.
The #1 returning QB in both passing yards and TDs is the talented junior out of Grafton HS. The high end prospect led his team to a State Championship appearance in 2023 on the back of his 2,755 passing yards and 28 TDs. Brady is built for the next level. Standing 6’3″ 190+ lbs, Hilgart is your prototypical pocket passer. It is clear that the junior has been well coached. His mechanics are smooth, consistent, and efficient. That allows him to be accurate with his passes to every level of the field. It is clear that the junior has confidence is his arm and doesn’t shy away from the aggressive throws downfield or into tight windows. I’m excited to see how he performs in his final season leading a very skilled offense.
Highlights
Another junior who led his team to a State Championship appearance is Franklin’s Joey Kallas. The 6′ 185 lbs passer piled up 2,457 passing yards and 22 TDs. The junior made huge strides from his sophomore season. I have seen him live a few times over the past few months, and it is clear that his mechanics are next level worthy. The feet, hips, and arm work in unison so well, creating impressive velocity on his passes when he needs to put something on it. More importantly, the sharp mechanics allow Joey to be accurate from the pocket or on the move. The arm talent is there for a monster senior season. Don’t sleep on this kid.
Highlights
TJ Pink
TJ Pink
Rounding out the Top 3 is Platteville’s TJ Pink. TJ had a very productive 2023, finishing Top 10 in passing yards and passing TDs with 2,457 yards and 27 TDs. TJ carved up defenses in the short-intermediate levels of the field. Pink shows off a quick release on tape, and accuracy to hit his man in stride. TJ also showed that he can move around the pocket to avoid pressure, keep his eyes downfield and make plays out of structure. Check out the tape.
Rounding out the Top 10 in 2023 passing yards is Stoughton’s 6’3″ 185 lbs junior QB Drew Viney Drew Viney 6’3″ | 195 lbs | QB Stoughton | 2025 State WI with 2,337 yards. Drew also added 21 passing TDs while leading his team on a deep playoff run. The first big takeaway on tape is that Drew can rip it when he needs to. Whether on the run or in the pocket, when he sees that it needs to get to his target now Drew can get behind the ball and free it downfield. The junior also has shown that he has good control over the placement of the ball both when he uses power and touch. Viney is a raw prospect, but the size, arm talent, and mobility is there to mold.
Next up we have dual sport standout Matt Buckman Matt Buckman 6’4″ | 180 lbs | QB Cambridge | 2025 State WI of Cambridge. The 6’5″ QB finished with 2,229 passing yards and 24 TD passes. After watching through the highlights I am excited to get Matt in the rankings for the class of 2025. He has a big frame and with it comes a strong arm. Buckman stands tall in the pocket and pushes the ball downfield with ease and with accuracy. Matt doesn’t need to have his feet set to be able to fire the ball downfield either. Buckman impressed me with his understanding of when to use touch instead of power so he could drop the ball into his receivers over defenders. I’m excited to see the potential jump he makes as a senior. Get him on your radars now.
Tyler Link
Tyler Link
A junior who finished Top 15 in passing yards and TDs in 2023 was Mauston’s lefty Tyler Link. Link put up 2,183 yards and 24 TDs. I watched Tyler live in the final week of the regular season where he was capping off that highly productive season. The QB attacked every level of the field in 2023. His accuracy to every level was impressive as he hit targets up the seam, down the sideline, quick on screens, and everywhere in between. The 6′ 192 lbs junior didn’t have any trouble creating velocity on the ball when he needed to. Take a look at his film.
Wade is a junior, but the 2025 has been slinging it for Lourdes Academy for a while now. His most recent season ended with 2,131 yards, and 25 TDs. Even more importantly, Wade completed an elite 70% of his passes. While Wade doesn’t have elite size at 6’1″ 190 lbs, he does have a next level arm. Lindahl is another prospect who seems to have been coached up well. The junior works through progressions, keeps his feet and eyes connected as he moves through the reads, and has the efficient, sharp mechanics needed at the QB position. Wade’s ability to place the ball with spot on accuracy separates him from the crowd. His receivers are able to catch the ball in stride. Lindahl also has enough arm strength to hit all three level so the field. This is going to be a player to watch in 2024. I’m expecting a strong finish to his HS career.
Cal Moreau
Cal Moreau
Next up is a standout football-baseball sophomore athlete. Cal looks the part of a next level QB both on the hoof and on tape. Cal stands at 6’3″ 175 lbs, and the tape of the underclassmen should get people excited for what is to come. Cal finished 2023 with 2,123 yards and 23 TDs. Moreau is excellent in the pocket, buying time, making defenders miss, and then getting the ball downfield. Cal’s arm strength is already impressive. The ball jumps out of his hands and easily allow shim to take the top off the defense. Cal also brings a dual threat to the field. He can truly hurt a defense on the ground or through the air. This is an athlete to get on your boards early.
Vance Johnson
Vance Johnson
Another junior who led his team to a State Championship appearance is Waunakee’s Vance Johnson. The 6’3″ 190 lbs junior finished with 2,086 yards. He was one of the most aggressive passers in 2023, finishing with an outstanding 12.8 yards per attempt. Vance’s deep accuracy allowed his playmakers to create after the catch, hitting them in stride. Johnson will be working with a lot of new targets in 2024, so I’m excited to see how he produces and leads in 2024.
Carter Isenberger
Carter Isenberger
Our final highly proactive passer returning in 2024 is Stanley- Boyd’s Carter Isenberger. The 6′ 175 lbs junior finished with 1,990 yards and 21 TDs. Carter thrives in the team’s system, getting the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately so his WRs can make plays. He showed touch when he went deep. Carter’s top target returns in 2024, so get ready for him to finish with a big year.