Notes on seven of La.’s top QBs as 2025 class takes center stage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The traditional signing period for 2024 prospects is still a week away, but the 2025 class has already started to move into the forefront of college recruiting efforts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Louisiana's top tier and depth of quarterback talent came back down to earth this year after the heralded 2023 class, but appears to be on the swing back upward in 2025 and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are updates of seven of the leaders of the cohort on their junior campaigns this past fall and as they ramp up their final high school offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291089' first='Jackson' last='Bradley'] — 6-3, 200 QB — Oak Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The back-to-back state championship Tigers quarterback is Louisiana's lone committed 2025 quarterback with his early pledge to Louisiana Tech, his father's alma mater. And the Bulldogs may have a steal because of not only the legacy aspect, but also Oak Grove's typically run-heavy offense being able to control some of its highest-profile games with minimal passing. But Bradley has shown the arm and accuracy to make some impressive throws when given the opportunity, including 85-for-161 passing this fall for 1,641 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710076' first='Joshua' last='Brantley'] — 6-4, 205 QB — Ruston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another state championship north Louisiana quarterback in a more run-heavy offense, Brantley made the most of an opportunity in the second half of his Bearcats' title game to show some of his potential as a passer. He </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914014' first='Eli' last='Friend'] — 6-1, 195 QB — Isidore Newman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In his first year succeeding Arch Manning at the helm, Friend completed 148 of his 215 passes (69%) for 2,229 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, while rushing 98 times for another 680 yards and 10 scores. Ivy League programs have been among his most consistent recruiters thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291167' first='Colton' last='Morris'] — 6-0, 190 QB — Loranger</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris showcased his athleticism this fall with 1,243 rushing yards to go with his strong arm that racked up 1,067 yards through the air. The Loranger standout is now pushing closer to 6-feet in stature with a strong build and the talent to make big throws on the move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734867' first='Emile' last='Picarella'] — 6-2, 215 QB — University Lab</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The transfer from Mississippi navigated a quarterback battle upon his arrival to take control of the starting role early this season and go on to a program-record 34 touchdowns on 71% passing for 2,239 yards to help lead the Cubs to a semifinal appearance. The most heavily recruited prospect in this bunch holds several notable offers, including multiple Power Five suitors, and has recently heard from Florida and visited Miami. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='786466' first='Ben' last='Taylor'] — 6-1, 175 QB — Airline </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor helped lead the Vikings to a No. 4 seed in the Division-I Non-Select playoffs and quarterfinal berth with a prolific junior campaign of 4,189 yards, 49 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 319-for-432 passing (73.8%). His early recruiting interests have included nearby Centenary, Northwestern State, Harding and North Texas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='144901' first='Abram' last='Wardell'] — 6-0, 190 QB — Calvary Baptist </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second-year starter helped lead his Cavaliers to an undefeated state championship — including an impressive comeback late in the title game — and, in the process, toppled the passing yardage record for a program with a strong recent quarterback lineage. Wardell racked up 3,883 yards with an elite efficiency of 266-for-340 passing (78%), 45 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He's on several radars around the state and the region and, now pushing 6-foot in stature, is gearing up for a big offseason on the 7-on-7 and camp circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->