Off-Season Watchlist: Quarterbacks
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Arkansas boasts a state filled with promising quarterbacks who are making waves on the recruiting trail. As the football off-season unfolds, and collegiate calls and visits are being made, countless eyes will be on this select group of high school…
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Continue ReadingArkansas boasts a state filled with promising quarterbacks who are making waves on the recruiting trail. As the football off-season unfolds, and collegiate calls and visits are being made, countless eyes will be on this select group of high school quarterbacks. Keep in mind, there are countless other signal callers around the state who are more than ready to meet the call, this list is just the tip of the iceberg.
Slade Norwood Slade Norwood 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB Farmington | 2027 State AR | Farmington | 2027
Twitter: @sladenorwood
If I had to choose one recruit from the 2027 or 2028 class who excites me the most with sheer potential, it would be hard not to pick Slade Norwood Slade Norwood 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB Farmington | 2027 State AR . A single look at this guy’s film, and you’ll see all the intangibles are there for him to become a top-tier quarterback in the future. Norwood (5-11, 150) threw for 1,146 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 72% completion rate as a ninth-grader last season. His success stems from elite accuracy both inside and outside the pocket, impeccable timing of delivery out of receivers’ cuts, and the ability to vary his arm slot in the face of pressure to avoid tipped balls.
Andrew Bjork Andrew Bjork 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Maumelle | 2026 State AR | Maumelle | 2026
Twitter: @andrewbjork1
One of the diamonds in the rough from the Natural State is Andrew Bjork Andrew Bjork 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Maumelle | 2026 State AR . The question simply is, what can’t this quarterback do? He leaves nothing missing from his film. Bjork (6-0, 190) possesses the frame scouts love to see, with time to develop further in the weight room. He has perfected a short, quick release with incredible accuracy to all parts of the field, coupled with the ability to make plays with his legs. Throwing across his body with precision is a skill many work tirelessly to perfect.
In the RPO game, he displays quick, smart reactions to his keys, and his rapid release pays dividends as he consistently places quick throws in the needed windows. Pairing this decision-making with his understanding of coverages and the art of looking safeties off down the field, Bjork seamlessly transitions to the opposite side of the field, quickly hitting his targets for chunk gains. Look for Bjork to become a highly touted recruit in what will end up being a stacked 2026 class for the state of Arkansas.”
Dax McMellon Dax McMellon 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Sheridan | 2026 State AR | Mena | 2026
Twitter: @dax_qb15
One of the more promising recruits in the 2026 class is Mena quarterback, Dax McMellon Dax McMellon 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Sheridan | 2026 State AR . Standing at 6-3, 185 pounds, McMellon possesses great size, allowing him to see over impending blitzes and connect with his receivers behind the second-level defenders across the middle of the field. He demonstrates a quick release, showcasing a high IQ by thoroughly reading through his progressions like a savvy veteran. Despite being a 2026 recruit, McMellon has already developed veteran-like pocket awareness, adjusting the pocket according to where the pressure is coming from.
Kingston Burnett Kingston Burnett 5'9" | 130 lbs | QB Little Rock Mills | 2028 AR | Little Rock Mills | 2028
Twitter: @kingstonb_2028
Looking into the 8th-grade class, talent production doesn’t drop off in the slightest with Kingston Burnett Kingston Burnett 5'9" | 130 lbs | QB Little Rock Mills | 2028 AR (5-8, 130). Burnett is already showcasing the ability to successfully perform multi-read progressions. His elusiveness in the pocket is what will ultimately set him apart, as he demonstrates immense comfort in making throws on the run with an impressive amount of velocity.
Burnett has seemingly mastered the art of meeting receivers in stride, and as his arm strength grows, he’ll effortlessly place 60-plus yard bombs for his future receivers. With his talent, arm strength, accuracy, and a plethora of athleticism, Burnett is poised to make collegiate coaches drool.
Luke Reynolds | Newport | 2026
Twitter: @lukerey1445255
Leading a stout group of underclassmen into the 2024 season, Luke Reynolds will be tasked with delivering on some lofty expectations for this storied Greyhound program. Reynolds (5-10, 145) has developed a great rhythm on his three-step drop-backs, demonstrating a keen awareness of when to perform step-ups in the pocket under pressure. The standout factor for him is his accuracy in tight spots, evident in his back pylon throws for touchdowns and his ability to lead deep pattern receivers in stride, resulting in substantial gains without hesitation or slowing down for the ball.