Picking Defenses Apart: 2023’s Top QBs
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Putting up some incredible numbers in 2023, these 5 quarterbacks put themselves in the elite category after last season. All five have the capability to pick defenses apart and drive the ball down the field each and every drive. With…
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Continue ReadingPutting up some incredible numbers in 2023, these 5 quarterbacks put themselves in the elite category after last season. All five have the capability to pick defenses apart and drive the ball down the field each and every drive. With a few returning next season and the others moving onto the next level, there is plenty to get excited about in 2024.
Lamar Best Lamar Best 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Willingboro | 2026 State NJ is earning his last name real quick. Only a sophomore this past fall, the Willingboro QB put up some of the most impressive stats from an underclassman in 2023. Lamar can really sling the rock. Tossing for 2607 yards and 35 touchdowns through the air, he throws the ball with a ton of zip behind it. He has an extremely strong arm that is capable of throwing the ball to any point on the field, there are very few throws he can’t make. What’s even more impressive is how he doesn’t get flustered within the pocket. He stays composed and can deliver an accurate ball downfield. A top running threat as well, Lamar can split the defense and take off to the end zone when the defense is spread out across the field.
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Northern Highlands’ Nate Johnson has one of the strongest arms on the list. Another powerful thrower, he can toss the ball deep without having to put his whole body into it. The 2025 QB put up some impressive numbers last year, lighting up defenses for 2054 yards and 25 touchdowns. A flawless and technical thrower, he makes throwers look automatic the way he releases the ball. Defenders have to be concerned downfield, because Nate can deliver a very accurate deep ball over the shoulder to his wideout. And deadly anytime he is in the red zone, Nate gives defenses headaches as he can hurt them through the air or with his legs.
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Maxwell Cho
Maxwell Cho
Maxwell Cho is the only senior on this list, and finished his high school career with a great statistical season. The Westfield QB threw for 1913 yards and found the endzone 18 times through the air. Another great off platform thrower, Maxwell did an excellent job being mobile in the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield as he evaded defenders. As he moved in and out of the pocket, I was very impressed with his accuracy while throwing on the run. One of the bigger QBs on the list, Maxwell has college ready size for a QB.
A lethal dual threat QB, Derek Anderson Derek Anderson 5’11” | 175 lbs | QB Woodbridge | 2025 State NJ is always a play away from making a jaw dropping pass or run. The Woodbridge QB is extremely agile and is equipped with quick acceleration, requiring an athlete to mirror him all game.
The 2025 QB had quite the junior season, throwing for 1750 yards and 21 touchdowns. Derek can deliver a dime deep downfield. He can put power behind the ball and sneak it into a tight window, or add a little float to the ball and get it over coverage and into the hands of his receiver. This is a QB every opponent needs to worry about next fall.
The final QB on the list is another that put up big numbers in his junior season. The Somerville QB, Brenden Pacheco Brenden Pacheco 6’4″ | 195 lbs | QB Somerville | 2025 NJ , played the position well all year as he threw for 1912 yards and tossed it to end zone 15 times. Another mobile QB added to the list, I was really impressed with Brenden’s athleticism in the pocket. He was able to maneuver around and evade tacklers as he gave his receivers time to get open. And when it came to tucking it and running, he was able to lower the shoulder and churn his feet for extra yards. Arguably the strongest arm on the list, Brenden stood composed in the pocket all season long and tossed it deep with ease.