2025 Dual-Threat Quarterback Series
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The modern dual-threat quarterback at the high school level has evolved over the years from wishbone guys with strong, but suspect arms, to sophisticated passers who run like tailbacks. These franchise-like players can make or break a team as evidenced…
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Continue ReadingThe modern dual-threat quarterback at the high school level has evolved over the years from wishbone guys with strong, but suspect arms, to sophisticated passers who run like tailbacks. These franchise-like players can make or break a team as evidenced in programs in every state. Everyone wants a game-breaker dual-threat quarterback.
The evolution of the dual-threat quarterback has moved on from putting the best athlete on the team behind center, hoping they will eventually become a serviceable passer. Today’s dual-threat QB is often still one of the best athletes on the team. They can still carry the ball like a pure running back and most can still run the option like a slight of hand point guard.
What has changed significantly, however, is the expectation of the dual-threat quarterback as a passer and in optimizing the team’s passing attack. Having a powerful and accurate arm is no longer enough. With the heavy volume of passing and overall sophistication of team offenses the bar has been raised in regard to polished quarterback passing skills.
Today’s dual-threat QB’s have been trained from an early age on perfecting mechanics, developing arm strength and accuracy, throwing on the run and from every conceivable launch angle. It’s branched out to include focusing on developing the ability to extend plays from the pocket, and the in’s and out’s of skillfully avoiding the rush while keeping eyes downfield. Developing improved skills in buying time in order to create plays downfield for the receivers. All the while, resisting the urge to take off and run when the play breaks down.
These great athletes find out as they approach the collegiate level that athleticism, and relying predominantly on it to lead the way, is a dead-end strategy. What differentiates the real dual threat QB’s is information processing and optimizing the system they are in charge of. The ability to not only assimilate complex offensive playbooks, but read the opposition, dissect disguises, lock in on mismatches and go through passing target progressions in rapid fire sequence. And, do it all in less than three seconds while the defensive barbarians storm the gate.
To use the mind even more than natural athleticism is that next critical step for the apex-level dual threat quarterback. In conjunction with processing information the other twin pillar of elite QB mind work is the ability to control emotions. It is absolutely critical to not get rattled when the chips are down – to cultivate the ability to keep yourself from getting too high or too low. Being able to maintain grace under pressure in the most hostile environments is a must-add skill set.
In order to keep my finger on the pulse of the development and play of the elite dual-threat quarterbacks in the Sunflower state, I am establishing an on-going reporting series on dual-threat quarterback play. The purpose will be to explore the guys throughout the state and across all classes who are taking dual-threat quarterback expertise to the next level of excellence. It will also be a snapshot look each week on different characteristics and skill sets to develop in order to be one of the best dual threat quarterbacks.
In kicking the series off, I have selected five quarterbacks who are exemplifying many of the traits of a standout dual-threat QB.
Max Huston Max Huston 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Seaman | 2025 State KS , 6’1, 185, QB, Topeka Seaman, is #14 in the 2025 rankings. Had one of the best dual-threat QB junior seasons in the state last year, passing for 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also ran for 706 yards and another 8 touchdowns to give him just under 4,000 total yards and 47 TD’s for the season. A true dual threat, he possess 4.5 forty speed which enables him to break into the secondary quickly and elude fast defenders. He throws on the run well, in particular squaring his shoulders throwing to the left. He also has a strong arm and puts a nice touch on long passes. His pocket presence and mechanics are still not as smooth as they could be, but there is a lot to like about this explosive QB from Topeka.
Derek Morgan Derek Morgan 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Eisenhower | 2025 State KS , 6’2, 190, QB, Goddard Eisenhower, ranked #23. He climbed in the rankings following a standout junior season when he threw for 1,980 yards and ran for another 302 yards. He also completed over 60 percent of his throws and rifled 30 touchdown passes for the year. An excellent all-around QB, he throws a catchable ball, whether it is a long soft pass over the shoulder, or firing bullets over the middle. His pocket mechanics are good and he has a quick release. Of all the dual-threat quarterbacks I looked at he was as ready for his senior year as any of the QB’s reviewed.
Banks Bowen Banks Bowen 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Lawrence | 2025 State KS , 6’3, 205, QB, Lawrence is ranked #25. He is getting close to being considered one of the best dual-threat quarterback in the state, coming off a junior season when he passed for 1,676 yards and also rushed for 1,017 yards. He also added 26 total touchdowns running and passing. Although his completion percentage was a little low it was due to him not throwing a lot of “dink and dunk” passes – he gets the ball down field. He has solid mechanics in the pocket and has a compact throwing motion. In particular, he has a quick release and throws pin-point darts on short-to-medium passes. He is another one that is on the brink of a breakout senior season. You don’t want to miss this guy play this fall.
Tate Nagy Tate Nagy 5'10" | 140 lbs | QB Blue Valley West | 2025 State KS , 5’11, 160, QB, Blue Valley West, is ranked #96. Is coming off an outstanding junior season, passing for 1,888 yards and rushing for another 618 to give him 2,506 total yards. Although a little smaller in stature compared to the other QB’s mentioned, he is a playmaker by definition and one of the best scramblers in the state. He is an elusive option runner and moves well in and out of the pocket buying time for his receivers and is capable of making accurate off-platform throws. He tends to drop the ball low when getting ready to release, particularly when winding up to throw long. It doesn’t impact his passing accuracy per se but does limit his ability to get the ball released as quickly as he is capable of.
Eli Jones Eli Jones 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Norton | 2025 State KS , 6’1, 185, QB, Norton, is currently ranked #97. An exciting playmaker at the QB position, he had a banner junior season with 3,137 yards total yards. Altogether, he passed for 2,267 yards and fired 18 touchdown passes, as well as running for 870 rushing yards. An effective passer he has solid pocket presence, and puts good zip on the ball. He tends to drop the ball a bit before he throws which leads to a longer arm rotation, particularly on long throws and when flushed out of the pocket. All things that are readily improvable between now and the 2024 season.
Next week – the second installment in the series on 2025 Dual-Threat Quarterbacks.