More Dual Threat Quarterback Play

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first installment of the <em>Dual-Threat</em> QB series I discussed the key characteristics of top-flight quarterbacks, with an emphasis on the intangibles. As a reminder, the intangibles of quarterback play are all the mental and behavioral aspects that are not easily measured. Things like not getting rattled and providing leadership when plays blow up, processing speed recognizing defensive disguises and working through progressions. It's about split-second decision making and translating those decisions into positive results on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report I will continue to explore the slippery slope of quarterback intangibles and how they come into play in differentiating the best dual threat quarterbacks. Two aspects in particular that usually separate the good from the great are <em>information processing</em> capability and <em>situational awareness</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Information processing</em> is a trifecta of attributes that enables the quarterback to seize opportunities as they are exposed. Things like the elements that go into <em>preparation</em>: the ability to assimilate large volumes of playbook information, scouting reports, tape study and coaching and convert into big plays on the gridiron. It is the mental gymnastics that take place <em>in process</em>: the capability of reading and reacting on the fly, decoding disguises, zooming through progressions, tracking, anticipating - the things that help define a playmaker. It is also in the <em>post-play</em> processing that is so crucial: recognizing lessons learned, making mental adjustments and vaporizing thoughts resulting from poor play before they take root.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fine-tuning skills in <em>situational awareness</em> is also absolutely critical. It's about quarterbacks who can bounce under control in the pocket evading the rush with eyes downfield, essentially feeling the defenders all around him. It is breaking out of the pocket at the last second, scrambling, resetting, calibrating where the first down marker is, where his receivers have readjusted to, where the ball needs to be placed in relation to the defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As established, the top dual threat quarterbacks typically have the physical skills, size, speed, arm strength, accuracy and running ability. But, as prized as these attributes are, there will always be plenty of guys who meet the criteria. And, the higher you go, and the more competitive the play is, the more critical it becomes to elevate your game via optimized intangibles, like <em>information processing</em> and <em>situational awareness</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are five more dual threat quarterbacks that are evolving their performances by not only getting in the best physical condition of their lives as they approach the 2024 season, but by optimizing the ability to process information and fine-tune situational awareness. In this analysis, we will take a look at both highly-ranked players as well as a few who should probably be ranked higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='282258' first='Tate' last='McNew']</strong>, 6'1, 195, QB, <strong>Maize South</strong> is ranked <strong>#13</strong>. The highest ranked quarterback in the class of 2025, he is coming off a standout junior season when he completed 202 out of 321 passes for 2,876 yards, a 63% completion percentage, a 124.0 quarterback rating and 31 passing touchdowns. He also added 450 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns to give him 45 total TD's for the year. He has excellent passing mechanics, with a compact shoulder rotation and quick release. He has a live arm that is capable of making all the throws, from short-to-medium darts, deep crossing routes and outs, as well as touch on vertical seams. He doesn't eyeball receivers and is effective at looking off defenders and quickly working through progressions. He is poised and ready for an even better year in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716114' first='Jett' last='Wahlmeier']</strong>, 5'11, 185, QB, <strong>Topeka Hayden</strong>, is ranked <strong>#163</strong>. A southpaw dual threat quarterback coming off a solid junior campaign when he accumulated over a thousand yards of total offense and racked up 14 touchdowns. He sets up in the pocket strong with good feet and eyes downfield at all times. He is unfazed when the pocket collapses and is accurate with hands in his face. He throws a beautiful long ball with excellent touch, but can also throw the short timing routes as well. He processes and makes quick decisions recognizing coverages and defensive disguises. A deceptive runner, he is elusive when he keeps it and also throws well on the run. He is ready for a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112386' first='Dusty' last='Bannister']</strong>, 6'1, 190, <strong>Wellington</strong>, is ranked <strong>#185</strong>. A playmaker dual threat quarterback who is coming off an excellent junior season when he compiled 30 touchdowns running and passing and also piled up just under 3,000 total yards. He plays an aggressive game where he uses his gunslinger mentality to make things happen. He throws a catchable ball with nice touch going deep and can also fire surgical strikes in the short-to-medium game. As a part of his playmaker abilities he throws off platform and from different launch angles well. He is also a good runner who is deceptively fast and is very effective at extending plays, scrambling as needed or keeping it on a called run. Keep an eye on this guy in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112371' first='Jack' last='Gordon']</strong>, 5'11, 185, <strong>Salina Central</strong>, is ranked <strong>#198</strong>. Is another dual threat QB who had a tremendous junior season and is poised and ready to bust out in 2024. Last year he accumulated 2,300 total yards and 29 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his accuracy and ball placement with a glossy 62% completion percentage. A polished quarterback already, with excellent mechanics in the pocket, quick, nimble feet setting up and with eyes looking downfield. He has a nice compact rotation and quick release which enables him to get the ball out in a hurry, anticipate throws and hit timing routes. He is fluid in play action, throws well on the run either way and consistently throws an accurate ball. He is also effective in the run-pass option and can extend plays with his legs. Another one to keep in your sights in '24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115099' first='Camden' last='Vulgamore']</strong>, 6'1, 180, <strong>Scott City</strong>, is ranked <strong>#279</strong>. Following a junior campaign when he was responsible for 1,609 total yards and 20 touchdowns, he is already on his way to a great senior season. He is an excellent running quarterback who picks up yards for his team on both designated keepers and when he scrambles. He seems to throw more on the run than out of the pocket, and is very effective on rollout passes and bootlegs. He has a compact throwing motion and can layer in deep passes with excellent touch. He is a playmaker that is going to light things up this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, dual threat quarterbacks can be effective in a variety of ways and can come in all shapes and sizes. The way to take your game to the next level is to fine-tune the intangibles. Next week we will continue the dual-threat quarterback reports. If anyone wants to point out athletes or offer feedback feel free to DM me on X. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->