Film Review C/O 2025 Passing Yard Leaders: Class 3A
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At the most important position for a football team, many schools at the next level will be looking for their next star and players to add depth at the quarterback position. Five stood out and caught the eyes of many…
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Continue ReadingAt the most important position for a football team, many schools at the next level will be looking for their next star and players to add depth at the quarterback position. Five stood out and caught the eyes of many when studying the passing yardage leaders from last season in the junior class 3A. Let’s delve into what makes these players special and who will be rising in the rankings for their senior seasons.
Blake Aalbers
Blake Aalbers
Aalbers had a terrific junior year, leading the class 3A in passing yards with 1919, as well as 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 61 yards and had three rushing touchdowns. With his ability to throw to all levels of the field, Aalbers can make strong and accurate throws in any situation. If he’s pressured, he knows where to move his platform and set up with good footwork and mechanics while making the proper read and throwing to his open target. If his receivers are covered, he knows how to place the ball in a spot where only his receivers can make a play. Aalbers has clean footwork in his dropback, gets his cleats in the dirt and puts some heat on the ball when needed. He can take a bit off his passes and drop it in a bucket with touch when he has to. While he doesn’t often take off and run, Aalbers has plenty of athletic traits to create yards on the ground when his targets are taken away. Overall, he’s a well-rounded quarterback, and after leading the class in passing yards, we could be in for another massive year from Aalbers.
Manske had an amazing junior season, ranking second in the class for passing yards with 1787, and threw 17 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Earlier this year, he announced that he would stay in-state and commit to the Iowa State Cyclones. Manske is an absolute treat to watch. He has ridiculous arm strength that allows him to chuck the ball deep downfield and fit passes into tight windows. He’s a tremendous athlete who can escape pressure and create with his legs. Manske doesn’t always look to run. He’ll move his platform and set up a clean pocket for himself to deliver a near-perfect pass downfield. He’s a quick decision-maker who can read the coverage, decipher what the defense is in, and pull the trigger with a snappy release. Manske isn’t phased by pressure, either. He keeps his mechanics intact and remains fundamentally sound with his footwork and throwing motion. With one more year left of high school football, the Cyclone commit is poised for another exceptional year.
Hoard had an outstanding junior season, ranking fourth in the class for passing yards with 1695, and threw 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions while rushing 127 times for 719 yards and five touchdowns. Hoard isn’t just a terrific passer; the yards he can create with his legs are game-changing. When things break down in the pocket or his receivers are covered, he can use his speed and acceleration to get yards with his legs. His athleticism is what many teams look for in today’s quarterback. He has tremendous vision on designed runs, cutting inside when the end sets the edge. As a passer, Hoard has tremendous touch and accuracy in his throws. On the deep ball, he can drop the ball in a bucket over a defender’s head and make the big play. In the red zone, he can put the ball up in the corner, allowing his receiver to make a play at the high point. After last season, you can bet Hoard will put on another show next year and rise up the current rankings.
Highlights
Connor King
Connor King
King had an exceptional junior season, ranking fifth in the class for passing yards with 1521, and threw 20 touchdowns with six interceptions while rushing 58 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. King has phenomenal arm strength that allows him to fit passes into tight windows and really chuck the ball all over the field. With proper footwork and great upper body control, he keeps his front arm tucked in tight with his cleats in the ground and delivers a pass with superb velocity. Not only that, but King’s also a tremendous athlete for his size. He can move off his platform and deliver a pass on the run or create with his legs. Even though he wasn’t asked to run a bunch, he showed great speed and toughness when he had to tuck and run, proving tough to bring down in the open field. After what he showed last year, King is set to carry his team to another strong season.
Marcus Guzman
Marcus Guzman
Guzman had a phenomenal junior season, ranking sixth in the class for passing yards with 1476, and threw eight touchdowns while rushing 136 times for 536 yards and 13 touchdowns. Guzman is a dual-threat quarterback with outstanding size who can create big plays through the air or on the ground. He’s a long-strider who eats up turf, quickly gets to top speed, and is one tough customer regarding contact. Guzman can run easily through contact, get into the open field, and turn on the burners. As a passer, he has good footwork in his drops and sets his feet to deliver a strong throw. If he has to work off-script, Guzman can move the pocket to get a clean look and keep his mechanics intact to put the ball in a spot where his receiver can make a play on it. Guzman showed he can be a game-changer last season and has set himself up for a tremendous senior season.