Film Review C/O 2025 Passing Yard Leaders: Class 4A
With the most important position in football being the quarterback position, several teams at the next level will be looking to build depth and find their next guy under center. Five shined and caught many eyes when examining the passing…
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Continue ReadingWith the most important position in football being the quarterback position, several teams at the next level will be looking to build depth and find their next guy under center. Five shined and caught many eyes when examining the passing yardage leaders from last season in the junior class 4A. Let’s dive deep into what makes these players destined to rise in the rankings in their senior seasons.
Brady Hetzel
Brady Hetzel
Hetzel had a tremendous junior year, leading the class 4A in passing yards with 2587, throwing 26 touchdowns and completing 63.6% of his passes. He also rushed 56 times for 226 yards and four touchdowns. Hetzel was a 1st-Team All-State quarterback, and he showed the traits of being a phenomenal player on the ground and through the air. He can push the ball deep with touch, arm strength, and accuracy, giving his receivers a chance to run under the ball and make a play. He’s excellent when asked to improvise and make a play on the run. Hetzel keeps his eyes downfield, looking to throw first, and keeps his mechanics when throwing off-platform. When he needs to create with his legs, Hetzel is a tough runner with good speed, allowing him to run away from defenders or run through them when needed. The sky is the limit for Hetzel, and he is in for a major senior season.
Rial put together a phenomenal junior season, coming in second in the class in passing yards with 1866, throwing 18 touchdowns and completing 58.9% of his passes. What makes Rial special is his ability to create plays when things break down in front of him. He has great arm strength when throwing on the run and maintains accuracy even with pressure in his face. He has a solid deep, showing he understands when to throw with touch or put zip behind his passes, allowing his receivers to make a play. Despite the lower rushing numbers, when asked to create plays with his legs, Rial showed athleticism and solid speed for a quarterback of his stature. There are several flashes of him dropping the ball in between zone defenders with his touch and accuracy. In the red zone, Rial’s corner ball is fantastic, putting it over the defender’s head and right where it needs to be for his receiver. Another year, like last season, will have Rial climbing the rankings.
Mason Gatchel
Mason Gatchel
Gatchel had a remarkable junior season, ranking fourth in the class in passing yards with 1070, throwing nine touchdowns and completing 52.2% of his passes. He also rushed 34 times for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Gatchel brings a strong arm, with the ideal size you want in a quarterback, and has the mental makeup to carry a team. When flushed in the pocket, he shows off his athleticism, allowing him to create a clean platform to deliver a strike. Gatchel has a snappy arm and good lower body mechanics to deliver a powerful throw. That strong arm allows him to push the ball deep and deliver a pass on a rope. Gatchel has great accuracy in his passes, fitting balls into tight windows in the short to intermediate levels of the field and putting the proper touch on his deep passes. He wasn’t asked to run a lot, but when Gatchel gets on the move, his athleticism has the potential to pick up positive yardage. With another strong year, we could see him getting a bump in his ranking.
Kaleb Diers
Kaleb Diers
Diers put together a superb junior season, ranking sixth in the class in passing yards with 933, throwing ten touchdowns and completing 42.9% of his passes. He also rushed 76 times for 361 yards and five touchdowns. What immediately stands out in Diers’ film is his imposing size in the backfield. At 6-foot-6, he towers over the offensive line, and even at his size, he’s a tremendous athlete who can create yards with his legs. He’s a long strider who eats up turf and can outrun defenders, and even with his stature, he’s a tough runner. Diers is clutch in tough moments and has the trust of his receivers that he will make the play. He has an effortless and snappy throwing motion, and the ball explodes out of his hands. Diers pushes the ball down the field with touch and power in his throws. He has great footwork in the pocket, keeping his feet apart and pointing his toes in the direction of his intended receiver. An all-around quarterback with size and athleticism, Diers will be on the radar of teams at the next level throughout his senior season.
Wesley Hubbard
Wesley Hubbard
Hubbard had a fantastic junior season, ranking fifth in the class in passing yards with 969, throwing 17 touchdowns and completing 46.4% of his passes. He also rushed 76 times for 243 yards and four touchdowns. Hubbard does a great job creating with his legs, getting space to throw from a clean platform, and being able to take off and run when needed. He has tremendous arm strength when he needs to throw off-platform and can deliver an accurate ball. Hubbard can thread the needle when there’s tight coverage and can drop the ball over zone defenders. He has a nice deep ball, allowing his receivers to make a play and run underneath his passes. When asked to make plays on the ground, Hubbard is a tough runner with solid athleticism, and his speed allows him to break away from defenders. He has a dual-threat ability that will have him shooting up the rankings throughout his senior season.