Rising Stars: 2028 Central IL QB’s
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As a dedicated follower of all things football in the Central IL area, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several promising young quarterbacks over the past few years. From their first few snaps in flag to their standout performance in…
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Continue ReadingAs a dedicated follower of all things football in the Central IL area, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several promising young quarterbacks over the past few years. From their first few snaps in flag to their standout performance in the JFL championship games, these QB’s have consistently showed glimpses of greatness. Now as they prepare to transition to the high school level , anticipation begins over how their talent will unfold in the coming seasons. Join me as we dive into the potential and promise of these rising stars, set to make their mark on the field in the years ahead.
This 8th-grade QB possesses exceptional size, skill, and talent, opening doors for an exciting future in the sport. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 175 pounds, Noah already has the size of a varsity high school player. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates is evidenced by the success his team has had over the years with him at the helm. Noah exhibits exceptional arm strength, effortlessly making necessary throws on the field, from short passes to accurate deep bombs downfield. He has the ability to stretch the field and create numerous opportunities for his offense. Additionally, he demonstrates high levels of football IQ, allowing him to make smart decisions on the field. Noah shows an understanding of defensive schemes and knows how and where to exploit weaknesses, whether it be pre-snap or adjusting on the fly.
Noah is ELITE. That’s the one word if I had to sum everything up. He possesses all the tools needed to excel at the highest levels of the game. With continued dedication to the sport, he will become a dominant force on the football field.
A true franchise QB in the making in Central IL!
Highlights
Nolan Riekena
Nolan Riekena
Nolan is another QB who has experienced success in the JFL league in my area. Coming off a 9-1 season where he led his team to the championship game, Nolan has shown he has the ability to take charge. He displays composure as he steps up in the pocket, demonstrating an understanding of pocket presence. With poise, he navigates through the chaos around him, adjusting his position while keeping his eyes downfield. When his time comes, he delivers with great ball placement, ensuring his receivers have the best opportunity to make the play.
Nolan’s ability to move within the pocket and deliver throws under duress speaks volumes about his maturity and readiness for QB at the next level.
Nolan has a WE/ME mindset, and I love it!
Amarion Smith-Holley
Amarion Smith-Holley
Amarion stepped up to the challenge this past year, leading his team to victory in the JFL championship game. He shows exceptional skills as both a passer and a runner. His versatility on the field makes him a true threat for any defense to handle. His agility and speed make him a constant threat to break off a big run, adding an extra dynamic to his game. Although he is a threat running the ball, he is also a great passer. His accuracy and decision-making are amongst the best. Amarion has shown he has a good football IQ with his ability to make quick decisions, whether it’s finding the open receiver or seeing an opportunity to tuck and run. He has shown he has a clutch gene; in the championship game, he had an 80+ yard scramble to seal the deal.
Amarion is an exciting prospect with a huge upside to make an impact at the high school level and beyond. With continued dedication and development, he has the opportunity to excel as a true dual-threat QB over the next 4 years.
Carter effortlessly slinging a ball 40+ yards with accuracy is what caught my eye at the Midwest Bucks 7-on-7 tryouts. I watched Carter connect with receivers throughout the day on deep routes, showcasing his accuracy and arm strength. What makes Carter exciting is his journey; he started football somewhat late and he’s gaining confidence in every throw and becoming more committed. Standing at 6′, Carter has a natural advantage over his peers. It’s his competitive nature that will propel him forward this offseason. We will see how his 7-on-7 season unfolds and a summer filled with workouts. One thing is certain: Carter’s journey is just beginning, and we all better buckle in and enjoy the show.