Signal Callers Ready for a Big 2024
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While working through the Illinois database of junior, sophomore, and freshmen QBs I had four that stood out to me as kids with noteworthy talent, but also look like they are on the verge of taking a leap. So we…
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Continue ReadingWhile working through the Illinois database of junior, sophomore, and freshmen QBs I had four that stood out to me as kids with noteworthy talent, but also look like they are on the verge of taking a leap. So we are here to dive into the tape for each of them in hopes they get the attention they deserve. Coaches, keep an eye on these kids over the next 1-3 years. Let’s check out some signal callers!
Only a sophomore, the now 6’4″ 205 lbs JT Padron JT Padron 6’4″ | 205 lbs | QB Saint Charles East | 2026 IL caught my eyes with the tape on his Hudl account. He already has the prototypical frame of a college QB and his aggressive passing shows a kid that is very confident in his abilities. While pushing the ball downfield JT shows off excellent ball placement. He can hit his man in stride over the shoulder or throw his man open. JT also has the precise ball placement to hit the tight windows. I look forward to seeing how his size and another offseason under his belt affects his arm strength. If that continues to go up we will have a very special prospect on our hands.
Highlights
Nate put together a strong collection of tape as a freshman on the Montana Catholic College Prep JV/Freshman team. The 5’11” 170 lbs signal caller has a live arm and is a natural thrower of the football. His crisp mechanics allow him to get solid velocity behind the ball when attacking deep. He doesn’t panic outside the pocket and can maintain his accuracy while on the move. Nate also makes a lot of plays without getting his feet set, but that doesn’t affect the accuracy on his passes. Lang is at a great spot in his development as a young QB. Take a look at some of the film below.
Highlights
Another member of the sophomore class who stood out with his passing abilities is Toronto Unity QB Dane Eisenmenger Dane Eisenmenger 6’4″ | 185 lbs | QB Tolono Unity | 2026 IL . Dane has a 6’4″ 180 lbs build that allows him to stand tall in the pocket and read the field. Dane has good pocket presence and patience. He won’t bail on the pocket early, and doesn’t panic when pressured. The sophomore is dominant with his accuracy to every level of the field. He completed just shy of 70% of his passes while not shying away from pushing the ball downfield. The touch he has on his deep passes jumps off the tape. You couldn’t hand the ball off with more accuracy than how he drops it in a bucket. The sophomore clearly has a strong grasp of his offense too. We see him move around the pocket to buy time, going from read to read until he finds the one guy. Dane has an excellent blend of size, accuracy, and football IQ/mental toughness for his age.
Highlights
A junior that caught my eyes is the 6’3′ 205 lbs Braden Carlson Braden Carlson 6’3″ | 205 lbs | QB Grayslake Central | 2025 IL . Watching him last in this bunch it was clear that he has the most time under his belt. The ball comes out with a little more velocity. He doesn’t need to put a lot of air under the ball when pushing it 30+ yards downfield. Braden can fire it on a rope to the intermediate levels where we see him make some impressive needle threading throws into tight coverage. The junior also brings athleticism to the position. He can hurt a defense on designed runs or when the pocket breaks down and he has to scramble or buy time. Braden is an athlete to keep an eye on this fall, and one to get out to camps this spring/summer.