Prep Redzone WI Combine: Best of the QB Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The signal callers came out in waves! From juniors you need to know about today, to 8th and 9th graders that are going to shape the HS landscape across this state over the coming years. This spring's QB group gave us our first ever MVP tie as well. It was between Oak Creek's [player_tooltip player_id='998519' first='JJ' last='Chapman'] and DeForest's [player_tooltip player_id='948127' first='Isaac' last='Ziegler']. You can dive into more of their day in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/04/prep-redzone-wi-combine-mvps/">MVP article</a>. In this article we are going to look at the rest of the talent in this group that stood out with their performances in drills, the combine, and the one on one battles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773284"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top junior QB in attendance was Greendale's starter [player_tooltip player_id='773284' first='Landon' last='Lopez']. Landon has the prototypical pocket passer build needed to scan the field from the pocket. He weighed in at just a hair under 6'4u0022 and 205 lbs. Lopez also added a 5.03 40, 4.78 shuttle, and an 8'3u0022 broad jump. Those results match what we see on tape. What we came to see with Landon was the arm talent.rnrnStarting in the drills is when Landon started stepping out from the crowd. Landon was able to demonstrate an arm for the next level. He was able to drive the ball on short to intermediate throws, beating closing DBs. The junior also showed off impressive touch when he went downfield or threw out breaking routes. In those situations he dropped the ball into place for his WR to go high point it or run underneath it. It was a good showing from the junior. Check out some clips in the tweet below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db545"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_LandonLopez_/status/1782201152089563288","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_LandonLopez_/status/1782201152089563288 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["821242"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Joel was one of the freshmen that I was excited to see throw in person. The freshman has years of growth ahead of him, and he is starting at 5'10u0022 140 lbs. The freshman ran a 5.00 40, 4.58 shuttle, and 7'10u0022 broad jumps. The freshman isn't afraid to use his athleticism on the field, so look for those numbers to improve as he grows and adds strength.rnrnWatching Joel throughout the day, it stood out that the tools are starting to show up, and he is already developing one of the hardest parts of the position. Accuracy. Joel doesn't have a huge arm. That will come as he continue to grow and fill out his frame in the weight room. What he did show over and over was the ability to place the ball in good spots for his target to be able to secure it. His touch on intermediate and deep throws was key to his protecting the ball. It was great to see him keep putting the ball on his receiver's hands. I will be following Joel's career closely over the coming years.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db5b9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1009499"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another junior that the next level will want to take a look at is [player_tooltip player_id='1009499' first='London' last='Francois']. Not only did he have a serviceable day throwing the ball, London dominated the combine portion. The junior was Top 3 in every category with his 4.44 40, 4.44 shuttle, and 9'7u0022 broad jump. London measured in at 6' 170 lbs to go along with those times. Francois is a true dual threat and with those numbers he could be a potential impact at more than one position. The more you can do the more valuable you are. London could be a versatile prospect.rnrnAs a passer, London was able to be his most aggressive on short to intermediate passers where he could put more on the ball to fit it into tight windows. He made multiple throws that hit the receiver in stride. Don't miss out on this versatile athlete and dual threat QB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db614"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1209429"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another impressive athlete at the QB position is West Salem's [player_tooltip player_id='1209429' first='Luke' last='Baginski']. The 5'11u0022 195 lbs athlete broad jumped 9'5u0022 and ran a 4.66 shuttle. That short area explosion matches up well with the athleticism we see on tape. Luke makes a lot of plays running between the tackles on designed calls and when the play breaks down.'rnrnBeing a natural athlete has also given Luke a natural ability to throw the ball. He is most effective throwing to level one and two where he can use more of his arm strength to keep little air under the ball. When he goes deeper Luke relies more on touch and accuracy. Baginski is another member of this group that potentially offers more versatility than just as a QB.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db672"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685901"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Caleb was one of the biggest QB in attendance on Sunday, standing just short of 6'3u0022 and 205 lbs. The big man is a pocket passer with an arm that was able to get the ball to every level of the field rather effortlessly. The ball could jump out of his hand when he wanted it to. The big man with the solid arm is a raw passer that will need time to develop more smooth mechanics that will help improve accuracy, but his size, arm strength, and experience on Friday nights could garner attention. He is one that I hope I cross paths with at more camps this summer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db6c3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227286"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1227286' first='Eli' last='Ogi'] is going to be a name to watch over the years. He is 6' 180 lbs and you already see that size helping him put zip on the ball and be able to push the ball downfield. The 2027 has a good base of accuracy and arm strength to build on. We see that he uses full body mechanics from his feet to his arm when throwing, and as that becomes more smooth and quick we will see both arm strength and accuracy continue to improve as well. Eli flashed an arm that could make exciting throws. I'm excited to watch him continue to develop and learn.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db711"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220698"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Blake was able to earn varsity games as starter in 2023, so I was interested to see him throw in person. He looks the part, checking in just under 6'2u0022 and 205 lbs. Blake didn't have trouble pushing the ball downfield. He uses that frame to create the torque needed to push the ball. Where he could make big strides is with the accuracy he showed. A big part of that looks like it can be developed. He flashed the mechanics to be accurate but if he can be more consistent in that area we will see the ability to place the ball improve with it. The potential is there with Blake.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db760"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144008"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Eddie checked in at 5'9u0022 170 lbs, ran 4.91 in the 40, 4.4 in the shuttle, and jumped 8'8u0022 twice in the broad jump. Eddie has a smooth, over the top throwing motion. He can get the ball out of his hand quickly. I liked the base he plays on too. Eddie has quick feet that got him through his drop and into his throw in an efficient manner. The sophomore has natural arm strength too. I watched him push multiple passes 20 yards or more downfield without strain. The multi-sport athlete will be one to watch this fall and beyond.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db7ae"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ej_the_1/status/1782218794254889404","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ej_the_1/status/1782218794254889404 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The nearly 6'3u0022 175 lbs junior QB had himself a solid day from start to finish. He hit double 5.00 4os, 4.6 shuttle, and an 8'8u0022 broad jump. Numbers that match his play on the field as a pocket passer who is able to effectively slide around the pocket or escape and throw on the run.rnrnLike most prospects, Mikey would need time to develop and add muscle at the next level. That way he can more effectively push the ball downfield with velocity. Currently the junior is able to make the short-intermediate throws more on a rope. Mikey is a junior to watch at camps this summer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db805"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1251502"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Anishka is a freshman that needs time to grow, learn, and gain experience. However, the 5'7u0022 160 lbs freshman did catch my eye with a few throws. When he was throwing routes to the short areas of the field he was firing the ball into some tight windows. The velocity was there at that range to beat closing cornerbacks. The flashes were there, we just have to give Anishka time to let his game and frame grow into the position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6626ee85db855"} /-->