Quarterback Watch: Who to Follow at AZ’s PrepRedzone Combine

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the state's top talent gathering at Arizona Christian University this Sunday for PrepRedzone's combine, here are a few of the top QBs who will be attending the event:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1145539"],"_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":"Coming off a championship appearance, [player_tooltip player_id='1145539' first='Simon' last='Lopez'] set the bar pretty high for himself. Fortunately for him, he has the tools to keep up with those expectations. With a smooth delivery, he has no problem fitting the ball through a keyhole when he needs to. Lopez shows incredible touch on the deep ball, able to throw his receivers open and lead them away from defenders while keeping the ball safe. Keeping the ball out of harm's way just might be Lopez's biggest strength. Through his four playoff games in 2023, he had 5 TDs to go against no interceptions. This only added to an incredibly impressive playoff run; one in which he averaged over 140 yards per game through the air and a QBR over 105. Lopez will be looking to finish the job this season with Red Mountain.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22d38"} /--> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Round</strong></td><td><strong>C</strong></td><td><strong>Att</strong></td><td><strong>Yds</strong></td><td><strong>C%</strong></td><td><strong>Avg</strong></td><td><strong>TD</strong></td><td><strong>Int</strong></td><td><strong>Lng</strong></td><td><strong>QB Rate</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Round 1</td><td>11.0</td><td>17.0</td><td>113.0</td><td>0.647</td><td>10.3</td><td>0.0</td><td>0.0</td><td>22</td><td>83.7</td></tr><tr><td>Quarterfinals</td><td>14.0</td><td>21.0</td><td>163.0</td><td>0.667</td><td>11.6</td><td>2.0</td><td>0.0</td><td>32</td><td>121.7</td></tr><tr><td>Semifinals</td><td>5.0</td><td>14.0</td><td>94.0</td><td>0.357</td><td>18.8</td><td>1.0</td><td>0.0</td><td>27</td><td>83.6</td></tr><tr><td>Championship</td><td>17.0</td><td>22.0</td><td>191.0</td><td>0.773</td><td>11.2</td><td>2.0</td><td>0.0</td><td>83</td><td>133.0</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Average</strong></td><td><strong>11.75</strong></td><td><strong>18.5</strong></td><td><strong>140.25</strong></td><td><strong>0.611</strong></td><td><strong>12.975</strong></td><td><strong>1.25</strong></td><td><strong>0.0</strong></td><td><strong>41</strong></td><td><strong>105.5</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1145539' first='Simon' last='Lopez'] 2023 Playoff Perfomances (Via MaxPreps)</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739446"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='739446' first='Luke' last='Berlin'] finished his sophomore season just short of 1,800 passing yards for Blue Ridge out in Lakeside. Showing great touch on the deep ball, the Blue Ridge offense was very explosive with Berlin at the helm, averaging over 15 yards per completion on the year. He's demonstrated that he has good form and footwork, though it can be inconsistent at times. There's a tendency to fall out of some throws that he might not have to. Where Berlin truly shines is when he breaks out of the pocket; he's a true playmaker. His ability to avoid the rush and keep his eyes downfield is extremely impressive and someothing I'd love to see more of as he continues to grow his game. I'm particularly looking forward to watching Berlin's footwork at the combine because of his rhythm in the pocket. Marrying his feet to his hands well, he rarely seems to be out of position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22db1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKvYtmCQcjM","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKvYtmCQcjM </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1145565"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1145565' first='Hone' last='Wray'] has a cannon for an arm, and has no problems letting everyone in the stands know it too. Stemming from his immaculate form with his upper half, from his arm motion, to his shoulders, to his torso generating torque, it's all working together to give him power behind each throw. On the ground, Wray isn't the shiftiest player but he's very smart about his choices to run and has the straight line speed to hurt defenses if given too much space. You can tell that he understands the game really well just from watching his tape, whether its his decisions to run or the way he disects a defense through the air. With another year of experience under his belt and an offseason of work, Wray is a player who's set to light up the scoreboard in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22e2e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WrayHone4/status/1760501468459827511","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true,"align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WrayHone4/status/1760501468459827511 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258670"],"_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":"I had a chance to get eyes on [player_tooltip player_id='1258670' first='Roman' last='Thuyns'] at the Throw It Deep Arizona camp in the beginning of the offseason, and was blown away with his effortless touch. Throwing on his film, its more of the same. With a really smooth delivery, he has no problem floating the ball over defenders and placing it where only his receivers can get to it. Though he doesn't seem to struggle with it at this level, I would love to see him release the ball a little higher to avoid the size up front that he'll see at the next level. The higher release point could also potentially help provide some elbow stability throughout his delivery. Heading into his senior year, Thuyns should see his recruitment heat up!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22e80"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":" https://twitter.com/RThuyns/status/1749299029153140909","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true,"align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RThuyns/status/1749299029153140909 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268757"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='268757' first='Rylan' last='Reyes'] has an incredibly quick release and some quick legs to match. When he's in the pocket he possess calm feet that seem to explode whenever he feels pressure, and he's not afraid to lower his shoulder to get the extra tough yards. With his quick release, he's able to stay calm and get rid of the ball before the pressure can get to him. Although he may not have the strongest arm, he makes up for it with his timing; he seems to be on the same page with his receivers at all times. Reyes has clearly been working over the offseason, and has a chance to really make a name for himself at ALA Queen Creek this year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22ecd"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":" https://twitter.com/rylanreyes16/status/1777804209376952721","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true,"align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rylanreyes16/status/1777804209376952721 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["917327"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='917327' first='Parker' last='Schmitz'], in his first high school season, got a front-row seat to one of the most productive seasons this country has ever seen from a high school quarterback. Tying the national record with 91 touchdowns this past season, former QB [player_tooltip player_id='115507' first='Gage' last='Baker'] and an ultra-talented group of wideouts took the top off of every defense they faced. Though Schmitz may not have the arm strength that Baker had, (yet) he already shows a really nice ability to work through his progressions. Rarely do I see him get too locked onto one receiver. With a lighter frame, it's clear that Schmitz has to put some effort into his deep balls; but that doesn't seem to affect him at all. As he starts to fill out and put on some weight, that arm strength will come more naturally. What stood out the most when watching Schmitz on film was how easy it was for him to avoid pressure. He has a great feel for pressure without having to take his attention off what's happening downfield and is quick enough to make anyone on the field miss. I'm looking forward to seeing that athleticism on full display at the combine this weekend!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22f2e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19508509/661d9d5b6e351fe1357051c4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662c4fdb22fe2"} /-->