Top 5 Returning Passing Leaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a look at the top 5 passing leaders returning in 2024: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='739481' first='Malachi' last='Wilt'], <em>Verrado '26</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The incoming junior lit up the state last year and put himself on the map, throwing for over 4,400 yards and 49 TD's in 12 games played. Wilt is an accurate passer as he frequently finessed throws over opponents and put the ball through a small window. He did a great job showcasing his ability to use touch on those shots down the field, and did so without losing any control on it. Really good player at the 2A level that will get a shot to compete against tougher competition in 5A after recently transferring to Verrado. <img class="wp-image-1185672" style="width: 350px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/PRZGeneric-4-crop-720x473-1708286559.jpg" alt=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1177554' first='Nash' last='Ott'], <em>Yuma Catholic '26</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ott is developing nicely for Yuma Catholic and comes off a huge sophomore season, putting up 3,100 yards and 33 TD's within a 14 game span. He led Yuma Catholic to a 4A state Championship game appearance and will return a ton of weapons for him to throw to this fall, so expect another big year from Ott. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1134311' first='Gunner' last='Fagrell'], <em>Higley '26</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fagrell stepped up big last season for Higley to lead them to a 5A state championship win, as he threw for 3,084 yards and 33 TD's. His role in 2024 is unknown as he was projected to back up top QB prospect [player_tooltip player_id='368911' first='Luke' last='Haugo'] last season, but was forced to jump in and do his thing due to the transfer rule and an injury to Haugo, which ultimately became Fagrell's offense to run in 2023. Whatever the scenario is this fall, just know that Fagrell is a clear threat and should be considered as one of the top QB's around the state, and I expect his stock to rise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Gunner_Fagrell/status/1733249689561305402","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/Gunner_Fagrell/status/1733249689561305402 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1353930' first='Conner' last='White']</strong>, <em>ALA-Gilbert North '25</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White threw for 2,100 yards and 30 TD's as a junior and will look to bust those numbers open here in 2024. I think we'll see a big jump in White's maturity entering his senior season, as he seemed to progress super a year ago throughout the season. Given a full year and a full offseason under his belt with that explosive ALA offense, White is in good position to put up big numbers once again and continue to trend of making ALA a dominant squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='369013' first='Jaxon' last='Knutson'], <em>McClintock '25</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knutson put up over 2,700 yards and 30 TD's to put himself and McClintock on the map entering the season. Knutson sizes up with a great frame and build at 6'3" 200lbs and is checking some boxes as your division 1 prospect. Excellent poise in the pocket without sacrificing mechanics and does a great job going through progression and throwing with anticipation. Good arm strength all around to hit those tight window throws or stretch the field vertically. I think Knutson is a prime position to grow his stock this summer and have a breakout senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->