2025 Underrated Gems: Quarterbacks

In the world of high school football, the spotlight often shines brightest on the highly-touted quarterbacks who dominate headlines and attract college scouts. However, in Alabama several signal-callers have emerged during this off-season to be ready to make their own name well-known throughout the Yellowhammer State. Here are some incredibly talented and hardworking quarterbacks we expect to make huge plays this fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='260915' first='Gavin' last='Rigdon'] could be faced with a tough decision next spring. The Senior will not only need to determine his next school but what sport he wants to continue to play. On the baseball diamond, Rigdon stars for the Lions as an outfielder, middle infielder and posted an ERA of under 1 last season. He was just as productive on the gridiron. Rigdon threw for 1819 yards and 20 TD's in 2023. When you turn on the tape, his first pass is a 40 yard dime that most high school Quarterbacks simply can't make. He consistently throws an excellent deep ball but also steps into his passes to create great velocity in a tight window. Posting a 4.6 in the 40, Rigdon brings plenty of athleticism to the Lions' offense.     The Tuscaloosa Wildcats will have a new look in 2024 as Miles Holcomb takes over the program. During the off-season, Quarterback Carter Dotson moved to Northport and brings his talent to T-County. The key to Dotson's success will be his accuracy. He consistently hits his receivers in stride and also delivers on the money down the field. Dotson stands strong against the rush and still finds his target. He also has the arm strength to throw on the run without setting his feet. Dotson should put up some great numbers for the Wildcats.     If you could create the perfect Quarterback you would want a leader with high football IQ, strong arm, and playmaking ability. Will O'Dell checks all of those boxes. With an ACT score of 31 and a 4.39 GPA, O'Dell makes good decisions on and off the field. When watching his film, I get the feeling I've seen him play before. Whether it's the #18 or the footwork and standing tall in the pocket, his game reminds many of the great Peyton Manning. O'Dell has the quick release and also brings the ability to throw on the move. Expect to hear more about O'Dell during his Senior season and for the next four years.     After leading Central-Phenix City to the Class 7A state championship last fall, Andrew Alford returns for his Senior campaign. Last season, Alford passed for more than 3500 yards with 45 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. Those numbers show that Alford is a great decision-maker. In addition, he shows pinpoint accuracy in at all levels of the passing game. In short, this guy is a great leader for the Red Devils and will do what it takes to win. Expect another record-breaking season for Dotson in 2024.     After an injury-filled Junior season, Jackson Kilgore looks ready to lead the Auburn Tigers to state title contention in 2024. The lefty has gotten stronger during the off-season and passed for close to 230 yards and 3 touchdowns vs Benjamin Russell in the spring game. Kilgore has performed well in several camps this summer and that confidence should carry over into the fall. As always, Auburn faces a tough schedule in 2024. Look for Kilgore to lead his troops to another great season.     Fort Payne, Alabama is well-known as the birthplace of the top country music groups of all-time. The group "Alabama" sold millions of records throughout their career. Fort Payne Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1596325' first='Dax' last='Varnadore'] is set on shattering every record in Fort Payne football history. Last season, Varnadore set seven new passing records for the Wildcats program. Throwing just shy of 3000 yards and 22 touchdowns, Varnadore is at his best when the pressure is on. He has the presence to climb up in the pocket and still focus downfield. He shows the arm strength to make every throw and will be a force in Class 6A again this fall. Varnadore has a high ceiling and should have plenty of offers to play at the next level.

In the world of high school football, the spotlight often shines brightest on the highly-touted quarterbacks who dominate headlines and attract college scouts. However, in Alabama several signal-callers have emerged during this off-season to be ready to make their own name well-known throughout the Yellowhammer State. Here are some incredibly talented and hardworking quarterbacks we expect to make huge plays this fall.