5 QBs You Need to Know from the North: Part II

North Jersey is absolutely loaded with talent at the quarterback position, and because of this, it was necessary to continue with a Part II of the series for the North. Including QBs from every class in this edition, New Jersey is producing top tier quarterbacks for years to come.    Arguably the most dangerous quarterback in the entire state, [player_tooltip player_id='1022163' first='Xavier' last='Smith'] is ready to prove his worth once the season begins. [player_tooltip player_id='1022163' first='Xavier' last='Smith'] put up some of the most impressive numbers for a sophomore in 2023. Throwing for 19 touchdowns and rushing for another 6, Xavier is quickly becoming one of those duel threat QBs that every opponent needs to be ready for weeks in advance.   While Xavier is one of the shorter QBs on the list, that doesn't stop him from picking defenses apart with his precise throws and strong arm. Xavier can absolutely haul the ball downfield. Quick in his drop back, Xavier spring loads off of his back foot and can deliver the ball 50 yards downfield with ease. What makes Xavier most worrisome for opponents is his scrambling abilities and how he can always find a way to buy more time. Xavier is nimble in the pocket and escapes it when needed, and can then either deliver a throw on the run or take off with it downfield. Whether it's a designed run or not, defenses will have a tough time containing Xavier and keeping him in check. Look out for when he gets into open space because Xavier is one of the most agile QBs you will come across in NJ.      Catapulting himself to the top QB in the Prep Redzone rankings, all eyes are on [player_tooltip player_id='405406' first='Merritt' last='Fisher'] as we enter the 2024 season. Merritt may have the strongest arm in the state. Standing at 6'4" and 215lb, Merritt's longer arms and larger frame allows him to launch the ball downfield further than most defenders can cover, allowing his receivers to take off downfield and be confident Merritt can reach them. Merritt can place the ball right into the receiver's bread basket as they never skip a beat in their route.   On top of the deep arm strength, Merritt has shown he can adapt on the fly and maintain his composure with the pass rush in pursuit. Merritt does an exceptional job stepping up in the pocket and avoiding the rush, all the while keeping his eyes downfield to find an open target. I have full confidence in Merritt when he is on the move, as he delivers accurate balls even without a stable base. Transferring from Peddie to Blair, Merritt will be surrounded by talent at every position, allowing him to flourish and show colleges he is deserving of the #1 QB ranking.      Another younger QB that is on the rise in the north, [player_tooltip player_id='606194' first='Jackson' last='Gering'] is another name that we will be more familiar with by season's end. Jackson is a tall sophomore with a rocket for an arm. Showing off his skills this offseason at various 7v7 tournaments, Jackson has proven himself to be an arm talent opponents need to worry about. With deep arm strength and chemistry with his receivers, Jackson throws the ball with velocity while hitting his man in stride. His accuracy on deep and intermediate routes really stands out, as he his able to place the ball just out of reach of the defender and into the hands of his receiver. I am excited to see what Jackson can do with a pass rush closing in on him in live action.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JacksonGering/status/1769833429518966944 </div></figure>    While he may not be the starter for Delbarton quite yet, there is good reason to get familiar with [player_tooltip player_id='972082' first='Gavin' last='Gilardi'] before the season begins. I got the chance the see Gavin win MVP at the Prep Redzone Combine this past May and I have to say, Gavin is a star in the making. Delbarton has arguably the best QB in the NJ 2028 class, it is just a matter of time until Gavin is leading the charge for the Green Wave.   Gavin has all of the skills required to be a top tier talent in the state. At the event, Gavin displayed poise, precision, and phenomenal mechanics throughout the throwing drills. You can tell Gavin has dedicated a large chunk of his free time this offseason to becoming the best QB he can be. Standing over 6 foot as a freshman, Gavin has plenty more growing to do and will become a household name in the state in no time.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gavin_gilardi8/status/1761460898273620222 </div></figure>    One of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in his class, [player_tooltip player_id='1005646' first='Zack' last='Clarken'] will look to solidify himself as a top QB this season. Coming from a smaller school like Wallkill Valley, it is my opinion that Zack is being short changed on college looks and offers. Ranking as the 19th QB in the NJ 2025 class, Zack has the potential to not only elevate Wallkill Valley to the next level but possibly a college program as well.   A QB equipped with a quick release, Zack finds his targets and snaps the ball to them before the defender can get their head around. Zack has shown he has great timing with his receivers, and on top of that, can deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Not only is Zack a passer to worry about, but he can leave defenders in the dust when he takes off with the ball. Zack can react to the pass rush and can feel the pressure without getting flustered. However, if he needs to take off with it, you can be sure he will do so with a mad dash to daylight.

North Jersey is absolutely loaded with talent at the quarterback position, and because of this, it was necessary to continue with a Part II of the series for the North. Including QBs from every class in this edition, New Jersey is producing top tier quarterbacks for years to come.