Rock’s QB Series: 4A

Nick Rock July 20, 2024 @ 07:58 PM

The talent in 4A sometimes tends to get overlooked due to the big pool of prospects in the 5A and 6A conferences, especially within the phoenix area. However, 4A has kids all across the state that have shown some legit potential and possess the tools to play at the next level in all divisions. Take a look: <img class="wp-image-1076515" style="width: 300px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/11/h8PC53a_400x400.jpg" alt="">   [player_tooltip player_id='954409' first='Braylen' last='Rooney'], Arcadia '25   Rooney is the #1 QB in 4A right now and ha continued to impress and see a jump in his stock. I believe Rooney is a true FBS level talent as he possesses a ton of tools in the box to translate to the D1 level. Excellent poise and demeanor in the pocket with a natural arm talent, as he makes those finesse/layer type of throws with ease. He shows the ability to drive the ball downfield vertically but also hit those tight window throws with superb accuracy, timing, and velocity. Good football IQ as he does a great job identifying coverages and throwing with anticipation. He sizes up with a college ready frame at 6'5" 215lbs and currently holds two offers from Kent State and Northern Arizona, and has had numerous other FBS and FCS programs inquire about him.     [player_tooltip player_id='704786' first='Jayden' last='Thoreson'], Mica Mountain '25   Thoreson is a super underrated player that I think comes out of the gates hot and puts the state on notice. He comes off a 26 TD and 2,300 yard season and has the potential to put up even bigger numbers this fall. Really good arm strength as he showcased it a ton last year, frequently stretching the field vertically with good placement. Along with that placement, he throws with a good trajectory to always give his WR's a shot to track it and run underneath it in stride, or layer it over the top of opponents heads and reach. Good athleticism as well as he throws well on the move and can pick up chunks of yards or extend plays as needed as well.     [player_tooltip player_id='1177554' first='Nash' last='Ott'], Yuma Catholic '26   Ott is in prime position to lead Yuma Catholic to another successful season, put up huge numbers, and rise his stock. He has a solid understanding of that YC offense and you could see his maturity and poise progress as the season went on. He did a good job getting the ball out on time an throwing with touch, as he has a dangerous arsenal of a receiving core coming back. Good all around athleticism as he can get outside the pocket when needed and extend plays. <img class="wp-image-62603" style="width: 300px" src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/IMG_4502.jpg" alt="">     [player_tooltip player_id='583076' first='Uriah' last='Tenette'], Prescott '25   Although Tenette has been utilized as a gadget guy for PHS the last few years, he enters his senior season as the QB1 and holds massive potential to put up ridiculous numbers given his dual-threat ability, maturity, IQ, and the weapons around him. Really good vision with excellent burst, twitch, balance, change of direction, and top end speed as he's a big play threat every time he touches the ball, which will be every play here in 2024. Really good lateral bounce as well as he frequently shows the ability to put opponents on skates without losing momentum. He hasn't flashed a ton of what he can do with his arm yet, but he's been doing a great job hitting all 3 levels of throws with placement and timing. A very dynamic athlete that is also one of the state's best basketball players.     [player_tooltip player_id='739447' first='Chase' last='Brown'], Flagstaff '26   Brown enters his 3rd season as the QB1 for Flagstaff and is set up to have his breakout year. With two years under his belt and the amount he's matured within those gives us the expectation for him to really come out of the gates hot. He sizes up with a long 6'3" 180lb frame with room to add mass. I like his poise and composure in the pocket when he has time to throw, as he delivered short and intermediate throws with anticipation. I expect his mental processing to speed up this season and the game to seem a little slower for him given the experience he has now, which I believe will make him more comfortable in the pocket to stick in there a bit longer and keep his eyes downfield.

The talent in 4A sometimes tends to get overlooked due to the big pool of prospects in the 5A and 6A conferences, especially within the phoenix area. However, 4A has kids all across the state that have shown some legit potential and possess the tools to play at the next level in all divisions. Take a look: