Alabama Freshmen QBs Making Immediate Impact

To contribute as a freshman QB, you have to either offer something athletically or be a cerebral processor of the field, and sometimes you have to do both. These freshmen QBs in Alabama are doing exactly that.    It's been a prolific start to [player_tooltip player_id='1536090' first='Reid' last='McBride']'s HS career. He has passed for over 2000 yards and has added 26 TDs against just 3 INTs, while completing 65% of his passes. [player_tooltip player_id='1536090' first='Reid' last='McBride'] is a lanky 6'2 160 still in the youth stages of his growth. He also plays baseball and basketball, painting a multi-sport background picture. Arm strength is still developing, but McBride strains every ounce he has in him to muscle balls into tight windows and over safeties. He plays with fairly consistent touch on the layer throws, giving his receivers a chance to go up and make a play. He is a difference-maker as a playmaker. He is a productive runner who dodges pressure well and has the speed to shred defenses when he has an opening. When working outside of the pocket, he plays with unmatched confidence and isn't afraid to let the ball eat across the middle of the field. I would keep an eye on McBride. He is efficient, athletic, and possesses plenty of physical upside.     Shamar Toodle is a well-built youngster flashing some desirable developmental traits throughout his freshman year. He is still refining football-specific movements and may look a bit clumsy athletically at times, but he has the playmaking ability with his legs to extend plays and push the ball downfield when given a lane to run. Arm strength is a plus at this stage, frequently hitting receivers in stride down the field while on the move and hanging back on his back foot. Toodle is only going to get better as he grows, but so far, he is proving capable of pushing the ball down the field in different ways and is protecting the ball while doing so.     Sam Garrison is beyond his years both physically and athletically. As a result, he is the freshman state leader in rushing yards while also making big plays with his arm. He is a big-bodied 6'1 195 who is already difficult to bring down in the open field, but he makes life more difficult on defenders by how hard he runs. He is explosive, allowing him to quickly take advantage of running lanes when he pulls the ball on option plays. He will become more efficient as a passer, but he is a tall force in the pocket with solid mechanics and enough zip to throw the fastball over the middle of the field. Garrison is an elite playmaker on pace for a super productive HS career. I expect him to generate D1 buzz, whether that's as an athlete or as a QB.     Out of all the QBs I've evaluated thus far in Alabama's 2028 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1354216' first='Kingston' last='Preyear'] seems like the most likely to evolve into a future P4 recruit. He carries over an impressive athletic background from his younger years, playing both baseball and basketball. Preyear has a quick, natural throwing motion with easy arm strength. He looks to manipulate touch well at this stage, while driving the ball when needed. He works off-platform well and proves willing to take on contact as he lets the ball go. Above all else, he is a cerebral football player. He looks to operate the option game well, is an efficient passer, plays under control, and takes care of the football. Future physical development will determine his upside and he will generate FBS buzz at this rate.     Sam Sollie has played sparingly on varsity this year, but he has been efficient and has taken advantage of his reps. He has solid measurables with room to get bigger. At this stage, his mechanics and ball placement are well-advanced for his age. He puts good spin and touch on the ball and looks to be in sync with his receivers, leading them away from defenders and giving them a chance to make a play. Sollie plays with solid pocket awareness and looks comfortable when having to work his progression over the middle of the field. Overall, Sollie is a rock-solid freshman QB who is due for a breakout season next year.

To contribute as a freshman QB, you have to either offer something athletically or be a cerebral processor of the field, and sometimes you have to do both. These freshmen QBs in Alabama are doing exactly that.