Charting the Progress: Evolution of Seven Standout Quarterbacks

The 2024 season was a masterclass in growth for some of Arizona's top quarterbacks. Every week, these players took the field, sharpened their skills, and elevated their teams. It wasn't just about the numbers (though the stats are impressive); it was about the steady climb, the moments where potential started to meet production. If you've been following closely, you know exactly what I'm talking about — these QBs have been putting in the work, and it shows.   Watching a quarterback evolve is one of the purest joys in football. You see the decisions come quicker, the throws get sharper, and the confidence flourish. It's not just about winning games — it's about becoming the type of player who can win games when everything's on the line. The trendlines don't lie: from Week 1 to the end of the season, these guys leveled up in a big way. Let's break it down and see how they did it.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Improving-Quarterbacks-Trendline-W-Labels.png?w=1024" alt="Improving Quarterbacks Trendline W Labels" class="wp-image-1597405" /></figure>    When it comes to pure quarterbacking, [player_tooltip player_id='1041517' first='Charlie' last='LeVinus'] was an artist on the field this season. Standing tall at 6'2” and armed with a smooth, effortless throwing motion, he has the natural arm strength to get the ball to any part of the field. But what really set LeVinus apart wasn't just his mechanics — it was his pinpoint accuracy. Time and again, he displayed an uncanny ability to place the ball exactly where it needed to be, threading needles and keeping it out of defenders' reach. He finished the season with 1,968 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, never letting the ups and downs of the season affect his play on the field. LeVinus ended the season on an absolute tear, having a completion percentage over 68% in four of his last five games and back-to-back 250-yard, three-touchdown performances to close out his high school career. He'll be heading to the University of San Diego to continue playing football next year, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him making an impact on Saturdays in the near future.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/C.-LeVinus-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="C. LeVinus 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597429" /></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='1347368' first='Tyler' last='Burr']'s 2024 season was all about making plays when his team needed it most. At 5'11” and 175 pounds, Burr is a true arm talent with incredibly savvy pocket awareness. This guy knows how to attack a defense, especially over the top. Whether it's dropping a deep bomb into a receiver's hands or threading a pass into tight coverage, Burr has a knack for making the big plays that turn games around. What really separates Burr is how smooth he is in the pocket. He's not a huge running threat, but he doesn't need to be. Burr moves so well in the backfield, buying himself extra time to let plays develop. Rolling out or slipping away from pressure, he has a way of keeping defenses on their heels and giving his receivers a chance to break free downfield. Burr wrapped up his senior year with 2,092 passing yards 24 touchdowns, just six interceptions, and a final passer rating of 119.2. Sure, he's got room to grow — adding a little more to his frame wouldn't hurt. But Burr's multi-sport background gives him an edge, adding athleticism and creativity to his already impressive skill set. Burr's heading to Wheaton College next year, but his focus won't be on football. Instead, he'll be showcasing his skills on the baseball diamond.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/T.-Burr-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="T. Burr 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597460" /></figure>    Angel Neria is a magician in the backfield. At 5'9” and 175 pounds, he's not the biggest quarterback, but he might just be one of the most dynamic. Neria's arm strength jumps off the screen — it's effortless, like he's barely trying, yet the ball zips through tight windows or sails over the top of the defense. And his ability to throw from just about any arm angle makes him a nightmare to contain. Need him to get the ball out quick through traffic? No problem. Tight sideline throw on the run? He's got that, too. What really stood out the most watching Neria, though, is his elusiveness. This guy is nearly impossible to bring down behind the line of scrimmage. He's got a quick twitch that allows him to sidestep would-be tacklers and the top-end speed to escape when the pocket collapses. And once he's free, he's still looking downfield for the big play, that he can keep a calm head amidst the chaos. Neria's stats back up the hype. He led Camelback to a 6-4 record and a perfect 5-0 run in the 5A Metro, securing a region title. His 2,519 total yards ranked him among the top players in the state, but it was his October performance against the North Mustangs that really stood out — 384 yards and seven touchdowns in a single game. That's the kind of performance that cements a quarterback as a leader. With another year ahead of him, Neria has already set the bar high. If he keeps trending upward, big things are on the horizon for this Camelback playmaker.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/A.-Neria-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="A. Neria 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597464" /></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='369022' first='Colton' last='Buckingham'] had the kind of season that makes you stop and appreciate the finer points of quarterbacking. At 6'1” and 190 pounds, the Coconino senior stood tall in the pocket, showing incredible maturity in the way he worked through pressure. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to feel the rush without ever taking his eyes off his receivers downfield. Buckingham didn't panic — he adjusted, maneuvered, and kept the offense moving. His quick, compact delivery made him lethal on timing routes. He consistently showed an impressive understanding of where the holes in the defense were going to be, getting the ball there before defenders had a chance to react. Buckingham's numbers speak for themselves: 1,842 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and an average of 16.6 yards per reception. His versatility was on display in a dominant 49-12 win over Mingus, where he threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 66 yards and two scores on the ground. It was the kind of dual-threat performance that showed just how complete of a quarterback he is. Named Offensive Player of the Year in the 4A Grand Canyon Region, Buckingham's impact was undeniable. As he prepares for his next chapter, his ability to blend composure, timing, and a live arm makes him a player to keep an eye on.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/C.-Buckingham-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="C. Buckingham 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597470" /></figure>    Brayden Walsworth really showed his high football IQ in clutch performances that kept Camp Verde in the spotlight. At 6'0” and 170 pounds, the Camp Verde junior doesn't boast the flashiest mechanics, but that doesn't stop him from making the throws his team needs. His delivery might not be textbook, but the results speak for themselves — his passes always seem to find their mark. What really sets Walsworth apart is how quickly he seemingly processes the game. He knows exactly where to go with the ball, often diagnosing defenses before the snap even happens. That quick thinking paid off in a big way, as he capped off the season with three 300-yard passing games in his final four matchups. Over that stretch, he threw an eye-popping 19 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to execute consistently and keep his team in every game. With one more year ahead of him, Walsworth is well-positioned to build on this breakout season and continue elevating Camp Verde football.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/B.-Walsworth-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="B. Walsworth 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597477" /></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='1145523' first='Sylus' last='Stevenson'] truly took his game to the next level in 2024. At 6'2” and 185 pounds, the Apollo senior delivered week after week, passing for over 200 yards in seven of his ten games. His consistency as a passer set the tone for Apollo's offense, and his ability to zip the ball into tight windows made him really difficult to shut down. What really stood out about Stevenson was his growth in decision-making as the season progressed. In his first five games, his touchdown-to-interception ratio sat at just about 2:1, but in the last five, it skyrocketed to an incredible 14:1. During that same stretch, his completion percentage jumped from 57% to 67%, showcasing the hard work he put into improving his reads and timing. By the end of the year, Stevenson had amassed 2,267 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, finishing with a solid quarterback rating of 112.7. His leadership and poise helped keep Apollo competitive all season, and his ability to make smart, accurate throws in high-pressure moments made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the region. Whether delivering a deep strike or executing a quick read, Stevenson proved he could do it all.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/S.-Stevenson-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="S. Stevenson 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597483" /></figure>    Saul Mendez brought a spark to Tempe's offense every time he touched the ball. At 5'9”, he may not have towered over defenders, but his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing made him a constant headache for defenses. When the pocket collapsed, Mendez had a knack for finding a way out, bouncing off defenders and keeping his eyes downfield to deliver a strike. Consistency was a hallmark of Mendez's game. He passed for over 200 yards in eight of his ten games, finishing the year with 2,210 passing yards. His standout performance came in a dominant 58-6 win over Bourgade Catholic, where he threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns. Even in tough losses, like the one to Gilbert Christian, Mendez's fight and ability to make plays kept his team competitive. While he's not known for his rushing ability, Mendez showed impressive strength and balance when plays broke down. With his playmaking ability and consistency, he's set the stage for an exciting senior season. Expect him to be a key player to watch in 2025.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/S.-Mendez-2024-Charted-Rating.png?w=1024" alt="S. Mendez 2024 Charted Rating" class="wp-image-1597508" /></figure>

The 2024 season was a masterclass in growth for some of Arizona's top quarterbacks. Every week, these players took the field, sharpened their skills, and elevated their teams. It wasn't just about the numbers (though the stats are impressive); it was about the steady climb, the moments where potential started to meet production. If you've been following closely, you know exactly what I'm talking about — these QBs have been putting in the work, and it shows.