Five Burning Questions For Top QBs in New Jersey

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CAN PARKER SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM THE REST?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["910875"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e4d99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='910875' first='Jalen' last='Parker'] has proven he can win. Now, the question is, can he separate himself from the rest?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off back-to-back state titles, Parker has been a steady force for Winslow. He plays with poise, avoids mistakes, and thrives under pressure. When the game is on the line, he delivers. Yet, despite his success, he still holds no offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That could change quickly. Winslow opens the season against Bergen Catholic, one of New Jersey's top programs. It's the biggest challenge of his high school career and the perfect stage to prove he belongs with the state's elite quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What makes Parker unique is how he handles pressure. He stands in against the blitz and makes tough throws, consistently putting his playmakers—like Nakir Hilton, T.J. Maddox, and [player_tooltip player_id='606231' first='Nakeem' last='Powell']—in position to succeed. With a strong performance in Week 1, he has a real shot to elevate his status and command the attention of college recruiters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19515923/677083c2945e5a240f27ccf1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e4f76"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WAS IT HIM OR THE WEAPONS?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e4fd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='275127' first='Derek' last='Zammit'] has built a legacy at DePaul. Three state titles. Years of varsity experience. A résumé that few quarterbacks in New Jersey can match. But now, with so much offensive talent gone, the question is straightforward: Was it him, or was it his weapons?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gone are running back [player_tooltip player_id='396564' first='Nolan' last='James'] (Notre Dame), wide receiver Elijah Burns (Notre Dame), and wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='218550' first='Dez' last='Jones'] (Ohio State). That's a massive chunk of offensive production walking out the door. Zammit must lead a younger, less experienced group back to the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've tracked his progress closely, watching him grow in his ability to create outside of structure and extend plays. That skill will be even more crucial this season. Can he still make the big throws? Can he keep the offense moving without the elite playmakers he's used to?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This season will test him like never before. If Zammit can carry DePaul's offense and maintain their championship standard, he'll leave no doubt—he's the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full Junior Season Highlight, check it out!! <br>2582 pass yds / 35 tds<br>560 rush yds / 6 tds<a href="https://twitter.com/dpfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dpfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCamp01?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCamp01</a> <a href="https://t.co/jrIOJXKA4n">https://t.co/jrIOJXKA4n</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='275127' first='Derek' last='Zammit'] (@derek_zammit) <a href="https://twitter.com/derek_zammit/status/1869396579419124123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IS THIS THE HUGE BOUNCE-BACK YEAR?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205460"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e5023"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='205460' first='Kahden' last='Davis'] had his season cut short due to injury, and Seton Hall Prep felt the impact. The team struggled to find a rhythm without him, especially with a lack of weapons around him. But now, with a fresh start on the horizon, the question is straightforward: Is this the bounce-back year for Davis?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So far, all signs point to yes. He's been making waves on the 7-on-7 circuit and impressing at quarterback camps. His arm talent, ability to handle pressure, and deep-ball accuracy remain among the best in New Jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the state, Davis has a prime opportunity to return to form and cement himself as one of New Jersey's top signal-callers. If he can stay healthy and lead Seton Hall Prep back into contention, this season could be his statement year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore Season highlights <br>🎥 <a href="https://t.co/b3UH5bqiU7">https://t.co/b3UH5bqiU7</a><br><br>Blessed to play the game I love. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/keepworking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#keepworking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBFitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBFitz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/theprepfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theprepfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mad_Qb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mad_Qb</a> <a href="https://t.co/ptXCCS9Yem">pic.twitter.com/ptXCCS9Yem</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='205460' first='Kahden' last='Davis'] 2027 QB (@KahdenDavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/KahdenDavis/status/1864780046424248751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489023"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e506e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='489023' first='Robbie' last='O'Connor'] started strong last season, earning recognition as one of New Jersey's top quarterbacks in the year's first half. But as the season progressed, his play started to taper off. Now, with star receiver [player_tooltip player_id='218554' first='Lotzeir' last='Brooks'] off to Alabama, the question is: Can O'Connor step up and become the leader Millville needs?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millville is facing significant turnover and searching for its next go-to playmaker. That puts O'Connor in a position to take charge. He has the arm talent, experience, and tools to lead the team, but now it's about consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How Millville adjusts without Brooks will be one of the season's biggest storylines. If O'Connor can rise to the occasion and elevate those around him, he has a chance to solidify himself as one of the state's top quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my sophomore season highlight 2,304 passing yds, 26tds thrown! 2024 sectional champs! <a href="https://t.co/BTocUDzUvT">https://t.co/BTocUDzUvT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVilleBolts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheVilleBolts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LouiePitale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LouiePitale</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='489023' first='Robbie' last='O'Connor'] (@RobbieO_QB1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobbieO_QB1/status/1865803832669683818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IS THIS THE YEAR?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679d6dd1e50b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='402227' first='Lamar' last='Best'] had St. Joe's Regional firing on all cylinders before a season-ending shoulder injury derailed his year. As he returns, the question is: Can he finally lead St. Joe's past Bergen Catholic and capture a state title?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best is the top dual-threat quarterback in New Jersey, impacting both the passing and running game at an elite level. However, durability becomes a concern with his size and aggressive rushing style. For St. Joe's to make a deep playoff run, they may need to limit his carries and keep him fresh for the long haul.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To add to the challenge, he'll have to adjust without his top target, Mekhi Rosignol. This pressures players like Brady Schust and [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey'] to become reliable weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coach Augie Hoffman has a proven track record of developing talent and building strong offensive schemes. It's up to Best to stay healthy, elevate his supporting cast, and take St. Joe's to the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mid season highlight <a href="https://twitter.com/SJRCoachAug?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SJRCoachAug</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mad_Qb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mad_Qb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NextLevelQBs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NextLevelQBs</a> <a href="https://t.co/G32AfFmiQ2">https://t.co/G32AfFmiQ2</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='402227' first='Lamar' last='Best'] (@LamarBest12) <a href="https://twitter.com/LamarBest12/status/1840918626888491048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->