Impactful Quarterbacks to get eyes on

In this edition, we look at some Quarterbacks who are prepared to take the next step. From established signal callers ready to hone their craft to the next men up for their High Schools, these are five guys poised to make an impact.    Kepa has a great frame and stands tall in the pocket. He can add 10 lbs which would not hinder his elusiveness. Kepa is a dual-threat Quarterback who processes defenses well. He gets to his second read and is quick to decipher if he needs to pull the trigger or look to scramble to create additional passing lanes or move the chains with his legs. Kepa's delivery is compact and quick, which leads to him getting the ball out on time. He is a magician in the pocket and has great pocket navigation and manipulation. Because he resets his trajectory, it makes it difficult for a pass rush to get to him and because he extends plays, cornerbacks have to hold up longer and eventually tire out and he can find a big play. Kepa also does a good job of playing with tempo and timing and when he gets into a rhythm and flow, he's humming along, this duality in play makes it difficult for defenses in the second half as they are worn out. He does an excellent job of keeping his head up while scrambling, the game slows down for him and he can process his next moves. As a pure thrower, he knows when to take something off and when to zip it in, he also has great awareness of the defense and will throw a back shoulder when needed, and place the ball to where his receivers can come down with it and to protect his receivers from a crushing hit. Kepa does an excellent job of throwing his receivers open and leading them. As a runner, he is elusive, and shifty, and brings physicality to that department. He will look to pick up additional yards rather than running out of bounds and his frame lends him to absorb that contact. Kepa is an exceptional power runner in the mold of Jalen Hurts. Overall he is one of the best dual-threat Quarterbacks in the state, with an exceptional ceiling.     Palepoi has good size and his frame should accept an additional 15-20 lbs when it's all said and done. He showcases good arm talent and makes off-platform plays. Palepoi throws a nice football, can take something off and doesn't always zip it in, and can fit the ball into tight windows. He does a good job of getting to his second read and doesn't panic when his first option isn't available. Palepoi is a power runner. He can make a defender miss in the open field, but he relies on his power to finish runs and earn tough yards. Palepoi is far from a finished product, but at this stage, he's shown the ability to layer throws and that is the biggest key right now for him and why he projects to be recruited regionally with the upside and toolsy traits to develop into a prospect that gets Power-Four offers.     Welchman has tremendous size and can add 15 lbs to his frame without hindering his mobility. He stands tall in the pocket and surveys the field. Welchman routinely gets to his second and third reads and has great pocket navigation. He is someone who will climb the pocket and not a player who will only escape laterally. Welchman has a big arm and showcases good arm talent with the ability to layer his throws, has excellent ball placement, and will lead his receivers open. He throws with anticipation, stares right down the barrel of an oncoming rusher, and waits for his receiver to create that extra step in separation before firing the ball off. Welchman will also create additional time and wait for his receiver to clear one window, into another for a better passing lane. He isn't a statue in the pocket, not only can he maneuver around the pocket, he will escape to move the chains with his legs. Welchman shows good enough ability to keep defenses on their toes and at the very least needs to know that he can pick up the first down with his legs.     Evans was thrust into the starting role after [player_tooltip player_id='212444' first='Helaman' last='Casuga'] was injured. It was a daunting task, but Evans was up to the challenge and helped Corner Canyon win another State Title. He has a great understanding of the game and changes his cadence to get defenses to reveal their coverages and Evans can audible to a better play. Because Evans knows pre-snap where to go with the ball, he quickly processes defenses and will routinely get to his second read. He is an accurate passer that has good ball placement and will lead his receivers open. Evans throws with anticipation and shows the ability to layer his throws. He has good mobility as a runner and someone who can move the chains by himself if needed. Evans showed during the 2024 season that he's a prospect who deserves to be recruited regionally and a player who can lead a program when given a chance.     Houston is a dual-threat Quarterback who can get the ball out quickly and doesn't need to have his feet planted to throw an accurate ball. As a runner, Houston is quick and elusive, he showcases exceptional lateral quickness to elude and evade. Houston knows when to fight for additional yards, and when to run out of bounds. He showcases great vision as a runner and finds a way to pick up extra yards. Hillcrest used Houston as an all around athlete and would line him up as a receiver and have him return kicks to maximize his athletic traits and get him the ball in numerous ways.

In this edition, we look at some Quarterbacks who are prepared to take the next step. From established signal callers ready to hone their craft to the next men up for their High Schools, these are five guys poised to make an impact.