Pops’ Illinois QB Film Room and Grades: 2/19/25

The amount of prospects that are now posting up film has become both a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of 2029-2031 prospects that post up quality film that is easy to digest and make some grades. However, there are plenty more that simply don't have quality film or any film at all. In the film room, I take a look at some prospects and do my best to grade based off what I have seen.    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Raw ability, mobility</li> </ul>   I got the opportunity to watch Lewis up close this past December at AYF Nationals in Florida, as he Quarterbacked the Illinois 14U All-Stars. I also watched some of the film he has posted up and it's clear that he has a lot of ability, albeit raw abaility, at the QB position. Watching him during warmups, and in-game when he actually had time to dropback, he threw some extremely impressive balls with masterful touch. However, more times than not, he was under significant pressure and the fundamentals started to slip--from simply trying to move around and make a play. His mobility checks out, as does his ability to simply throw a football better than a lot of other QBs at this stage of the game. With continued refining of his ability and fundamentals, namely in the face of pressure, I think the future Christ The King Gladiator is going to be a good one.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B-/B</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Arm talent, pocket presence </li> </ul>   Throwing on some of the 2024 tape of Les, I really like what he brings to the able and is unquestionably a very impressive 2029 Quarterback. Operating exclusively out of the shotgun, he has clearly been coached up on fundamentals. Holds the ball at chest level with two hands, stays on his toes/chops his feet while scanning the field and sets his feet before each throw. Also a third baseman on the diamond making the longest throw on the infield, he can also throw some absolute darts downfield on the gridiron. Comes with innate fight or flight instincts in the pocket and takes off quickly if he has to avoid pressure. Additionally, he comes with dual-threat ability and is more than capable to hurt a defense with his legs too.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: A</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Arm strength, Upside</li> </ul>   There isn't a tremendous amount of film out there on Burgess, but in the little I've seen, there are a few things that stick out. I immediately noticed his above average height (comparatively speaking across the country) and slender frame, which tells me there is a lot of work to do in the weight room and that there is a lot upside athletically. Nearly all of his throws on film are on intermediate routes, which highlight the zip he can put on the ball. His arm strength on those second level passes is impressive. Burgess also plays multiple positions in baseball and off the eye test alone, appears to have a good amount of athleticism.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Decision making, quick release</li> </ul>   From a pure evaluating standpoint, Gilbert has very easy film to watch. It's from an elevated surface and is very clear to watch. As for his on-field ability, it quickly became evident that Gilbert has a high football IQ by the quick decisions he made on film. Whether it was an RPO keep/give, or despite having pressure in his face, allowing a route to mature enough, to pick up a first down--he just seemed to make a lot of mature/good decisions with the ball. Additionally I love how quickly the Southpaw got the ball out to his playmakers on the outside. While he doesn't have the prettiest throwing motion--kind of shot puts the ball out there--it gets to where it needs to be on time.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B</li> </ul>     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Strengths: Size, throwing on the move</li> </ul>   St. Rita is getting a young signal caller with a huge upside next year, when all 6-foot-2 and 170-pounds of Connolly comes through the doors. His height is listed anywhere from 6-foot to 6-foot-2 depending on where you look, but he's certainly north of 6-foot and appears to have adequate weight on top of that. While his film didn't blow me out of the water, there were more than enough impressive plays to let me know this kid is good right now and is only going to get better. In particular, his ability to throw on the move is different than the majority at this age. Also a talented baseball player, the way he can spin the rock is reminiscent of a short stop firing a seed across the diamond to throw out a batter trying to hustle out a bunt single. At times it looked like his passes had more zip on them while he was on the run, compared to when he was in the pocket. In a year or two, I think Connolly has the potential to be one of the top QBs in Illinois for the class of 2029.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Quarterback Grade: B/B+</li> </ul>

The amount of prospects that are now posting up film has become both a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of 2029-2031 prospects that post up quality film that is easy to digest and make some grades. However, there are plenty more that simply don't have quality film or any film at all. In the film room, I take a look at some prospects and do my best to grade based off what I have seen.