6A Offensive First-Year Starters Who Made an Instant Impact

Every year, a few new faces step into big roles and surprise everybody. Some of them are young guys who show up out of nowhere. Others are upperclassmen who finally get their shot after sitting behind veterans. No matter how they got there, one thing's for sure — they made it count.   Breaking into the starting lineup on offense in 6A isn't easy. The defenses are fast, physical, and always scheming. But these players didn't just hold their own — they straight-up produced.    Here's a look at some of the first-year offensive starters in 6A who wasted no time making their presence felt.    Brodie threw for nearly 3,000 yards with a 70%-plus completion rate and an impressive 27:2 TD-to-INT ratio in his first year under center, all while facing some of the toughest defenses in the state. He shows off natural arm strength, effortlessly launching passes downfield, but what really sets him apart is how he stays calm under pressure and keeps plays alive when the pocket collapses. Vehrs has quick feet and a great sense of when to tuck it and run or buy extra time to let receivers work open. On top of that, he's got a sturdy frame that helps him shrug off sacks and turn potential losses into positive gains. With a full offseason to build on his breakout year, he looks poised to take an even bigger leap in his second season leading the offense.      Even as a sophomore, Barkus made sure everyone knew his name by averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and carrying himself with the kind of poise you usually see in upperclassmen. He's a compact, powerful runner who never seems to lose momentum, constantly driving his legs and falling forward for extra yardage. One of his biggest strengths is patience: Barkus waits for holes to develop and then bursts through with a low center of gravity that's tough to tackle. He's also shown he can handle a heavy workload, taking on multiple carries game after game without wearing down. His ability to slip through crowded boxes and emerge at full speed makes him a constant threat to break off big runs, and he's only going to get stronger as he continues to mature. With his downhill running style and knack for finding seams, Barkus could be one of the premier backs in 6A before he's done.      Versatility is the name of the game with Longo. He can line up at quarterback one week, then turn around and dominate as a wide receiver the next. In his lone start under center, he went 19-of-26 for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing off accuracy and composure outside the pocket despite an unconventional throwing motion. But when he's at receiver, he uses his long, efficient strides to close space on defenders, and his reliable hands make him a serious threat on every route. What really stands out is how quickly he adapts to different roles, looking like a seasoned pro whether he's reading defenses under center or running routes downfield. With multiple multi-touchdown games as a receiver, Longo proved he's a true offensive weapon capable of hurting defenses in more ways than one.      Lewis brings a special blend of speed, length, and toughness that makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. His catch radius is huge, and he's not afraid to battle for 50-50 balls, regularly coming down with contested catches. You can see the strength in his hands when defensive backs try to pry the ball loose — he rarely lets go once he's made a grab. After the catch, he's got the burst to turn a short route into a big play, which only adds to his matchup problems. With a transfer on the horizon, he's looking to make an immediate splash on a new team, and there's no reason to think he won't. His ability to step in and instantly become a go-to target means defenses can't afford to ignore him.      Snyder stepped in as a sophomore and showed more composure than some seniors. He's steady in the pocket, always keeping his eyes downfield even when defenders break through the line. While he's not the fastest guy on the field, he uses subtle movement to extend plays and find open targets. His arm strength is evident on those tough sideline throws, and he's got enough touch to drop passes over defenders when needed. It's clear he's growing into his role, recognizing blitzes and adjusting protections, which is impressive for a young quarterback. With another year of varsity ball under his belt, he'll likely cut down on turnovers and get more comfortable throwing into tight windows. Snyder's ceiling is high, and if he keeps building on his early success, he could be a force in 6A.      Watts-Diver is an all-purpose yardage machine, piling up over 1,100 yards through receiving and kick returns. His top-end speed jumps off the tape — give him a crease, and he'll explode through it, leaving defenders trailing behind. But it's not just about straight-line speed; he's shifty enough to make defenders miss in tight spaces, and he balances well through contact, rarely going down on first hit. He's also flashed potential as a possession receiver, reeling in tough catches in traffic and holding on through contact. Anytime the ball touches his hands, there's a real chance he's taking it to the house. With more reps under his belt, Watts-Diver could easily evolve into a top-tier offensive threat.      Gaines is pretty much the definition of a power back at around 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, but he's more than just brute strength. Sure, he loves lowering his shoulder and driving defenders back, but he also has a sneaky burst that lets him slip past tacklers who think he's just going to bowl them over. Once he gets downhill, it's almost impossible to stop him without multiple defenders, and he's money in short-yardage situations. Give him a little daylight, and he'll rumble for big gains, showing off surprising athleticism for his size. He pairs up with Roberts to form a thunder-and-lightning style backfield, and that balance really forces defenses to stay honest. If Gaines keeps honing his speed and footwork, he could transform into a true game-breaker.      Whitaker made his mark as a sophomore by running crisp routes, hauling in every pass that came his way, and being exactly where the quarterback needed him. He carries himself with a quiet confidence on the field, always keeping a level head and letting his game speak for itself. His route-running is smooth, and he has a knack for setting up defenders before hitting another gear. That sneaky burst lets him blow by corners if they underestimate his speed, and he's shown the ability to come down with tough catches in traffic by timing his jumps perfectly. Whitaker's the kind of receiver who can beat you deep one play, then pick up a huge first down on a curl the next. There's a natural feel to his game that's usually reserved for older, more seasoned players, so it's exciting to think about how good he'll be by the time he's done in high school.

Every year, a few new faces step into big roles and surprise everybody. Some of them are young guys who show up out of nowhere. Others are upperclassmen who finally get their shot after sitting behind veterans. No matter how they got there, one thing's for sure — they made it count.