Efficiency Meets Endurance: AZ’s Production Machine QBs

There's something especially impressive about the guys who can handle a big workload and still deliver explosive plays. It's one thing to throw the ball 30 times a game. It's another to do that and still pick up big chunks of yardage, pushing the ball downfield while keeping the offense in rhythm.   That kind of balance isn't easy — it takes more than just arm strength. It takes timing, trust, and a feel for the game that not every QB has. These are the ones who aren't just chucking it short and safe all night. They're asked to carry the offense, and they're doing it with confidence and efficiency.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/YdsAtt-v-AttG-AZ-Top-50-QBs.png?w=1024" alt="Yds/Att v Att/G AZ Top-50 QBs" class="wp-image-1668321" /></figure>    When you look at what Caldwell did this season, it's hard not to be impressed. He topped 350 passing yards in five different games and dropped five or more touchdowns in four of them. But it's not just the raw numbers — it's how he got there. He's calm under pressure, doesn't panic when the play breaks down, and has the athleticism to turn a busted pocket into a 20-yard scramble or extend long enough for a deep bomb over the top. His performance against St. John Paul says it all: 12 completions for 427 yards. That's over 35 yards per completion — basically a highlight reel every time he let it rip. And he's not afraid to keep swinging, even when things aren't going perfectly. A couple of games saw his completion percentage dip, but he still stayed aggressive, trusted his arm, and made big plays.      Knutson wasted no time showing what he can do. In his first outing, he went 25-for-41 for 466 yards and six touchdowns — enough to make any defense dizzy. But it wasn't just the highlight throws. Over the season he eclipsed 350 yards six times, tossed at least four TDs in eight games, and threw only five interceptions on 318 attempts. What really stands out is how he handles pressure. Knutson doesn't panic when the pocket collapses — he steps up, buys time with his feet, and still fires off off‑balance throws with zip when receivers break open downfield. That blend of accuracy, decision‑making, and playmaking under fire is exactly what you need from the guy who's asked to carry the offense every week.      Keeton didn't put up empty numbers — he made his throws count. He had six games with three or more touchdowns, and even with a steady amount of pass attempts each week, he still averaged close to 17 yards every time he completed a pass. That's not easy to do. It shows how often he pushed the ball downfield instead of settling for the easy stuff. What stood out most was how comfortable he looked doing it. He wasn't forcing deep shots just to take them — he picked his moments and connected on big plays without racking up a ton of turnovers. His 465-yard game against Buena was a perfect snapshot: he stayed poised, stretched the field, and kept the offense moving. Keeton brought a mix of patience and aggressiveness, which is a tough balance to strike. He gave Casa Grande a real shot every week just by staying in control and trusting his arm.      Rau might not have had the same spotlight as some of these other guys, but he put together a really solid season. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging more than 190 passing yards per game. What stands out most is how much of that came from creating on the fly. He's a natural athlete who keeps plays alive — not always to run, but to buy more time and let things develop downfield. That awareness and poise in the backfield gave him a real edge. His arm strength is solid, but it's his agility and mobility that really make him stand out. He's now making the move to Shadow Mountain, where he's shifting to wide receiver, and honestly, it makes sense. With the way he moves, cuts, and sees the field, he's got all the tools to make that transition work. He showed flashes of being a real playmaker at QB, and now he'll get a chance to do that in a whole new way.      Horton was one of those guys you just trust to show up and get it done. He had games where he completely took over — like the 480-yard, 5-touchdown shootout win over Horizon — but more importantly, he brought the same level of poise and command every week. He finished with nearly 3,000 yards, 36 touchdowns, and averaged over 15 yards a completion without trying to force things. He didn't have many holes in his game. Horton could stretch the field when needed, hit tight windows in the red zone, and knew when to take the smart play instead of chasing something big. Even in tough spots, like that close loss to Queen Creek where he still threw for 305 yards and 4 touchdowns, he kept them in it until the final whistle. He played with confidence, made very few mistakes, and ran the offense like a pro. Horton was as steady as they come, and that made all the difference for Pinnacle this season.

There's something especially impressive about the guys who can handle a big workload and still deliver explosive plays. It's one thing to throw the ball 30 times a game. It's another to do that and still pick up big chunks of yardage, pushing the ball downfield while keeping the offense in rhythm.