Signal-Callers Who Stole the Spotlight at the PRZ AZ Combine

The quarterback group at this year's Prep Redzone AZ Combine came ready to compete. From the opening warmups to the final rep, it was clear several guys were out to prove something — and they did. Whether it was through sharp timing in drills, live-arm strength, or just poise and presence, a few QBs really separated themselves from the rest. Here's a breakdown of the top performers who stood out from the jump.    Trae Walker was one of the most well-rounded athletes on the field, and it showed in everything from his testing numbers to how he carried himself throughout the day. He clocked a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash and a sharp 4.3 shuttle, both of which highlight the kind of mobility he has when things start breaking down around him. And then there's the arm. Trae didn't win the long ball competition, but he absolutely made people take notice with how much power he generates. There's a real whip to his delivery, and the ball jumps off his hand with very little effort. What might've impressed me most, though, was his ball placement — especially on short routes. He wasn't just completing passes. He was putting them right where they needed to be, consistently leading receivers, allowing them to stay in stride and make plays after the catch. When you combine the physical tools, the execution, and the way he competed all day, it's no surprise he walked away with Camp MVP honors. He looked like a guy ready to take command.     [player_tooltip player_id='931808' first='Paiden' last='Cash Dalhaug'] came into the combine and immediately made his presence felt — especially during the long ball competition, which he won with ease. His long arms create a ton of whip, and when he lets it fly, you can hear it. Physically, he looked like a different player from last year. There's still room for him to pack on a bit more weight, but his frame is already filling out and he looked far more defined across the board. You could also see the difference in how he moved. He's never going to be a speedster, but the mobility has taken a big leap forward. He moved with more fluidity and balance. What stood out most was his consistency throughout the day. With a constantly rotating group of unfamiliar receivers, he still managed to deliver accurate, well-timed throws across the board. That's not easy to do in a combine setting — especially for a quarterback his age. Between the physical growth and the on-field maturity, Paiden looked like a guy who's starting to take the next step in his development.     [player_tooltip player_id='917327' first='Parker' last='Schmitz'] really stood out to me at last year's combine, and he showed up this year looking like an even more confident version of that player. What immediately jumped out to coaches was his athleticism — he's got real top-end speed, and it's a huge asset in his game. Not only does it let him threaten defenses with his legs, but it gives him the ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and turn broken reps into something positive. Heading into the event, I had my eye on his consistency and accuracy — and he absolutely delivered. He threw some of the best deep balls of the day, not just in terms of distance, but in how catchable and well-placed they were. Even when working with unfamiliar receivers, his ability to lead them and put the ball in the right window stood out. He's also got the right mentality for the position. Calm, collected, and focused — nothing seemed to rattle him out there. He just went about his business with quiet confidence and let his game do the talking. After seeing the strides he's made over the last year, I'm excited to follow his progress this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1399775' first='Austin' last='Schuder'] stood out not just for his athleticism, but for his commitment to doing things the right way. In a setting where a lot of quarterbacks get lazy with their mechanics — especially when there's no live rush — he was locked in. His footwork was consistently sharp, and he made it a point to go through proper dropbacks and movement every single rep. That kind of discipline isn't always flashy, but it shows a real focus on the details. What also stood out was how athletic he looked out there. During testing, I actually had to double check that he was listed as a quarterback — he's built like a skill guy and ran a solid 4.75 in the 40. He's in great shape, and it's the kind of frame that's going to continue to fill out well. Austin's a guy who clearly takes pride in his craft. He might not have made the loudest splash of the day, but the way he carried himself, competed, and stayed sharp throughout stood out in a big way.     [player_tooltip player_id='1667275' first='Vincent' last='Ciccariello'] might not have made a flashy first impression, but by the end of the day, he absolutely earned a spot in the conversation. What stood out most was his mechanical consistency — every rep looked intentional, with a smooth delivery and sharp footwork. He's definitely on the smaller side compared to some of the other quarterbacks at the event, but you wouldn't have known it based on how he threw the football. He's got a compact, quick release, and even though he doesn't have elite velocity yet, he gets surprising power behind his throws. That's the kind of thing that'll only improve as he continues to grow and add strength. What really impressed me was the way he approached the day — attacking every drill with purpose and competing with maturity beyond his years. Vincent threw a very catchable ball and showed good anticipation, even with receivers he clearly hadn't worked with before. He made the most of every rep and looked like a player who's already ahead of the curve for his age. His future's bright, and this combine was a solid step in the right direction.

The quarterback group at this year's Prep Redzone AZ Combine came ready to compete. From the opening warmups to the final rep, it was clear several guys were out to prove something — and they did. Whether it was through sharp timing in drills, live-arm strength, or just poise and presence, a few QBs really separated themselves from the rest. Here's a breakdown of the top performers who stood out from the jump.