Playmaker Quarterbacks Getting Fine-Tuned For Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the off-season rolling along and camp season approaching it's crest I am shifting gears a couple of times a week to start highlighting some of the skill players, in particular quarterbacks and running backs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will continue my <em>primary focus</em> of flushing out guys flying under the radar and getting players attention regardless of position to help them supercharge their exposure as much as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This initial position report will focus on five<em> quarterbacks </em>approaching their junior and senior seasons. All five are either proven gunslingers at the varsity level or have shown signs of being ready for banner seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first two are seasoned vets from the class of '26 who have been starting since they were underclassmen and combined have already thrown for 8,000+ yards with the senior season still to go. The next three are athletic gamebreakers from the class of 2027 who are on the cusp of big seasons this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's see what these guys have been up to in the off-season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113458' first='Jordey' last='Pierce']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordey-pierce/"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordey-pierce/"></a>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordey-pierce/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'5, 215,&nbsp;QB,&nbsp;<em>Ark City</em>, <strong>'26</strong>. Already an experienced starting QB, he has thrown for just under 5,000 yards and 39 touchdowns with a season to go. He has been busy in the off-season training for football while also continuing to play baseball this summer. The southpaw gunslinger has also gotten bigger and faster since last year and will roll into the season just a shade under 6'5 and a solid 215 pounds. A dual-threat with the ball in hand, he can extend plays with his feet or use his physicality running the ball. Through the air he has a strong arm and can thrown accurate darts in the short game as well as dial it up and throw the deep touch pass. He has already picked up offers from Butler and Northwest Missouri, with many more to come. As one of the top passers in the state last year he is ready to deliver an encore performance this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113456' first='Kris' last='Harding II']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kris-harding-ii/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kris-harding-ii/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kris-harding-ii/"></a> </strong>, 6'0, 200, QB, <em>Chanute</em>, <strong>'26</strong>. He is another QB who has been a starter since his underclassman days and has continued to amp up his game every year. Last fall he lead his team to the SEK and Regional championships and along the way passed for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns to only five picks. He has a mature dual-threat game with fluid mechanics in the pocket or throwing the ball on the move. With pinpoint ball placement and accuracy, he can fire strikes under duress as well as throw off platform or from different launch angles as needed. He has been hard at it in the off-season and is up to 200 pounds while getting faster. The off-season has been about putting in the work as he has been getting up at the crack of dawn to lift weights and then later in the day gets his throwing in. He also has team practice twice a week and does 7v7 on Fridays. This guy is going to light up the scoreboard this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027s</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1521132' first='Zander' last='Ford']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zander-ford-2/"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zander-ford-2/"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zander-ford-2/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'0, 175, QB/DB,&nbsp;<em>Rose Hill</em>, <strong>'27</strong>. He is coming off an excellent sophomore season when he stepped in and threw for 1,700+ yards, completing 62% of his passes and fired a dozen touchdown passes along the way. His ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing has been impressive, particularly when he found himself running for his life at times last year. He also had a stellar basketball season leading his team in points, assists and steals. He has continued to play hoops in June while training for football and is planning on hitting July football camps at Emporia State and Ottawa. He is currently training with Coach Daniels locally on speedwork and with former indoor standout QB Rocky Hinds on passing mechanics. He and his teammates are also just returning from a successful team camp at Fort Hays State. Get your popcorn ready as this guy is getting ready to put on a show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='944912' first='Michael' last='Baum']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/michael-baum/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'1, 175, QB,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley West</em>, '27. He is coming off a sophomore season picking up valuable experience backing up an all-state QB and showed glimpses of his big-time game along the way. His off-season has been busy, as has been training hard and has grown a couple of inches and put on 15 pounds. He is a versatile dual-threat who can beat teams with his arm or his legs. He operates smoothly in the pocket, expertly moving his feet while keeping his eyes glued downfield. He can thread the needle in the short game and has the arm strength to make the deep velocity throws as well. On the ground, he is explosive running the RPO with good burst hitting the perimeter. He has been on the move this summer having already hit camps at KU, K-State, Missouri and just returned from Iowa where he performed well. He may be flying under the radar right now but he is getting ready for a breakout season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1166125' first='Colt' last='Curry']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colt-curry/"></a>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colt-curry/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'2, 205, QB,&nbsp;<em>Lawrence</em>, '27. He is another stud in the making who backed up an all-state QB last year and has used the opportunity to pick up experience and get ready to light it up this fall. With next-level size and athleticism, he is a dual-threat quarterback who is a good runner on the keeper or extending plays with his legs. Throwing the ball he has a smooth shoulder rotation and a quick release, firing timely bullets in the short to intermediate game and with the arm strength to stretch the field vertically with the long bomb. He has been training with his QB coach fine-tuning footwork and passing mechanics and is also working with a trainer on strength, speed and agility. In between all that he has been working with his receivers and with the new head coach on learning the new offense. This guy has all the tools and is getting ready to take his game to the next level this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys own it this fall. And, as always, if you run across any teams or players flying under the radar give me a shout via DM on X.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->