Rock's QB Series: 5A - Prep Redzone

AZ has no shortage of elite QB's in any division here in 2025. Here's a look at my preseason top five QB's in 5A as part of my annual QB series:    Roskopf enters as my #1 QB in 5A given his current ability mixed with his high ceiling and wowing potential moving forward into the next level. A legit P4 kid that holds 18 offers and has been drawing SEC eyes. He sizes up with a college ready frame at 6'5" 235lbs and is as pure of a pocket passer as you will find, but can also make plays on the ground on designed QB counters and broken plays. Natural passer with a quick, effortless release and elite arm strength. His accuracy on all 3 levels of throws with different variations of throws (1, 2, and 3 ball) is extremely impressive, as he makes those difficult throws look easy while anticipating a hit after release. He goes through progression, throws with anticipation and timing, can move DB's with his eyes, and the list goes on as he truly checks all the boxes.       Dixon is a kid I've raved about for a few years now due to his dual-threat ability, and he's only getting better. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 24 TD's and added over 1,200 yards and 15 TD's on the ground, as he is so difficult to gameplan against with that ability to extend plays and find receivers or flat out turn into a playmaker on the ground and be a legit threat with his change of direction, twitch, and top end speed. He throws with anticipation and has shown the ability to hit throws in tight windows with velocity, or finesse throws vertically over or in between opponents. He's committed to Northern Arizona, and I think this is NAU's best in-state commitment thus far. A ton to like with this kid as he's prone for a huge senior season.     Meyer has continued to take big leaps each year and even though he loses one of the best threats in the state (Roebuck) to graduation, I still think Meyer holds all the potential to once again take that leap. I really like his poise, calmness, and overall demeanor in the pocket as he'll sit back calm and collected. He does a great job going through progression and throwing with timing- flashing a smooth and effortless release. He throws that vertical 3-ball well on verts and posts where he showcases good arm strength by letting it fly 50+ yards on the money. He shows the ability to hit those intermediate throws with velocity or finesse as well as he had a handful of impressive tight window throws on film. Expecting big things from Meyer this fall.     Heinrich is a very impressive player with a high IQ. He shows an excellent pocket presence and fluid mechanics and delivers with a short, quick release within a narrow arm slot. He does a good job knowing when to climb the pocket and go through progression and knowing when to abandon the pocket to get outside and extend plays. Very accurate in all 3 levels of throws as he frequently places the ball only within his receivers catch radius, and shows a good understanding of how to throw receivers open. Expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder with intentions to establish ACP as a legit 5A playoff team in their first year in 5A.     Vanacore is a dual threat QB that does an excellent job extending plays, and is a flat out playmaker. He shows a solid pre-snap read with good footwork in the pocket and delivers with a snappy release- getting that extra zip on throws at the end of his motion in which he frequently shows the ability to fit throws into tight windows. Twitchy runner with good lateral bounce to make opponents hesitate as they can't figure out if he's going to take off and run or bounce back to set his feet and throw when the play breaks down. He excels at delivering those off-platform throws in either direction and can make those off-platform throws with various arm angles.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other QB's to note: </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='739446' first='Luke' last='Berlin'], Cactus '26: Recently transferred from Blue Ridge (3A) where he was a top QB in the state for the past two seasons. An FCS caliber kid that will have to prove himself in 5A, but holds all of the physical traits and tools to do so.   [player_tooltip player_id='883313' first='Kristian' last='Escobedo'], Mountain Pointe '26: Escobedo looks to be in line for the starting job and holds tons of potential to help build success in 5A for Mountain Pointe after playing as a freshman at Tolleson a few years ago.

AZ has no shortage of elite QB's in any division here in 2025. Here's a look at my preseason top five QB's in 5A as part of my annual QB series: