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Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise

Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
Robert Davis
Robert Davis October 1, 2025 @ 11:35 AM
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In this article:

Jaiden VanHoesen
Jaiden VanHoesen 5'8" | 165 lbs | QB/ATH | 2029
CO
Noah Howard
Noah Howard 5'10" | 150 lbs | RB/QB | 2026
CO
Brody Hopwood
Brody Hopwood 6'3" | 150 lbs | QB | 2027
CO
Jacob Dunning
Jacob Dunning 6'4" | 160 lbs | QB/P | 2027
CO
Yianni Balafas
Yianni Balafas 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some quarterbacks in the small school circuit that have been turning heads with their performances. These are the quarterbacks you will need to add to the radar as they look to continue to dominate through the rest of the season. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1923964"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd585cc46c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a freshman, VanHoesen is already proving he belongs among 2A's rising quarterbacks. With a 50% completion rate for 698 passing yards and 8 touchdowns to just 1 interception, he has shown both confidence and poise beyond his age. VanHoesen's arm strength allows him to push the ball downfield and challenge defenses vertically, while his decision making continues to sharpen with each game. The fact that he is producing at this level so early in his career speaks volumes about his potential. As he continues to gain experience and improve his accuracy, VanHoesen has the tools to become one of the most talked about names in small school football over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1634984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd585cc4724"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hopwood has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in 2A, completing 62% of his passes for 875 yards and 8 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. He has also showcased his versatility with two rushing touchdowns, making him a dual-threat presence who can keep defenses off balance. Hopwood is a quarterback who can make every throw on the field, from quick timing routes to deep vertical shots. His ability to extend plays and keep drives alive has been instrumental in his team's offensive success. With his strong decision making and steadily improving confidence, Hopwood is not just climbing the rankings, he's making a push to grab college scouts' attention as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626001"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd585cc476e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dunning has proven himself as a steady and reliable quarterback who delivers when his team needs him. Completing 65% of his passes, he has thrown for 896 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. His pocket presence stands out, as he is able to stay calm under pressure and make precise throws across all levels of the field. Dunning anticipates routes well, consistently putting the ball where his receivers can make plays. Known for his dependability, he has become the type of quarterback coaches can build an offense around. With his accuracy, composure and ability to consistently move the chains, Dunning is quickly becoming one of the most respected signal callers in the 2A ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1308434"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd585cc47b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few quarterbacks in 2A have been as dominant as Balafas to start the season. Completing 68% of his passes, he has thrown for 1,076 yards with 14 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the top arms in the small school circuit. Balafas is more than just a passer, he's a dual-threat athlete with 258 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to attack defenses through the air or with his legs makes him extremely difficult to contain. With his accuracy, decision making and versatility, Balafas has elevated his team's offense into one of the most explosive in 2A. Expect him to continue leading his squad toward a deep playoff push while drawing the attention of recruiters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1695383"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68dd585cc47fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howard brings a different dynamic to the quarterback position, serving as one of the most dangerous rushing threats in 2A. On the ground, he has carried the ball 102 times for 870 yards and 10 touchdowns, including an eye catching 81 yard score that highlighted his elite speed. While his passing numbers are modest, 199 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception, Howard's ability to protect the football and control the game with his legs makes him a unique weapon. As he works to improve his accuracy and consistency through the air, his rushing ability alone ensures he will remain a defensive nightmare. With his explosiveness, Howard has all the makings of a breakout dual-threat quarterback to watch moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some quarterbacks in the small school circuit that have been turning heads with their performances. These are the quarterbacks you will need to add to the radar as they look to continue to dominate through the rest of the season. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.

Jaiden VanHoesen

Jaiden VanHoesen

CO
QB/ATH
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 165
POS QB/ATH
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Jaiden
VanHoesen QB/ATH
Class
2029
Height
5'8"
Weight
165
HS
Valley
|
CO
Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
As a freshman, VanHoesen is already proving he belongs among 2A’s rising quarterbacks. With a 50% completion rate...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jaiden VanHoesen

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Valley
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Brody Hopwood

Brody Hopwood

CO
QB
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 150
POS QB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Brody
Hopwood QB
Class
2027
Height
6'3"
Weight
150
HS
Strasburg
|
CO
Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
Hopwood has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in 2A, completing 62% of his passes for 875...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Brody Hopwood

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Strasburg
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacob Dunning

Jacob Dunning

CO
QB/P
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 160
POS QB/P
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jacob
Dunning QB/P
Class
2027
Height
6'4"
Weight
160
HS
Lamar
|
CO
Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
Dunning has proven himself as a steady and reliable quarterback who delivers when his team needs him. Completing...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Dunning

State: Colorado
School: Lamar
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Yianni Balafas

Yianni Balafas

CO
QB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 175
POS QB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Yianni
Balafas QB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
175
HS
Kent Denver
|
CO
Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
Few quarterbacks in 2A have been as dominant as Balafas to start the season. Completing 68% of his...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Yianni Balafas

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Kent Denver
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Noah Howard

Noah Howard

CO
RB/QB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 150
POS RB/QB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Noah
Howard RB/QB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
150
HS
Florence
|
CO
Up and Coming 2A Quarterbacks Making Noise
Howard brings a different dynamic to the quarterback position, serving as one of the most dangerous rushing threats...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Noah Howard

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Florence
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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