Quarterbacks Set to Shape the Next Season’s Conversation

Over the past two seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='910875' first='Jalen' last='Parker'] has established himself as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in New Jersey. Most notably, Parker delivered a career-best junior campaign, leading Winslow Township to its second straight Group 4 state championship.   Statistically, résumés are hard to match. Parker threw for over 3,200 yards and 43 touchdowns, while also breaking the New Jersey career passing touchdowns record with 107. Moreover, he piloted an offense that eclipsed the 100-point mark, further underscoring his command of the position.   However, despite the historic production and team success, Parker is still searching for his first Division I offer. That said, his accuracy under pressure, quick decision-making, and ability to get the ball out on time continue to stand out on film. As a result, he remains firmly positioned to change that narrative during his senior season.   Ultimately, when evaluating the overall body of work, it isn't easy to find many quarterbacks in state history who can match Parker's consistency, production, and winning pedigree. Heading into 2026, he's poised for yet another massive season — and potentially, the recruiting breakthrough that follows.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2025 JSZ Zoneman Finalist: [player_tooltip player_id='910875' first='Jalen' last='Parker'], Winslow Twp. Parker turned in a career-best season as a junior, leading the Eagles to their second-straight Group 4 state title. The junior threw for over 3,200 yards, 43 TDs, 11 INTs, and broke NJ's career passing TD record (107 and… <a href="https://t.co/gqYja4Gxyv">pic.twitter.com/gqYja4Gxyv</a>— Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSZ_Sports/status/1996307244766388587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote>     Entering the season, [player_tooltip player_id='1016186' first='Rahmir' last='Rivera'] arrived with plenty of hype. More importantly, he spent the fall answering every question that followed. In his first varsity season, Rivera looked comfortable, composed, and ready for the moment.   From a production standpoint, the numbers support it. He finished with over 2,000 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, a 71% completion percentage, and added four rushing touchdowns. However, beyond the stats, it was how he operated that stood out most.   Rivera runs the offense in rhythm. He gets the ball out on time, understands when to stay patient, and knows when to use his legs to extend plays. Additionally, he shows the ability to access every level of the field — outside the numbers, between the hashes, and in the intermediate game.   While there is still room for development, he clearly belongs at the varsity level. The speed of the game never overwhelmed him. Looking ahead, the next step is pushing his touchdown production even higher, because the arm talent suggests that's coming.   As he enters his next season, Rivera is positioned for a true breakout. In a loaded 2029 quarterback class, he has the tools to separate himself and emerge as one of the top young quarterbacks in New Jersey.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I want to first thank my coaches and teammates for believing in me to start Quarterback as a freshman. Here are my Season Highlights. 2,183 passing yards 4 rushing tds 71%comp rate 3ints. 11-2 record. First Team All Conference All Shore. <a href="https://t.co/WXTokIOsz3">https://t.co/WXTokIOsz3</a>…— Rahmir J. Rivera-2029QB (@RahmirRivera4) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahmirRivera4/status/1995995599255310659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2025</a></blockquote>     In his first season as a varsity starter, [player_tooltip player_id='972082' first='Gavin' last='Gilardi'] showed encouraging poise. From the outset, he operated Delbarton's offense efficiently, especially out of the pistol, where his timing and rhythm consistently stood out.   Most notably, Gilardi executes quickly on his first read. He identifies leverage, delivers the ball on time, and keeps the offense on schedule. As a result, Delbarton was able to play with pace and move the ball down the field methodically. He looks most comfortable when not under center, where his decision-making and tempo shine.   Physically, Gilardi brings good size at 6'2”, though he still has room to add weight at 150 pounds. Even so, he already shows the ability to push the ball downfield with accuracy and enough velocity to challenge defenses vertically.   While he entered the season relatively green, his growth was evident week to week. The offense consistently looked more in rhythm with him at the controls. Heading into 2026, the next step will be handling pressure situations more consistently — and if that comes, Gilardi is positioned to take a significant jump in his development and production.      Few quarterbacks in the state made a bigger year-to-year leap than [player_tooltip player_id='751653' first='Zymere' last='Weaver']. This past season, Weaver took clear command of the offense, throwing for over 2,200 yards, 24 touchdowns, and completing 68% of his passes.   More importantly, the growth showed up on film. Weaver pushed the ball downfield with far more consistency. His footwork and mechanics in the pocket looked cleaner, and as a result, his accuracy improved at every level — deep, intermediate, and underneath.   Because of that progress as a passer, defenses had to respect his arm. That, in turn, opened things up for him as a runner, where he added five rushing touchdowns. He showed improved feel in the pocket, buying time when needed and making throws instead of immediately relying on his legs.   Looking ahead, the next step is continuing that polish under pressure. If Weaver keeps developing as a passer while maintaining his playmaking ability, another jump is coming. Currently ranked No. 6 in the 2028 quarterback class by Prep Redzone, he has a real chance to crack the top five — or even the top three — with another strong season.      Stepping into the spotlight won't be easy, especially when you're following one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in New Jersey history. However, [player_tooltip player_id='1272681' first='Justin' last='Merriman'] looks well-equipped for the challenge.   At 6'3”, 190 pounds, Merriman checks every physical box you want in a modern quarterback. More importantly, the tools show up on film. During his FBU Freshman All-American Game, he demonstrated the ability to operate an offense in rhythm, deliver the ball on time, and stay composed while splitting reps at the position.   Additionally, Merriman shows comfort throwing at all levels. He's accurate in the short and intermediate game, yet still capable of pushing the ball downfield when opportunities arise. He also throws well on the move, including to his left, which adds another layer to his game.   Looking ahead, the trajectory is clear. If Merriman continues to refine his mechanics, deepen his understanding of the offense, and grow with each offseason, the ceiling is exceptionally high. With continued development, he has the potential to emerge as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country by the time his junior and senior seasons arrive.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please take a moment to watch my FBU Freshmen all American highlights against the top in the country! <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomLoy247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a> 147 passing yards 12/15 passing 2 touchdowns 20 yards rushing All while splitting drives at qb! <a href="https://t.co/g54EWOYSJW">pic.twitter.com/g54EWOYSJW</a>— [player_tooltip player_id='1272681' first='Justin' last='Merriman'] QB 2029 (@JustinMerr12) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinMerr12/status/2003311937183236421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote>