Off-Season Gunslinger QBs Taking It To The Next Level

Next up is the latest report in the on-going series on positional groups that kicked off last week. Positions already covered have been offensive/defensive linemen, linebackers/edge rushers, and defensive backs.   The latest position to be assessed is the first of several on quarterbacks from all classifications who are locked in with a laser focus on being the next big-time gunslinger this fall. In addition to the guys featured in the body of the article below, I have recently covered a number of other QB's working to be elite in the off-season, including:   The Kansas Colts' 18u QB's: [player_tooltip player_id='1645153' first='Easton' last='Melton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1487563' first='Colton' last='Elmore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1327831' first='Maxson' last='Smiley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1147299' first='Holden' last='Ferralez'].   Also reported on were returning passing yards leader, [player_tooltip player_id='1643737' first='Reign' last='Illian'] and 5A State Champion [player_tooltip player_id='1579589' first='Griffin' last='Hall'].   Definitely six who are going to open fire this fall, each with his own distinctive gunslinger game.   The next round below is mostly senior-to-be QB's and a few from other classes and are all guys who are going to be in the discussion for best and brightest at the quarterback position in 2026.   So without further adieu, let's check these guys out:   [player_tooltip player_id='1166125' first='Colt' last='Curry']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colt-curry/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colt-curry/"></a> , 6'2, 205, QB, Maize, '27, [pictured above] for this gunslinger it has been a challenging few years, as he worked through backing up an all-state QB as a sophomore who went on to play D1; then, as a junior he transfered to Maize, so finally having a chance to show his game this fall is a major focus. He recently returned from the Miami (FL) Rivals Combine that featured 100+ QBs selected to attend. He stepped up with a stud showing, as he was in the top 10 in five of the seven categories, with a first in the broad jump, and 2nd in the 10-yard dash. He is a weapon with the ball in hand, as he can use his quickness and burst to run the RPO or extend pass plays and when he throws has the arm to dissect all three levels of the defense. He has been training with Coach Rashad to amp up performance and QB coach Rocky Hinds on passing mechanics and throwing. This guy's game is already in the groove and he is going to be a force this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1579585' first='Jerick' last='Humphreys']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jerick-humphreys/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jerick-humphreys/"></a> , 6'1, 200, QB, Hesston, '27, up next is another dual-threat quarterback who has been flying under the radar somewhat despite putting up solid numbers last fall. He completed 94 of 137 attempts, with a 69% completion percentage, for 1,349 yards and 12 touchdowns to only three interceptions. In one three-game span in mid-season he showed his potential by completing an eye-popping 39 of 43 passes (91%+ completion percentage) for 556 yards and five TD's. He is a dual-threat QB with good size and athleticism who has the arm to dial up the long ball as well as rifle short-to-medium strikes in the quick-pass game. Right now he is laser focused on winning another state championship in basketball, and then this spring will juggle baseball and tennis. In the meantime he is fitting in time to throw to his receivers and this summer will hit the grind hard working on timing and getting all the skill players on the same page. This guy is the real deal and is on target for a big year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1452155' first='Will' last='Quinn']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/will-quinn/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/will-quinn/"></a> , 6'2, 195, QB/DB, Andover, '27, next up is another gunslinger coming off an up and down year but when he was healthy he was a dual-threat to be reckoned with. The Lions started the season slow with losses to heavyweights Kapaun, who would go on to win the 4A title and Maize who was number one in the state for most of the season. However, they rallied to win six straight, including a 48-21 win over eventual 5A state champ Salina Central, their only loss of the year. This baller showed his skill sets all season as he can shred defenses with his legs off the RPO and on designated QB-runs, but can also keep defenses from loading the box with a strong arm and tight-window throws from the pocket or on the move. His off-season workouts are already reaping benefits as he is bigger without losing speed, and is also working with Coach Cagle and MPA (Midwest Passing Academy) on mechanics, footwork and consistent ball placement. This guy is ready to take the next step.   [player_tooltip player_id='1656510' first='Bryis' last='Alford']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/bryis-alford/"></a> , QB/LB, 6'0,185, Baldwin, '27, after an injury-marred sophomore season he rallied in a big-time way last season, helping get the team back on track while also showing off his dangerous dual-threat game. On the year he sizzled, with 79 completions in 135 attempts for 1320 yards, 18 TD passes and only one pick for a sky-high passer rating of 130. He also torched teams on the ground, picking up 400+ yards on 60 carries, and scored six more TD's, to give him just under 1,800 yards of total offense and 24 total touchdowns running and passing. Once the season was over he went right into the grind working out with the team strength coach in the weight room and doing speed and agility work. This spring he will shift gears to baseball and will also continue football training through the summer. He is also in the process of finalizing which camp-combines to hit in the coming months and is throwing with his receivers. This guy is going to be a lethal threat this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1672095' first='Joey' last='Dintino']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joey-dintino/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joey-dintino/"></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/joey-dintino/"></a> , 5'11, 175, QB/DB, Plainville, '27, he is another dual-threat QB who caught my attention last fall as a baller on the rise who plays a talented two-way game. In eight games a year ago, he completed 54 of 105 passes for 985 yards, threw nine TD passes, and also rushed for 153 yards on the ground and added two more TDs. On defense he had 20 tackles, a pair of interceptions and two blocked punts, with one returned for a touchdown. Once the season was over he went right into basketball and continued to lift weights. This spring he will shift gears to a more rigorous lifting program, continue with his speed and agility work and is also looking for a QB trainer to help him fine-tune his passing game over the summer. In the meantime he will continue to work with his top four receivers over the summer, (Ari Patel, Owen Brewster, Davyn Willeford, and Crispin Meyers) who accounted for 850+ receiving yards and 7 TD's last season. This guy is going to deliver a big season this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1488557' first='Cael' last='Claibourn']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cael-claibourn/"></a> , 6'1, 185, QB, Emporia, '29, and last but certainly not least we have the only freshman in this report and he is definitely one to keep an eye on. I became aware of him last summer when he was training daily for his approaching first year of varsity football, while also playing competitive basketball and baseball as well as preparing for the National Junior Olympics in the long jump and triple jump. This past fall he helped a young team start the turnaround process and showed signs of things to come with his dual-threat game along the way. This spring he is playing 7v7 for the Kansas Colts 14u team who played this weekend in Springfield (MO) and looked good Saturday, leading his team on scores in 6 of 8 drives and going 3-0. He also has numerous camps in mind to go to over the summer while he continues to cross-train in other sports. With his all-around athletic skills, and a strong versatile arm he is getting ready for a breakout sophomore season this fall.     <a href="https://x.com/willxmcmonagle"></a>In conclusion, get out and see these talented gunslingers - you won't be disappointed! Also, if you know of any players not getting any/enough coverage that they deserve, please feel free to DM me via X so we can take care of that!   And, most importantly...   Keep Grindin'

Next up is the latest report in the on-going series on positional groups that kicked off last week. Positions already covered have been offensive/defensive linemen, linebackers/edge rushers, and defensive backs.