Building the State of Iowa’s Perfect Quarterback – Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cultivating the perfect quarterback in the state of Iowa's class of 2027 with different attributes from gunslingers across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Accuracy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1827747' first='Cash' last='Parks'] - Cedar Rapids Xavier</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Completing a whopping 72.7% of his 172 passes en route to the 4A state championship with Cedar Rapids Xavier, Parks commanded one of the top offenses in the state last fall. Finding the open receiver, trusting timing, and able to connect with pass-catchers on shots down field, Parks made intelligent throws and put them on the money for the undefeated Saints all season long. He did all of that while throwing 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions, as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arm Strength</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1644900' first='Tru' last='McBride'] - Fort Dodge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A prospect that was initially tabbed as the QB with the best frame and size, McBride is the type of prospect that jumps out as physically ready for the next level. Those physical traits -- he stands at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds -- allow him to effortlessly rip the ball down field for a 50-yard completion. McBride stands tall in the pocket and can easily launch a ball over half the length of the field on go-routes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Football IQ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland'] - Waukee Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heitland was the most efficient quarterback in all classes this fall, bar none. Throwing for the second-most yards in all classes and the most in 5A (2,962), the most touchdowns in 5A, without reaching the state championship game, completing just under <em>80%</em> of his passes and finishing the year with a monstrous QBR of 213.8, Heitland doesn't put up those numbers without knowing ball. The timing and chemistry he built with his receivers through the air certainly helped display his cerebral play style, as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pocket Presence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1221251' first='Trevin' last='Helming'] - Johnston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The UNI legacy and Panther commit will be a big reason why Johnston is expected to be a title contender in 5A this fall. His ability to stand in a collapsing pocket or a monstrous defensive lineman bearing down on him, yet deliver an on-target strike is impressive. His ability to navigate out of, step forward to avoid and throw despite taking on pressure is one of the better pieces of his game that will translate well to Cedar Falls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mobility</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1197463' first='Nolan' last='Kriegel'] - Iowa Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mean, you can't argue with the numbers. The state leader in touchdowns last season, Kriegel put up <em>stupid </em>numbers as a junior for Iowa Valley. As a ball-carrier, the 8-man star ran the ball 182 for 1,944 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground. Had he and the Tigers reached Cedar Falls -- they fell just shy in an upset loss to Audubon in the quarterfinals -- Kriegel would've been one of just three QBs and seven players in the state to rush for over 2,000 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Size and Frame</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='458050' first='Cael' last='Kongshaug'] - Cedar Rapids Prairie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, everybody knows who Prairie's quarterback is when he steps on the field. At the prototypical size and stature of a pocket passer that can see the field and make the plays that are presented to him, Kongshaug has the look and physical tools that programs are looking for in their quarterback at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Touch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='600173' first='Reece' last='Wheeler'] - Iowa City West</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A relatively unknown prospect that transferred from Iowa City Liberty to compete for the starting job at West, Wheeler burst onto the scene as one of the best quarterbacks in 5A last season. One of the primary reasons he did so well was how easily-caught Wheelers passes are. He may not be one to put the ball on a rope and throw a laser over the center of the field, but Wheeler can put the ball on the money, and only where his receiver can get it -- the best place to put a pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->