Top Senior Quarterbacks Ready To Air It Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The&nbsp;class of 2027 is loaded with top quarterback talent in all forms, from rocket-launching pocket passers to dual-threat gunslingers who can dismantle defenses through the air or on the turf.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quarterbacks who made this list are all battle-tested sharp shooters who showcased their potential with standout junior seasons last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many are generating significant next-level interest, with a few already entertaining D1 offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report, we are taking a quick look at eight gunslingers who have had strong off-seasons and are collectively on the cusp of an encore performance this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1579589' first='Griffin' last='Hall']</strong>, 5'11", 180 lbs, QB/ATH, <em>Salina Central</em>, '27, <strong><em>(PICTURED)</em></strong> it has been a busy off-season for this gunslinger after leading his team to the 5A State Championship, was selected as a First-Team All-State quarterback and along the way piled up a record-breaking stat line: <em>(138 of 209 passes, 1827 yds, 29 TD passes, 2 picks, 155 carries for 980 yds rushing for 2,807 total yards and 38 TDs) </em>- all as a first-time starter. With a strong, accurate arm, he is equally efficient throwing out of the pocket or on the move going either way. On the ground he is an elusive threat off the RPO, running to daylight with great burst and quickness (just missed 1,000 yds rushing by a scant 20 yds). He showcased his game last year as not only a top talent at quarterback, but is also an excellent punter. Get your popcorn handy, this guy has a high-octane game and is going to put on another show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1445596' first='Justice' last='Criniere']</strong></strong>, 6'1 195, QB/DB/ATH, <em>CPA-Lenexa , </em><strong>'27</strong>, of all the QBs I followed this off-season, this guy is one of the most impressive. A D1 talent with athleticism, speed and explosiveness on both sides of the ball, he is also a winner, leading his team to the <em>NHFA title</em> and a 13-0 record. On offense last year he ran and passed for 2,400+ yards, an impressive 37 TDs and picked up numerous MVP awards along the way. I saw him in action at the <em>KC Varsity</em> camp in May and it confirmed what I had seen on tape - <em>he's an elite baller</em>. With great feet in the pocket and a powerful arm, he can fire quick-strikes in the short-to-intermediate game, rifle the high-velocity third-level bullets or seamlessly launch the long touch pass. He is particularly lethal extending plays and shredding defenses on the RPO with his 4.45 speed. This guy is <em>en fuego</em> and is going to once again demonstrate he is one of the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970828' first='John' last='Hornback']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/john-hornback/"></a>&nbsp;,</strong>&nbsp;6'0, 185, QB/ATH,&nbsp;<em>St James Academy</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'27</strong>, last fall he wasted little time demonstrating he has a next-level game and along the way barely edged out <em>Griffin </em>for 5A state total yard leadership by only <em>19 yards</em>. He is a multi-sport, dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 2,828 total yards and 30 TD's last fall and vaulted his name into discussions concerning the top dual-threat QB's in the state. In addition to 2K+ in passing yards he also had 727 yards rushing as a dangerous option in the RPO or when extending plays with his feet. He can make all the throws from the pocket or when extending plays but is particularly impressive throwing tight-window strikes on the move or from different launch angles. He also has elite explosiveness: (38" verticle and 10'2" broad jump) and checks all the speed and quickness measurables. This guy is going to light up the scoreboard with his big-time game this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1700711' first='Dan' last='Sogard']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dan-sogard/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'2”, 185, QB,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'27</strong>, up next is a gunslinger I have had my eye on since early last year when he started the season with a sizzling hot opener, completing 20 of 22 passes for 301 yards and four TDs and then kept close to that elite pace all season. For the year he went 160 out of 242 for 2,051 total yards, completing 67%, and fired 22 TD passes to <em>only 2 picks </em>in nine games. With his low interception rate and high completion percentage he ended up with an impressive 120 passer rating. He has solid pocket mechanics and throwing motion, layering the ball into tight windows or dropping in the long touch pass in stride. He has good cognitive, processing skills, makes excellent split-second decisions and takes care of the football (only 2 picks out of 242 passes). With the nucleus of a powerful passing attack returning, this gunner is going to put an exclamation point on his game this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2063081' first='Cale' last='Ketter']</strong></strong>, 6'2, 180, QB,&nbsp;<em>Topeka Seaman</em>, '<strong>27</strong>, last and certainly not least in the top five is a guy who has flown under the radar somewhat even though he threw for 2K+ yds last year. He finished the year strong, completing 136 of 231 passes for 2,013 yards, completing 62%, and fired 23 TD passes to only six interceptions for an impressive 115 passer rating. He got my attention last season when he showed his skills in a back-and-forth 47-40 loss to state runner-up&nbsp;<em>Basehor-Linwood</em>, when he was 25 of 44 for 390 yards and five TD's. He is adept at carving up defenses with great ball placement from the pocket on quick perimeter passes or burning teams deep on the deep vertical shots. This off-season he fine-tuned his game playing 7v7 with&nbsp;<em>Grindtime</em> and throwing to one of the best returning wide receiver tandems in the state. This guy is going to bring the fireworks this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>HONORABLE MENTION:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656510' first='Bryis' last='Alford']</strong></strong>, QB/LB, 6'0,185,&nbsp;<em>Baldwin,</em><strong> '27</strong>, this guy is one I have been following closely after checking out his exciting dual-threat game early last year. After an injury-marred sophomore season he rallied last fall, helping get the team back on track while also showing off his explosive game. On the year he completed 79 of 135 attempts for 1320 yards, 18 TD passes and&nbsp;<em>only one pick</em>&nbsp;for a eye-popping passer rating of 130 (note: anything over 105 is considered elite). He was also a threat on the ground, picking up 566 yards on 60 carries, scored six more TD's, to give him 1,800+ total yards and 24 TDs. This guy makes things happen and is going to sizzle this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643737' first='Reign' last='Illian']</strong></strong>, 6'4, 205, QB,&nbsp;<em>Maize South</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'27</strong>, next up is a guy generating D1 notice who I featured recently on his busy off-season getting ready for a big senior year. Last fall he passed for 2,500+ yards, completing 65% and piled up 30 total TD's. He was focused this past spring and summer, traveling on the camp circuit showcasing his game and also spent time with Heisman-trophy winner and collegiate great <em>Tim Tebow</em> refining his game. With prototype size and a versatile arm, he can make all the throws, from the pocket, off platform, different launch angles or on the move. Once he gets his interceptions down he will be an elite prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113129' first='Logan' last='Fulton']</strong>, 6'1, 210, QB/ATH, <em>Wamego</em>, <strong>'27</strong>, Last and certainly not least is another standout talent who has flown under the radar but those in the know are well aware of his next-level skills. This past fall he passed for 2,238-yards and 25 touchdowns, completed 68% of his passes, rushed for 823-yards and added 11 more touchdowns. Although he can slice and dice secondaries from the pocket, he is also an athletic dual threat QB who is dangerous passing on the perimeter or extending plays with his legs. He has a smooth, compact throwing motion whether he is rifling quick-strike completions or dialing up the deep ball. This guy is a baller ready to let it rip this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cargile_wade"></a>In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->