Patraw’s Picks: Minnesota’s Next Generation of Gun-Slingers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new generation of football talent is quietly emerging on the gridiron in Minnesota and is poised to make waves in the class of 2026. While the spotlight often gravitates towards high-profile upperclassmen, a cohort of under-the-radar quarterbacks are steadily honing their skills and making a mark on the high school football scene. These young signal-callers are showcasing an array of talents that extend beyond the headlines. Join us as we look at five under-the-radar Minnesota high school quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["224134"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Kinsey stands out with impressive strengths that underscore his proficiency on the field. One of his qualities is his remarkable zip on the ball, demonstrating a powerful and dynamic arm. His ability to drive the ball into tight windows showcases the precision and confidence in his arm. His ability to balance power with finesse sets him apart, placing the ball where only his intended receiver can make a play. His pocket presence is admirable, displaying excellent footwork and a quick release that contribute to his efficiency as a passer. Kinsey has solid mechanics with a smooth throwing motion, while his power stems from a well-established base and excellent footwork. Impressively, he remains unflustered when faced with pressure while maintaining velocity and accuracy. Moreover, Kinsey's adeptness at throwing on the run and staying mechanically sound makes him a well-rounded and poised quarterback.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":"","_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655668a44da45"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["592125"],"_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_0_evaluation":"West's standout quality lies in his exceptional ball placement, showcasing his ability to deliver passes consistently to his intended targets. His accuracy sets him apart, which extends seamlessly to either side of the field, highlighting a well-rounded proficiency as a passer. His touch on the ball adds a layer of finesse to his throws, making him effective in various scenarios, especially in the red zone. His height and wide base from which he generates power contribute to his arm strength, allowing him to deliver the ball with zip and drive it into tight windows. Additionally, West's decision-making is a key asset, characterized by smart and quick decisions that display his football IQ.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":"","_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655668a44d76c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489731"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Harney possesses a skill set that distinguishes him as a promising quarterback. One of his strengths is his brilliant play-action fake, often putting defenses in conflict. Harney's footwork is solid, providing him with a stable platform, which allows him to show his precision at each level. His poise under pressure is a testament to his mental toughness, allowing him to maintain composure even with defenders around him. Harney's ability to drop the ball in a bucket and thread it between defenders speaks volumes about his accuracy and confidence as a passer. He exhibits a keen sense of pushing the ball down the field, demonstrating both strength and accuracy with his deep balls. Whether in the pocket or rolling out, he maintains a high level of accuracy, forcing the defenses to get in pursuit and out of their zones. Furthermore, his decision-making on high/low reads is a strategic asset, showing his ability to navigate through progressions and make the right reads.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":"","_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655668a44d84b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["592121"],"_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_0_evaluation":"One of Sherman's standout strengths is his powerful arm and ability to deliver impressive deep balls with accuracy. His ability to roll right as a lefty is very impressive, making something challenging look effortless. His accuracy towards the sidelines is particularly impressive, displaying a precision that maximizes the use of the entire field. Sherman's ability to drop the ball over the top of a defense adds a lethal dimension to his passing game, creating opportunities for big plays. If he has to, he exhibits fearlessness in tucking the ball and running, illustrating mobility and toughness. His understanding of when to push the ball deep and when to opt for intermediate throws highlights his decision-making skills. Sherman's quick release and good zip on the ball, even on the run, make him a dangerous threat.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":"","_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655668a44d8f9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["592229"],"_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_0_evaluation":"One of Johnson's standout strengths is his accuracy when throwing off-platform, showcasing his ability to deliver precise passes even under pressure. His ability to improvise with defenders in his face demonstrates his poise and toughness while being able to put the ball on a dime in difficult situations. His deep ball exhibits a notable touch, combining accuracy with finesse to create opportunities for his receivers to make big plays down the field. His accuracy on deep throws is complemented by his ability to sling the ball with impressive velocity, forcing defenses to stay honest at the third level. Johnson's arm strength is exhibited by his ability to throw to the field side of the play, allowing him to use both sides of the field no matter the side of the hashes he's on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":"","_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-655668a44d9a0"} /-->