Unpacking the Deepest QB Class in Recent PA History, #33-25

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155805"],"_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":"u003culu003etrn trn tu003cliu003e6'1, 180u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eQB with OLB capabilitiesu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernI recently broke down [player_tooltip player_id='941176' first='Peter' last='Sherman']'s V/JV tape, he's ranked a bit lower as it's tough to create a real eval off of junior varsity film. Sherman provides some quality reps, he looks the part. [player_tooltip player_id='1155805' first='Jerek' last='Cooper'], another Emmaus QB prospect, has also caught my eye. I'm totally out of the loop when it comes to future intentions, I see the tape and I rank accordingly. I am aware that Cooper started three games for Emmaus last Fall, that alone bumps him ahead of Sherman at the moment. Over 500+ scrimmage yards accumulated throughout said three starts, Cooper provides duality to an offense that values athleticism. Build is acceptable when projecting to next level. Muscular and toned up, carries a wideout/DB build. Operates out of the traditional Emmaus offense, ton of shotgun work with twins/trips set out, often with a back in the backfield. First thing that caught my eye wasn't necessarily a good thing. Cooper's feet during his dropback are a bit off-putting.  A ton of skipping/hopping, happy feet, and inconsistencies can be seen through three-step drops from Gun. Cooper still nearly broke the Top 30 in a historically talented QB class despite this, as well as only starting three games. Everything else moving forward on tape has me thinking a star could be developing behind center for Emmaus. Cooper might be new to the position, which would explain any awkward movement issues, he is still a sophomore I might add. Cooper starts his tape off with a rope to a post against an open middle of the field. I stress that his footwork needs tuning during a dropback, it looks good in terms of setting his base, marrying his eyes with his feet. Love the reps where he works a mesh with his back, pulls, and delivers a strike on a slant. Some QBs with more experience are unwilling to deliver balls into tight windows like this. Accurate and on time when asked to throw on the run. Is a real threat to tuck on meshes and gash a defense for first downs and more. Is a clear candidate to move into the Top 20 next update. Has some wideout reps on same tape. Rest of his tape shows off his capabilities as an OLB, tough to not love this kid on both sides of the ball. Very likely to be designated as an u0022ATHu0022 moving forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b61f"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JerekCooper/status/1728919641672847694","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JerekCooper/status/1728919641672847694 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["955778"],"_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":"u003culu003etrn trn tu003cliu003e6'4, 155u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003edabbled with WR/Su003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e3.97 GPAu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe Washington sophomore's build is usually the first thing that catches evaluator's eyes. A young 6'4, 155-160-pound prospect who looks destined to play basketball at some point. [player_tooltip player_id='955778' first='Tristan' last='Reed'] is special on turf, almost special enough to crack out Top250. Operates out of 21 personnel often, Washington wants Reed to work a traditional 3-5 step drop back, one they can incorporate play-action sets out of. Reed is still stiff as a board in terms of footwork but his natural arm talent makes up for this at the current stage of his development. Reed's delivery could be tuned a bit, stiff here as well but the end product/result is usually a good one. Lot of extension away from his body when bringing the ball to the ear hole, bit of a slinger. Can't ignore the production as a sophomore, solid variation of route concepts and throws made on tape, solid deep ball that should keep secondaries at this level honest. Expecting a huge developmental leap this off-season. Could be a Top 20 QB down the line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b69d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155806"],"_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":"u003culu003etrn tu003cliu003e6'4, 190u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLacrosse participantu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernOnline measurables suggest the Radnor sophomore has grown an inch in height and put on a good 10-15 pounds. Narrowly missed a Top30 QB ranking, but made the Top250, which is always a good benchmark when projecting a kid to the next level. Seven games to work with, a four-minute tape on Hudl, [player_tooltip player_id='1155806' first='Luke' last='Reilly'] completed 60% of his passes, said passes came in a mix of JV/V competition. First rep is a good one. You get a sense for his arm, both deep ball accuracy and strength, kid throws it a good 40 yards through the air. Love the hip torque and throw-side follow-through. Puts the sword in the sheath, clean mechs in this rep. Next thing that pops on tape is his confidence. Multiple tough windows targeted, not much hesitation to test them. Does so successfully. Better than you'd expect in impromptu situations, he isn't a complete statue in the pocket, which at 6'4, 190, is a big plus. Decisive when routes concepts purposefully attack the middle of the field, comfortable here. Like many of the decisions made on tape when facing pressure/blitz. I'll pump the breaks on that though because again, much of this tape is against less-than-average comp. Soon-to-be senior Matthew Szychulski started at QB for Radnor throughout the majority of the season last Fall, outpacing the 2025 QB will be an accomplishment in it's own right. Special group in the building at Radnor.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b70e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LukedReilly11/status/1721346511336767861","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LukedReilly11/status/1721346511336767861 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054311"],"_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":"u003culu003etrn trn tu003cliu003ethree-sport athleteu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e6'0, 160u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernWagner posted a seven-minute-long sophomore tape on December 4th, 2023. Completed a successful playoff run as the man behind center for Redbank Valley. Threw for a whopping 45+ TDs, over 3,000 yards passing too. Tack on eight scores with his feet, Wagner cashed in on a prolific season. First few reps on tape showoff Wagner's abilities to stretch a defense vertically. He operates out of 10 personnel frequently, five-wide sets are a staple of the offense. Wagner's going to have to be comfortable and willing to push the envelope a bit in terms of deep shots, tape proves he can. Mulitple 35-45 yard bombs seen, albeit after substantial hitches. Can always tell apart QBs who have a pre-snap plan based on eye/helmet movement post-snap. Wagner is one of those passers who can move off initial reads a bit, it seems that way based on tape. Hits seam benders, posts, and skinnies that attack the middle of the field promptly. His demeanor/poise in the pocket might cause outside defenders to sleep a bit, he can burst out of his base and accelerate for first downs, often catching some defenders napping in space. Colleges will likely question if he can take a real hit at the next level, they might question 1A competition too. He's a ways from worrying about recruiting though. Hopefully, Wagner is staying in the books and weight room, these should be the priority right now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b779"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647286"],"_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":"u003culu003etrn tu003cliu003e6'2, 200u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003enot active on Twitteru003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernPosted a short but concise sophomore tape on Hudl over a month ago. Said tape is a minute shorter than his freshman tape from over a year ago. 1,400 yards on the year, 11 scores for a modest yet successful sophomore campaign out of Cardinal O'Hara's [player_tooltip player_id='647286' first='John' last='Welde']. Looks to have filled out really well, putting on two inches and over 25 pounds year over end, this coming since the last time we evaluated him. Operates out of an offense that likes to utilize tempo to its advantage, an offense that often deploys five-wide sets that allow Welde to work intricate passing concepts. Testament to his acumen at the position. Makes the most u0022wowu0022 throws so far out of this group. Great placer of the football, can put balls where only his man can make a play on it. Advanced depth perception, the kid can flat-out drop moon shots out of the sky and into a bucket. Flashes the best arm talent of any 2026 QB I've covered thus far. Climbs the pocket post-dropback well, keeps his eyes downfield when doing so. Decisive, works out of a ton of 10/11 personnel, Welde gets the snap and distributes with a purpose. Wish there was a bit more production to work with, impressed with the two minutes displayed though. Accuracy is calling card, can deliver strikes at all three levels of the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b7c9"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/welde_john11","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/welde_john11 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402468"],"_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":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e4.0 GPAu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e2x All-Conference QBu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e6'0, 170u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernOne of those young men you hear nothing but good things about. You hear about his leadership skills, his work in the classroom, his efforts on the field are easy to see on tape of course. Recognized as an all-conference QB for back-to-back seasons, not many sophomores can say that. Ranks just outside of the 2026 Top200. A lefty passer whose calling card is his accuracy. WRs at Susquehanna can rest assured with Evans behind center, clean pocket, pressure, forced on the go, Evans has proven the ability to dish the rock accurately across all three levels of the field. Great touch/tempo when attacking fades/nines inside of the 20, can fit balls between the sideline and numbers. Standing at 6'0, 170, Evans will have to be a factor with his legs, that he is, often working mesh/veer handoffs with his back post-snap. Seen tucking and running on occasion to good results. 28 might seem like a harsh placement, yet the 212 overall rank would have him inside the top ten at his position if he were a junior. Has put forth nothing but great production over the first two years of HS football, Evans might warrant a bit more respect, I'm a fan.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b813"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944114"],"_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":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003enot active on Twitteru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e6'3, 215u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ebasketball participantu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe first QB to rank inside the PRZ Top200. Sophomore tape opens up with a near 50-air-yard heave, an accurate one at that. You can witness an off-balanced 45-yard air-throw just a couple reps later, this kid has a rocket for an arm. Seen working flood concepts on the go, has power behind his throws rolling opposite of his throwing hand. Want to see him stay consistent with the wow throws, however. Love how he resets his feet without much wasted motion, good foot fire that can quickly get his lower base married to where he wants to throw. A good athlete, seen making plays on special teams, can run out of the pocket and barrel for first downs. Fits the OLB/DE frame, wouldn't be surprised to see him two-way here if Lakeland needs him next Fall. Accurate and on time when attacking digs, crossers, seam benders. Size and arm talent are what got him inside the Top200, production as an upperclassman moving forward will keep him here.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b86d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaveTheKid5","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaveTheKid5 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d647b8a8fb5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091279"],"_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":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6'2, 200u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ebaseball participant, catcheru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e4.4 GPAu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernNearly racked up 3,000 scrimmage yards as a sophomore for Trinity HS. 1,900 passing, 1,000 rushing, 28 total TDs. The first 2026 QB under the knife that I'd feel comfortable sending to FCS schools and above. A 6'2 that stands tall in the pocket, 200 pounds that can absorb and brush off contact in the pocket. Can operate out of a spread 10-personnel look. Can work a two-man game with his back, whether it be mesh handoffs, zone-reads, Williamson is capable. Witnessed on multiple occasions hitting intermediate routes accurately while getting tagged and battered in the pocket. A seasoned release matched with seasoned footwork post-snap has him a step ahead of the rest right now. Can flick a 45-yard air throw without a massive hitch. Is a dual-threat ATH, reminds me a ton of Old Dominion commit [player_tooltip player_id='386275' first='Quinn' last='Henicle'] in this sense. Has the confidence to test a secondary deep, a QB who doesn't wait to see his man open, there's some anticipation skills to be had here. The difference between the 26th-ranked QB and the top ten is razor-thin. Williamson has garnered real Top 100 consideration out of me. Watch him rise our ranks again, before training camp begins. Special talent.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b8b3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155803"],"_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":"Here's my first eval of Wilkes Barre passer [player_tooltip player_id='1155803' first='Jake' last='Howe'].rnu003cblockquoteu003eu003cemu003eSpeaking to some on the coaching staff, u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1155803' first='Jake' last='Howe']u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022info-box not-proseu0022u003eu003ca class=u0022link-wrapu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/jake-howe/u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022player-imgu0022u003eu003cimg src=u0022https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/41-Jake-Howe.jpeg?w=150u0026amp;h=150u0026amp;crop=1u0022 alt=u0022[player_tooltip player_id='1155803' first='Jake' last='Howe']u0022 /u003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e already checks off many boxes before plugging on the tape. Great height/weight combination, great grades/GPA, solid production coming out of Wilkes-Barre. First rep has Howe chucking a 35+ bomb downfield from a clean pocket. Next rep you can see the same throw in terms of air-yards, except this time, Howe is escaping pressure, throwing off-platform, and slinging a 35-yard bomb while running laterally. Confidence is through the roof, witnessed testing unbelievably tight windows downfield. There's real arm talent here. Some might question the comp. Operates out of gun primarily, ton of trips and four-wide sets. Don't see this often but I'd argue that Howe and the WBA offense specifically look to attack defenses vertically. With Howe behind center it makes sense. The 2026 PA QB class is a special one, excited to see how Howe fits in the statewide mix.u003c/emu003eu003c/blockquoteu003ernIn line with [player_tooltip player_id='1091279' first='Jonah' last='Williamson'], I feel confident sharing Howe's name with Division One coaches. At the time of writing (first-eval), I was unsure where Howe would fit among his 2026 peers. I didn't realize at the time just how stacked this QB class would shape out to be. I might've laughed knowing Howe would place inside the Top200, but is 25th positionally. That's how special this group is. Howe fits right in.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d6351d4b8f7"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jakehowe_2/status/1722725527948079511","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jakehowe_2/status/1722725527948079511 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->