Impressive 2027 QB class taking early shape in Louisiana

For the second time in a five recruiting-cycle span, an impressive quarterback group appears poised to headline the class in Louisiana — a state not traditionally known for its production at the position.   The 2023 passers garnered notable headlines throughout their high school careers, and now a crop of budding 2027 standouts is already bearing some similarities with its early buzz for its top-end talent.   But the rising sophomores also boast some intriguing depth that — if the group continues to build on its strong start to high school — will be worth watching as fans and media debate Louisiana's top quarterback classes.   Here's a look at the top 10 quarterback prospects from Prep Redzone Louisiana's initial rankings for 2027, though they already have company on that complete list and figure to see more peers join as they continue to develop.     FACES OF THE CLASS   [player_tooltip player_id='1250887' first='Peyton' last='Houston'] — 6-0, 185 QB — Evangel Christian   "Pop" has been a heavily anticipated prospect for years now in the Shreveport area with his poise and arm talent standing out from a young age, and he's continued to sprout up to now pushing 6-feet tall in just ninth grade and appearing in the settings available thus far to show a great feel for the game in his reads of opposing defenses, his progression and ability to throw with anticipation. This year will provide a far clearer picture than ever before as he figures to take the reins of a varsity offense after sitting most of this past fall following a school transfer.   [player_tooltip player_id='642719' first='Elijah' last='Haven'] — 6-4, 190 QB — Dunham   The other clear early leader of Louisiana's 2027 quarterback class saw varsity action on both the football and basketball teams as an eighth-grader last year before starting full-time in both as a freshman and already establishing himself among the state's top playmakers at quarterback. Also blessed with a strong arm, Haven's tall frame and all-around athleticism notably stand out among his peers. But as much as he can hurt opponents with his legs, he already shows some almost-veteran poise and patience extending plays as he keeps his eyes downfield, makes opponents respect both the pass and the run and completes throws on the move with consistency and accuracy.     ANOTHER TRIO ALREADY BREAKING OUT   [player_tooltip player_id='465282' first='Malachi' last='Zeigler'] — 6-3, 190 QB — Benton   Another of the young passers already starting to look the part in terms of his stature and build, Zeigler also appears to boast one of the strongest arms in the class, good pocket presence and enough athleticism to escape pressure and either buy more time for his receivers or potentially pick up chunks of yardage with his legs.   [player_tooltip player_id='934591' first='Kingston' last='Johnson'] — 6-0, 180 QB — Live Oak   Joining Haven as another intriguing prospect in the Baton Rouge area, Johnson is a core member of a talented wave of young talent coming through Live Oak. Johnson has a good size and strong build at this point in his development, but with quick feet in his drops and rolling out and a strong, accurate arm with a quick, sharp release.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250281' first='Karsen' last='Sellers'] — 6-1, 150 QB — Alexandria   Sellers continues to look like a potentially high-level quarterback prospect in Central Louisiana, sprouting up into a tall frame with the arm strength and accuracy to make pinpoint throws from the pocket or on the move and hit his receivers in stride and in impressively tight windows.     THE FULL 'QB' LIST FROM FIRST RANKINGS      NEXT FIVE STANDING OUT EARLY IN DEEP CLASS   [player_tooltip player_id='1251693' first='Jacori' last='Platt'] — 5-11, 200 QB — Central (Baton Rouge)   The Wildcats' young multisport standout — also a promising young baseball player — is the quarterback on this list we've seen the least of thus far. But some clips of his strong arm on deep throws 50+ yards downfield have been impressive, as has early praise of his potential from coaches and trainers. And Central and Platt are among the schools and prospects on the Prep Redzone Louisiana schedule to catch more of during the coming weeks of spring action.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250293' first='JeLandon' last='Gray'] — 5-10, 165 QB — Barbe   Gray not only started as a freshman in Louisiana's highest classification level, but was among the most productive passers in southwest Louisiana as a freshman. The Bucs' standout posted solid completion numbers, including on deep shots and throws on the move, and also showed the threat he poses with his legs as a four-sport athlete.   [player_tooltip player_id='489183' first='Parker' last='Robinson'] — 6-2, 180 QB — St. Frederick   The son of coach Andy Robinson has been another prospect we've monitored for two-plus years as a talented and versatile young athlete developing on both the football field and basketball court. Parker has a big frame already — which has also allowed him some positional versatility — and shows good footwork, accuracy and touch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1250301' first='Chase' last='Williams'] — 5-10, 160 QB — Airline   Williams might be the smallest athlete on this list of the early standout quarterbacks, but he's also among the quickest — eluding opponent's pass rush or getting loose in the open field — and throws a pretty, well-placed deep ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='734706' first='Hudson' last='Fields'] — 5-11, 160 QB — Brother Martin   The younger brother of Louisiana (Lafayette) quarterback Chandler Fields started high school already pushing for some playing time this fall in the state's highest classification levels and one of its most consistently competitive districts. The younger Fields' early film shows quick, accurate throws — including on the move on some quick rollouts.

For the second time in a five recruiting-cycle span, an impressive quarterback group appears poised to headline the class in Louisiana — a state not traditionally known for its production at the position.