2023 Stock Risers: Quarterbacks

After releasing our 2023 rankings update Tuesday, it’s time to look at a few of the guys at each position that have risen up our boards heading into the summer. We’ll start with the quarterbacks, which won’t be easy. This class is loaded and getting better every time we feature them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"], 6’6 210- Cardinal Gibbons (No. 2 QB, No. 8 overall)</strong> I’m all in on the [player_tooltip player_id="117098" first="Connor" last="Clark"] hype train. The kid can absolutely spin it. Even more impressive to me though than his great arm talent and Division 1 size is his composure. Clark started the entire season for Cardinal Gibbons leading the Crusaders to a 9-0 record to start the year as the offense averaged 40 points a game before running into a stacked Grimsley team in the state championship game. Clark gets the ball out quickly and spreads it around to a number of different receivers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44988" first="Andrew" last="Frazier"], 6’ 190- Havelock (No. 5 QB, No. 31 overall)</strong> Like Clark, Frazier led his team to a nearly perfect record and a state championship game. Frazier was the most efficient quarterback in the state this year, completing 74 percent of his passes and averaging 11 yards an attempt. He took care of the ball, posting an impressive 30-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and added another five scores on the ground. He’s a threat on the ground and tough to take down in the pocket. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44993" first="Tyler" last="Mizzell"], 6’1 160- East Lincoln (No. 7 QB, No. 41 overall)</strong> Mizzell had a productive season in his first year at the helm of the East Lincoln offense, throwing for 15 touchdowns and just one interception in seven games. He completed at least 63 percent of his passes in all but two games, while still averaging nearly 14 yards a completion. Mizzell has the arm strength and the ability to make all the throws, the next step is for his body to catch up to his talent level. If he can get to the 200-pound range over the next couple of years, he’s a legitimate FBS talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118887" first="Trey" last="Shearer"], 6’ 160- Bandys (No. 11 QB, No. 78 overall)</strong> Don’t be fooled by his size, Shearer can absolutely sling it. He’s already displayed an ability to make the difficult intermediate throws that college coaches love to see, both to the sidelines and across the middle of the field. The ball zips out of his hand when he throws it and gets on his receivers in a hurry. Like Mizzell, he needs to put on a bit of weight, but that will come naturally in the weight room over the next few years. You have to be excited about his future. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144704" first="Sean" last="Boyle"], 5’11 165- Charlotte Catholic (No. 13 QB, No. 88 overall)</strong> "A quarterback from Charlotte Catholic, you’ve got to be kidding!" As strange as it seems, the Wing T state champion has a legitimate quarterback. After initially expecting to split time behind center, Boyle was thrust into the starting role early, and did not disappoint. Boyle averaged a touchdown a game and spread the ball around well. With a full offseason as the presumed starter, I’m expecting him to take the next step in the fall.