Midseason Film Review: QBs

Breaking down the midseason film for some of California's rising QBs.    Finkel has looked improved as a passer since transferring to Santa Barbara from Bishop Alemany where he was the starter last season. He's looked more dialed in with his footwork, mechanics, and management of the pocket as a junior. He possesses the natural arm talent to throw into every area of the field and displays great touch and placement on the deep ball. Finkel- who just recently took a visit to Fresno St.- should continue to see his recruiting stock rise with the level of play he's put on tape this season.      Rasmussen's putting together a breakout junior season in his first year as starter with Edison. The #25-QB in PRZ CA's 2026 rankings has passed for 1,300 yards and 12 TDs in seven games for the Vikings. He's a lean, athletic passer at 6'/170 that can get the ball out on time and throw with accuracy. He shows good movement in the pocket and does a good job keeping his eyes downfield when extending plays outside the pocket. Rasmussen's generated some D-I interest and was recently on campus for a Sacramento St. visit.      Bretthauer has come on strong as of late throwing for 700 yards and 11 TDs with zero INTs in Valencia's current three-game winning streak. He's a tough, athletic passer that can distribute from the pocket and make plays with his legs when the opportunity is there (6 rushing TDs this season). He can put air under the deep ball with a strong, powerful arm and shows some savvy finnesse into narrow windows in the shallow area. Bretthauer holds offers from UNLV, San Jose St., and most recently Old Dominion.      Pooley's shown promising growth and progression as a passer in recent weeks for Chaminade. The 6'2"/190 sophomore threw six INTs through the first four games but has since cleaned up some of those turnovers with zero INTs thrown in their past three games. He looks most effective on quick single-reads in the RPO and play-action game and shows his confidence and power in his arm fitting throws into tight windows. Pooley's taken recent gameday visits to UCLA and Cal.      Shirley's flashed some promising physical tools as a passer in his first season as starter with Fairfax. He's a big sophomore at 6'3"/195 with noticeable arm strength on his deep ball. He looks to be still growing into his body and footwork but has flashed some mobility making throws outside the pocket. He's nearing the 1,000 yard mark through the air with 10 TDs and 5 INTs on the season. Shirley's a QB to keep an eye on as he continues to grow and gain experience as a passer.

Breaking down the midseason film for some of California's rising QBs.