Intriguing Expected First-Time QB Starters to Watch

Whether they're names we've had our eyes on, or simply expected to be next in line to take over for multi-year starters, these five quarterbacks are prospects we're going to keep tabs on this fall in Iowa.    Set to take over for multi-year starter and state champion gunslinger, Brock Badding -- and being the younger brother of newly committed Iowa Hawkeye, Brayton Alford -- [player_tooltip player_id='854786' first='Taylen' last='Alford'] has some big shoes to fill at Kuemper Catholic.   In some of his reps on JV and varsity, Alford shows some encouraging things as a passer. With touch on throws, especially deep shots, Alford looks the part of a varsity QB with his ability to hit receivers in stride for scores. Also able to connect with pass-catchers in the corner of the endzone with over-the-shoulder placement, it will be interesting to see how much Alford continues to develop as the presumed starter for the Knights this fall.     Another soon-to-be junior who will be expected to take the reigns, [player_tooltip player_id='1596516' first='Texton' last='Bollers'] of Clear Creek-Amana is a natural athlete that will be set to take over for multi-year starter, Conlan Poynton. Unlike some of the other expected first-year starters, Bollers has some extensive snaps on varisty already, as he completed 32-of-70 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns last season.   Through the air, Bollers, who has a bit of an unorthodox throwing motion, can put the ball on a rope, throwing tight spirals with some zip on the ball. A fluid athlete, too, Bollers has some escapability to him when the pocket breaks down, able to roll to either side and find a receiver when the pocket breaks down.   Taking 45 carries for 259 yards and three scores last year, as well, Bollers is a dual-threat gunslinger that makes opposing teams account for what he can do on the ground. Slippery as a runner, Bollers can make would-be tacklers miss and scamper down the field with breakaway speed for touchdowns.     Set to take over under center for Cal Jepsen in northwest Iowa, [player_tooltip player_id='2111670' first='Callan' last='Koch'] has one of the best opportunities for success amongst this group.   Expected to take over for the Black Raiders next fall, Koch will have two of the top three rushers and the top five receivers back from last fall's squad, including D1 recruits, running back Amos Collins, wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1650312' first='Isaiah' last='Grant'] and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1198829' first='Kason' last='Clayborne'], who doubles as a wide out.   Koch, who got some time on varisty last season, completing 28-of-47 passes for 286 yards, four touchdowns and two picks, certainly looks the part, too. Standing at 6-foor-4 and 210 pounds, the soon-to-be junior can throw on the run, launch some darts in the immediate and short passing game and throws a fairly effortless deep ball.     Speaking of inheriting quite the situation -- [player_tooltip player_id='1361134' first='Ethan' last='La Cava'] is set to take over the one reps for Dowling Catholic next fall after the Maroons won the 5A title in dominant fashion last fall. That, and they return one of the top offensive linemen in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='1583613' first='Carter' last='Barrett'], who will protect La Cava's backside after helping keep Joey Nahas upright last season.   A prospect already receiving some D1 interest from programs like Iowa, Iowa State and Lindenwood, La Cava also possesses the physical tools to at least get on their radar. With a unique, out-forward throwing motion that doesn't require much backward motion -- at least as its shown on his junior year tape -- La Cava gets the ball out quickly and can still put some zip on it. His distinctive way of throwing the ball makes him difficult to defend when a play breaks down, as he's able to get the ball out quickly and downfield if given an iota of time to get the ball out and to his receivers.     Last, but not least, is [player_tooltip player_id='1630523' first='Baylor' last='Petrie'] of Cedar Falls. Leading the way after the Tigers see Leyton Wolf off to Illinois State on the court, Petrie will be expected to step in as a junior and serve as CF's full-time starter.   A twitchy prospect with quick feet, Petrie adjusts to the pass-rush, while also showing some ability to stand in the pocket and deliver an accurate ball despite taking a hit. Able to get the ball out quickly because of his understanding of timing of the offense, Petrie brings speed to the table in terms of his own quickness, but also in making the right read and the right throw for the Tiger offense.   As the JV starter last year, Petrie threw for just under 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Whether they're names we've had our eyes on, or simply expected to be next in line to take over for multi-year starters, these five quarterbacks are prospects we're going to keep tabs on this fall in Iowa.