Rising-Star 2028 Quarterbacks Ready For Next Step

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The&nbsp;class of 2028 is deep at the quarterback position with an interesting mix of playmakers who had breakout seasons as first-year starters last fall and quite a few with next-level talent who stumbled out of the blocks due to injuries or other complications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, with the critical junior season rapidly approaching, the QBs striving to be elite have been busy this off-season fine-tuning and showcasing their game to solidify next-level interest this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this report, we are taking a quick look at five gunslingers who I have had my eye on since they were freshmen and have been impressed with their development as well as their ability to deal with adversity along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oh, and they can spin the ball with the best of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, without further adieu, let's check these guys out:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1487563' first='Colton' last='Elmore']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/colton-elmore/"></a>&nbsp;</strong></strong>, 5'10, 180, QB,&nbsp;<em>Wellington</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'28</strong>, <strong><em>(PICTURED)</em></strong> last fall this young-gun dual-threat had a strong sophomore season leading 4A in passing and total yards (1,707 yds passing; 460 yds rushing; 2,167 total yds) and added 21 TDs. As a passer he has good mechanics, quick release and is comfortable throwing from the pocket or on the move. He can make plays in a variety of ways, throwing off platform, from different arm angles or layering in the long ball. When extending plays or on designated runs he is a shifty, elusive runner who can keep defenses off balance with his legs. After a busy off-season fine-tuning his game he is ready to torch the turf this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101916' first='Tate' last='Smith']</strong>, 6'0, 175, QB, <em>Rock Creek</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, he is a 3-sport athlete coming off a standout sophomore year leading his team to a sub-state win and an 11-1 record. Along the way he sliced and diced the opposition, completing 131 of 196 passes for 1,875 yds, 68% completion, a 25:2 TD-pass-to-interception ratio and an eye-popping 134 passer rating. With a strong, versatile arm, he throws darts in the short game with tight ball placement &amp; can go deep in stride or make the boundary throws with velocity. He also moves well in the pocket &amp; extends plays without defaulting to run first. This guy is an impressive gunslinger on the cusp of another huge season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101915' first='Izrael' last='Telles']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/izrael-telles/"></a> </strong></strong>, 6'2, 185, QB, <em>Salina South</em>, <strong>'28</strong>, as a first-time starter last fall he flew under the radar early but by the end of the year was one of the top QB's in 5A as well as the state, completing 153 of 294 attempts, for 2,269 yards and rifled 24 TD's. After a slow start as a team, he helped rally the <em>Cougars</em> for a big second-half of the season, which included two upset victories in post-season play. With good size and a strong arm he can attack defenses at all three levels with impressive accuracy. He is particularly dangerous making the long vertical throws and burning teams with the deep ball. After a springboard season last year he is ready to air it out again this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1083571' first='Braxton' last='Wagner']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braxton-wagner/"></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braxton-wagner/"></a>&nbsp;</strong></strong>, 6'2, 200, QB,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley NW</em>,&nbsp;<strong>'28</strong>, after a sophomore season marred by injury the off-season has been a blur for this gunslinger as he had a strong 7v7 season, showcased his game in camps across six states and has generated significant next-level interest, including multiple D1 offers. He has continued to impress with his advanced cognition/processing skills, seamless feet/presence in the pocket, and razor-sharp ball placement. He dismantles defenses in the short game with quick-decision strikes and then burns them up with the long ball. This guy is a dual-threat with all the tools who is getting ready to deliver in a big-time way this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2078662' first='Michael' last='Dunn']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/michael-dunn-2/"></a>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/michael-dunn-2/"></a>&nbsp;</strong>, 6'4, 200, QB/ATH,&nbsp;<em>Blue Valley SW</em>, '<strong>28</strong>, after an up-and-down year last fall when he gave glimpses of his high-ceiling game, including a 425 yd, 5TD performance in game two, he has been busy this off-season getting ready for a breakout year. After showcasing his skills in 7v7 with <em>GrindTime</em>, he was busy on the camp circuit, including picking up <em>MVP </em>at the <em>Varsity Combine</em> in May. With prototype size and a powerful arm, he can make all the throws from quick-release timing routes, deep sideline velocity throws to launching the long ball. He is generating a lot of next-level interest and is ready to help lead the <em>Wolfpack </em>turnaround this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And, as usual…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Keep grindin'</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->