Pennsylvania 2024 Prospect Rankings: QB Breakdown

This is prime time to dive back into the recent rankings update and break down each position group to see what prospects made the cut and where. Included are prospects from every corner of Pennsylvania, representing each district, collectively creating the most comprehensive state ranking you can find. QB Breakdown Top Quarterbacks Top 100 [player_tooltip player_id="64022" first="Alex" last="Erby"] | 6’4, 205 | Steelton High-Spire [player_tooltip player_id="64000" first="Brad" last="Birch"] | 6’2, 180 | Gateway [player_tooltip player_id="164520" first="Samaj" last="Jones"] | 6’1, 210 | St. Joseph’s Prep Not much is separating these three. Each is positioned in the top 30 of our 2024 rankings that dropped earlier this year. From a build/frame point of view, Steelton-Highspire’s [player_tooltip player_id="64022" first="Alex" last="Erby"] leads the way, standing at 6’4 and weighing just under 210. Birch has a plus frame as well. Birch is a little slight but can easily put on some weight if hits begin to take a toll, which I imagine won’t be too much of a problem moving forward. SJP’s [player_tooltip player_id="164520" first="Samaj" last="Jones"] isn’t far off either, listing at 6’1 and 210 pounds. The extra weight serves his style of game well, often taking off and running for extra yards when necessary. Each of the top three quarterbacks in this class is capable of putting up prolific numbers in their offense. Each will continue to light defenses on fire for the rest of their high school careers as each is expected to be Player-of-the-Year candidates for the foreseeable future. [player_tooltip player_id="164520" first="Samaj" last="Jones"] is the true dual-threat of the group. Dual-threat may have a bad connotation to some, implying that a prospect may not be fully suited to throw the ball at the next level. This isn’t the case with Jones. His ability on the ground is what propelled him to this ranking, however, Jones has proven that he is capable of helping SJP win games with his arm alone. From afar, he seems to be incredibly receptive to the offense and has the IQ and decision-making ability to be trusted by the coaching staff. [player_tooltip player_id="64000" first="Brad" last="Birch"] has the best arm talent of this group. Coaches from across the nation have raved about this young man’s howitzer of an arm and I have had the pleasure of seeing it up close and personal. The arm is alive and well. 50-yard deep balls are effortless. His timing and vision from the pocket are elite. This kid is going to throw for yards each game with ease, which has to excite Gateway’s wideouts. He and Erby are stat stuffers, I expect Birch to be the most productive quarterback in his class so long as Gateway’s offense remains potent and healthy. Can argue that Erby is the most complete quarterback prospect in the entire state. The decision-making stands out. His lack of turnover-worthy throws stands out. His size stands out. There is so much to be excited about when breaking down this young man’s game. He’s got athleticism and a bit of a clutch gene to boot. Having the poised Erby under center has to be a relief for the coaching staff at SH. Erby recently picked up offers from UConn, Duke, Akron, Campbell U & Nebraska. https://twitter.com/ErbyAlex/status/1500265451426922502?s=20&t=0PxK-FFZhObCMSFoCx--cw Top 200 [player_tooltip player_id="255059" first="Quentin" last="Goode"] |5’11, 165 | Aliquippa [player_tooltip player_id="255745" first="Cole" last="Meehan"] | 6’2, 175 | Lansdale Catholic Here are three top 200 prospects whose futures I’m excited for. Beginning with [player_tooltip player_id="255059" first="Quentin" last="Goode"], the young man under center for the WPIAL & State Champion’s Aliquippa. Downfield accuracy is a plus, as is his overall arm talent despite his less-than-ideal frame. Awesome depth perception from the pocket, hitting guys in stride 40+ yards downfield. Surprised he didn’t throw for more yards considering how aggressively he wants to attack vertically. An awesome facilitator who can make some wow throws on the run. A knack for those wow moments. [player_tooltip player_id="255745" first="Cole" last="Meehan"]’s initial debut on this list is certainly a modest one. His sophomore campaign was modest as well, considering how high I am on the kid. I see a potential Group of Five floor for this young man, so long as he can put all of his hard work together this upcoming season at Lansdale Catholic. A constant worker, Meehan may have one of the best pre-throw packages in his class. Awesome feet that always seem attached to his eyes. Incredibly quick release. A pretty spiral that can be thrown from awkward body angles. His early skillset should have coaches drooling. Can’t wait to watch him live. https://twitter.com/ColeMeehan9/status/1479893371024035842?s=20&t=0PxK-FFZhObCMSFoCx--cw Top 300 [player_tooltip player_id="254804" first="Matt" last="Machalik"] | 6’0, 190 | Palmerton A serious producer for Palmerton as a sophomore. 12 games out of Machalik saw him run for 1500+ yards on 150+ carries. That alone stands out. He also threw for 1300 yards to match his on-the-ground total. 2800 yards says something, I don’t care what league you’re playing in. Machalik has my attention, his Hudl is attached below. Another season like this and he will force our hand to move up these rankings. https://twitter.com/MachalikMatthew/status/1460414677222101002?s=20&t=0PxK-FFZhObCMSFoCx--cw [player_tooltip player_id="281296" first="Joseph" last="Sarjoo"] | 5’10, 160 | Monsignor Bonner Like Machalik, Sarjoo has the talent and work ethic to climb up these rankings. We just have to see it from him first. His stock is certainly climbing, hearing some hype of his name from many coaches in the PCL. I hope he continues to have a productive and busy offseason. I expect to cover many of his games moving forward. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-281190" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/01/Joseph-Sarjoo-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="256268" first="Stephen" last="Tryon"] | 6’1, 195 | Conwell-Egan Here is another under-the-radar Catholic League quarterback whose future is bright. Much like Meehan and Sarjoo, Conwell-Egan’s [player_tooltip player_id="256268" first="Stephen" last="Tryon"]’s initial ranking is a modest one. He’s got limited reps as an underclassman but has the size and initial tools you want to see out of a developmental player. He’s going to have an abundance of weapons to rely on early on in his career. Would love to catch him at training camp to see how far along he has come. A name to watch for coaches in the PSAC. https://twitter.com/Stephen_Tryon9/status/1470611248266072066?s=20&t=0PxK-FFZhObCMSFoCx--cw