’23 Preseason Super 7 – 4A Quarterbacks
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Super 7 – 5A Quarterbacks IOWA CITY, Iowa – It’s hard to believe we’re hitting the end of another school year. That means a new high school football season is only a summer away. No better time than the present to…
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Continue ReadingIOWA CITY, Iowa – It’s hard to believe we’re hitting the end of another school year. That means a new high school football season is only a summer away.
No better time than the present to start looking ahead at the 2023 campaign. Highlighting top returners helps refresh our memories and prepare us for what’s ahead.
Let’s analyze seven difference makers among Class 4A quarterbacks:
Graham Beckman Graham Beckman 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Liberty | 2024 State IA , ’24, Iowa City Liberty – Beckman (6-2, 200) shined in a season-opening upset against rival City High at Kinnick Stadium and kept rolling throughout the campaign. He paced junior quarterbacks in Class 4A and 5A with 31 touchdown passes. He shows a strong arm, a quick release and very good mobility. He should be receiving more attention in recruiting. He’s really good.
Cole Marsh, ’24, Waverly-Shell Rock – It’s not often you see a quarterback blocking during his highlights. Marsh (6-6, 210) doesn’t mind mixing it up. A standout on the basketball team, he brings athleticism along with a strong arm behind center. He stresses defenses with the threat of passing or running. He displays good speed on the move with an ability to throw accurately on the move.
Quinton Tran Quinton Tran 5'10" | 160 lbs | QB Iowa City High | 2024 IA , ’24, Clear Creek Amana – Tran (5-11, 185) tossed 11 touchdowns with just one pick at Iowa City High in ’22. He did most of that damage when starter Drew Larson Drew Larson 6'1" | 165 lbs | WR Iowa City High | 2024 State IA , also a junior, was sidelined with an injury. Tran split time with Larson in ’21. Tran should shine as a senior. He’s accurate and moves really well. He has solid arm strength, too.
Kyler Gerardy, ’24, North Scott – Like the others on this rundown, Gerardy (6-0, 170) is an athletic quarterback. He makes plays firing the ball through the air, but he’s very dangerous running, especially in the open field. He threw 15 touchdowns with just five interceptions and completed over 70 percent of his passes. He ran for 1,217 yards and 19 scores in helping the Lancers reach The Dome.
Ronan Thomas Ronan Thomas 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Cedar Rapids Xavier | 2024 IA , ’24, Xavier – Thomas (6-1, 180) piloted the Saints to a state title in ’22, completing 67.1 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and only five picks. He averaged 16.6 yards per completion and added nine scores on the ground. That speaks to his dual-threat ability. He can spin the ball with good touch on the deep ball. He’s adept at throwing across his body running left.
Ty Mikkelsen Ty Mikkelsen 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Dallas Center Grimes | 2024 IA , ’24, Dallas Center-Grimes – Mikkelsen (6-0, 175) gets the ball out quick with good accuracy. He zips the ball into tight windows and on his receiver. He threw for almost 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior last fall. He added a rushing score.
Malik Epps-Keller, ’25, Cedar Rapids Washington – Epps-Keller (5-11, 160) delivered exciting plays as a sophomore for a solid Warrior squad. He can chuck it deep with ease and accuracy. He can leave defenses grabbing air when he tucks it and goes.
Others to Watch: Kayden Anderson, Glenwood; Brett Harris, Western Dubuque; Teagan Kasel, ’24, LeMars;