Coming off a tough junior campaign following Tri-Center’s run to a Class A state title during his sophomore year, AJ Harder and the Trojans will look to bounce back and compete again in 1A this fall under the talented 2027’s leadership.

Between the last two seasons, Harder has completed nearly 350 passes for just under 5,000 yards and 45 touchdown passes. Though he and Tri-Center didn’t accomplish what they wanted in 1A this last season, it wouldn’t be smart to count out a player that has racked up stats like that before their senior season has even started.

He’ll need to find some new targets, as his top two pass-catchers the last two seasons have since graduated, but Harder is able to throw the ball all over the field, finding receivers in the short and intermediate game, while also taking schemed up throws down the sideline for big gains. As long as he can foster chemisty with his new top targets, he’ll be in line to put up big numbers again.

As Tri-Center made their move up to 1A this season, they didn’t reach the delirious heights offensively that won them a Class A state title last season, but AJ Harder AJ Harder 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Tricenter | 2027 State IA was able to translate his productive passing numbers well through this change. Harder threw for 2009 yards, 16 TDs, and 8 INTs while rushing for 2 TDs. Harder continued to show that impressive gunslinger mentality that had so much success during his sophomore year, nailing impressive passes throw tight windows and out of unconventional passing techniques and showcasing impressive long-range capabilities to hit his receivers in stride. After getting their feet wet this season, Harder will look to help the Trojans make a bigger splash in the 1A conference entering the 2026 season.

Moving up to Class 1A after taking home the Class A title last season for Tri-Center, AJ Harder AJ Harder 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Tricenter | 2027 State IA comes in as the top returning passer in 1A this fall. The lone member of the class of 2027 on this list, Harder completed 193-of-303 passes (63.7%) for 2,882 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024.

A short, unorthodox release that looks a bit like Philip Rivers’ shot-put style throwing motion, Harder gets the ball out quick and on target with some zip. The quick release allows him to fit the ball in tight windows over the middle or in the short game, and he also shows willingness to trust his receivers on deep throws, allowing them to get the ball when he tosses long bombs. He also possesses the foot speed to make plays on the ground and to extend plays in the passing game.

Harder’s sophomore season of 2024 was prolific. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,882 yards and 29 touchdowns against 14 interceptions in quarterbacking the squad to a Class A state championship. He add 112 yards and a score on the ground, showing he can keep plays alive with his legs even when they go off schedule. Harder also handled the team’s punting duties. His 10th-grade highlight video provides evidence of how he succeeds. Harder spins the ball well. He can zip it through smaller windows and keeps it away from defenders. With a quick release, Harder can connect on short routes. His film also highlights nice touch and accuracy on the deep ball.

Harder helped Tri-Center win a state championship in 2024 by completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,882 yards 29 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. He added 116 yards and a score on the ground. Harder is a pass-first quarterback as we witness when watching his sophomore highlight video. That said, he’s not a statue at the position. He’s a good athlete that can avoid the rush and buy time with his legs. The ball comes out quickly with good ball placement and zip. Harder gets the ball downfield with accuracy and without much effort thanks to his arm strength.