The Spartans QB room looks significantly different than it did a year ago at this time, with both PRZ Next New Jersey Middle School Camp alumni Derek Zammit now at the University of Washington, and 2029 QB Justin Merriman now at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. Marchetti, who participated in The Rize 2026 in late June, enters DePaul Catholic with a very real chance to play as early as this season if the chips fall where they may.

Austin has grown leaps and bounds since the first time I saw him step onto the field at a PRZ Next event. Not only has his physical stature rocketed up, but his passing skills, composure, and technique has leveled up as well. Austin has all of the tools necessary to thrive at DePaul. At the Rize, Austin displayed pinpoint accuracy with great ball placement in man to man coverage. He was consistently able to sneak the ball in only where his man could get it; over the shoulder or by throwing a quick dart across the middle. Outside of his arm capabilities, you can tell Austin has been perfecting his craft. His throwing motion is fine tuned and fluid, making each and every throw look effortless.

A prospect who has attended a Prep Redzone event ever year, Austin Marchetti’s proved to me that he is a savvy quarterback. In one of the first reps I saw a quarterback take, Marchetti’s target was not open and covered well. What he then decided to do was to make a play happen. I watched as Marchetti threw the ball at his covered target in such a way that he had to work back to the ball and was interfered with. The decision Marchetti made with the rock would have been sure to draw pass interference.

DePaul Catholic had some dudes on hand for THE Rize and Austin Marchetti Austin Marchetti 6'0" | 169 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2030 NJ was one of them! He threw some seeds during the 1v1 period, including a couple posted below. Marchetti seemed to have good chemistry with a number of receivers on hand too. That is something I always look for when covering the quarterback room. I want to see prospects in this position taking the initiative and showing off their leadership qualities, Marchetti seemed to do that with each rep

Austin Marchetti Austin Marchetti 6'0" | 169 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2030 NJ is one of those ultra-talented dual-threat quarterbacks that just have that “It” factor when it comes to playing the quarterback position. Marchetti is a guy who can throw it and run it, and he does whatever it takes to make a play for his team. I really love his energy on the field, and you can tell he’s got that “Dog” in him and it shows big-time. He, to me is going to have a big showing at the “RIZE”!

While I didn’t get a ton of chances to see Austin’s performance at Who’s Next, from what I’ve heard from the other scouts that kept tabs on the QBs, he put on a clinic. Austin has matured and developed at a considerable rate over these past few years. From the first time I saw him to who he has become today, he has not only taken on the physical development of a high school QB, but has also fine tuned his game and technique to truly separate himself from the rest of the class.

If you’ve seen Austin’s tapes, you know how comfortable he is in the pocket and how he really has the ability to place the ball wherever you need it on the field. With the proper touch and right speed behind the ball, Austin can layer the ball in and pick apart a defense all across the field. I don’t know many other QBs putting in as much work as Austin is, and it will all pay off once he steps onto the field for DePaul.

Marchetti had some of the most impressive velocity on his throws at the event. He’s a bit more raw as a passer than some of the other prospects I’ve mentioned here, but his natural velocity was an eye opener. The biggest thing he can do for himself at the moment is put on more weight. 6’1 as a class of 2030 athlete is great, but he’s got to fill out that frame a bit more. In the end, with his natural ability, when he grows into his body a bit more, he could end up soaring past the quarterbacks I talked about above. He’s a guy to watch.

Despite playing for teams comprised of athletes most from Essex and Passaic Counties over his youth career, Austin Marchetti Austin Marchetti 6'0" | 169 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2030 NJ is a resident of Chatham. Marchetti started his career with the Cougars but has played for teams like Irvington and Silk City over the past few seasons. Marchetti is as solid as they come in terms of being a student-athlete and will undoubtedly become the face of a program down the line. He has a big arm and can make some impressive throws. He’s always been surrounded by speed and excellent talent on the outside, plus he performs will in camp settings. I think his ceiling is pretty high, so continuing to watch him take steps in his development should be a treat.

Austin Marchetti Austin Marchetti 6'0" | 169 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2030 NJ is quickly establishing himself as one of the top young quarterbacks to watch in North Jersey, leading Silk City with the poise and skill of a player well beyond his years. Already starting to look like a high school QB with his stature and development, Marchetti plays with impressive composure both inside and outside the pocket, always keeping his eyes downfield and maintaining a pass first mentality. He thrives when throwing on the run, consistently placing the ball with accuracy away from defenders and into his receiver’s hands. His arm talent is undeniable, flashing both power and precision with deep sideline throws that drop perfectly over his receiver’s shoulder. Simply put, Marchetti has been tossing dimes to start the season and continues to prove why he’s a name worth keeping on the radar.

Austin is a quarterback I’ve gotten the chance to evaluate multiple times at Next events this past offseason, and his progression from December to April was noticeable. He stands taller than the average 2030 quarterback, giving him a natural advantage in seeing the field and delivering throws over the line. His football IQ is advanced for his age, and he pairs it with a quick release that allows him to get the ball out under pressure.

Mechanically, Austin is ahead of the curve. He has consistently displayed sharp footwork and the ability to pivot within the pocket, keeping a solid base to deliver accurate, on-platform throws. He may not possess elite, game-breaking speed, but he is quick enough to slide, reset, and evade pressure when the pocket breaks down. Overall, Austin projects as a high upside quarterback prospect with the tools and foundation to keep developing into a complete dual threat presence.