Johnston has proven that it’s one of the top contenders in Class 5A thanks in large part to Helming’s play as QB1. The senior has been very efficient, completing more than 65 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns against just one interception. While not a runner, the Northern Iowa commitment is athletic and mobile, effectively keeping plays alive off of schedule in moving the pocket. He has added a score on the ground. Helming possesses the tools necessary to thrive at the position. The arm strength pushes the ball down the field and through tight windows. He gets the ball out quickly and from multiple arm angles. He’s a complete quarterback with poise and upside.

Helming keeps humming along and, not coincidently, Johnston is doing the same. The senior quarterback engineered another clutch performance for the Dragons on Friday, when they made the long trip to Sioux City East and captured a 35-27 victory against a solid Black Raider outfit. Helming completed 11 of 16 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. His lone rush was a positive gain of six yards. While he can burn defenses with his legs, he uses them more to keep plays alive off of schedule and on roll-outs. The Northern Iowa pledge can make all of the throws, makes good decisions and is in command on the field.

Senior QB Helming has the offense humming with a solid passing game and they are getting good balance across the board with the run game. Helming has a touchdown to interception ratio of 15:1 and the offense is sustaining and finishing drives. Helming has also done a good job spreading the ball around to seven different receivers. Over the last four weeks the offense is averaging 37.2 points per game.

Johnston should be considered a factor in the Class 5A race for its plethora of returning talent. It’s odds are greatened by having a difference-maker at the sport’s most important position. Helming is a polished product behind center with a lot of upside that Northern Iowa hopes to extract in the future from the Panther commitment. It’s a powerful arm with a smooth operation leading to a quick release and accurate throws. A defense allowing Helming to settle into a rhythm is in for a long night. He completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,895 yards and 20 touchdowns against just three interceptions last fall. Helming added two scores on the ground. On that of that, he’s mobile, keeping plays alive off schedule or picking up yards with his legs.

Helming feels like a prospect who’s stock has the potential to rise significantly on the camp circuit this summer. As it is, he holds an impressive list of reported scholarship offers from Northern Iowa, Illinois State and South Dakota. I watched him compete at the Back 2 Ballin High 7v7 tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome, a potential college home. Helming throws an impressive ball with an easy motion and smooth release. Arm strength isn’t an issue with his ability to zip the ball through tight windows. He also pushes it down the field with power and touch. Helming surveys the field well and is ready to sling it when he finds a throw he likes. I certainly could envision him shining at the FCS level but I wouldn’t put that ceiling on him, either. Last season, he completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,895 yards and 20 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Helming added two scores on the ground. He can move.