Balafas put together an outstanding season, finishing fourth in his class in passing with 3,020 yards while maintaining excellent ball security. He threw 37 touchdowns against six interceptions, showcasing the ability to stretch the field while protecting possession. Balafas also added a dynamic element with his legs, scoring six rushing touchdowns and extending plays when needed. His commitment to the University of Chicago brings immediate upside to the Maroons’ quarterback room, as he arrives with proven production and leadership. Balafas plays with composure, processes quickly and delivers the football accurately from the pocket. His versatility and consistency make him a quarterback who will be a difference maker in the Midwest Conference and a name to follow closely at the Division III level.

Balafas has been on fire this season. Measuring in at 6’0 175-pounds, he has thrown for 140/205 for 2185 with 68.3% completion with 29 TDs, 5 INT, with 71 carries for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has very good throw power, release, and touch. Balafas has good athletic ability due to very good change of direction, balance, good acceleration speed. He uses this to get himself out of trouble with his very good scramble ability. Even under pressure, he consistently keeps his eyes downfield using his good progression speed to find the open receiver. Very good pocket presence and poise. He has very good accuracy at all 3 levels, and doesn’t make boneheaded decisions with the football. I’m excited to see how he does in Round 2 of the 2A playoffs.

Few quarterbacks in 2A have been as dominant as Balafas to start the season. Completing 68% of his passes, he has thrown for 1,076 yards with 14 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the top arms in the small school circuit. Balafas is more than just a passer, he’s a dual-threat athlete with 258 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to attack defenses through the air or with his legs makes him extremely difficult to contain. With his accuracy, decision making and versatility, Balafas has elevated his team’s offense into one of the most explosive in 2A. Expect him to continue leading his squad toward a deep playoff push while drawing the attention of recruiters.

Balafas continues to be very protective of the football while also pushing it downfield. Through 3 games, he has thrown 53/71 for 813 yards, 13 TDs, 1 INT, 24 carries for 217 yards and 1 touchdown. Balafas has good athletic ability due to very good balance, change of direction, good acceleration, and speed. Very good scramble ability and consistently breaks tackles or sacks. Able to roll out of the pocket, reset his stance and fire an accurate ball down the field. Very good throw power paired with very good touch and accuracy. Very quick release, he has no wasted motion while maintaining a tight spiral. He throws a beautiful ball. Balafas has very good ball placement skills. Under pressure, he keeps his eyes downfield showing his poise. He’s shown to trust his pocket. He goes through his progressions and finds the open man downfield. Good play action fake. Balafas is very decisive with the football not putting it in harms way. Colleges need to take note of his ball handling and accuracy.

Balafas had an impressive junior season. Measuring in at 6’0 175-pounds, Balafas threw for 1160 on 95/175 for a 54.3% completion rate, 19 TD, and 1 INT. Balafas makes it look effortless when he is on the field, very smooth and fluidity to his game. Good drop back. He has very good throw power, and launches it with ease. Very good release. It’s quick and snappy allowing him to fit the ball in tight windows. He has very good ball placement. He’ll launch it between multiple defenders, and it’ll be on the money to his receiver. He has very good mental processing. Decisive with the football. If the man isn’t open, he’ll throw it away or scramble for extra yards. Balafas stays poised under pressure, going through his progressions. He has good accuracy at all 3 levels; however he has a very good deep ball. Next year I believe he will propel himself into the conversation of top Colorado QBs.

Balafas is a high IQ QB that was able to limit turnovers this past season and only had 3 INTs the entire year. He has a strong arm to make the outside throws but still has the touch to fit it in over the linebackers. He is able to escape the pocket and make things happen with his legs, being able to outrun defenders at times. He will be a Qb to keep an eye on to see if he is able to build on last season and pop onto some radars.