Newcomers to PRZPA: ’23 Quarterbacks
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Our new ‘22, ‘23, and ‘24 rankings drop have yet to be released. Here is a sneak preview at some 2023 quarterback prospects who are sure to be ranked this coming new year! The list includes dual-threat quarterbacks, some big some small. Big and tall prospects as well as future Pennsylvania player of the Year candidates!
Name: Cole Serfass
Measurables: 6’3,
School: Palmerton HS
Serfass, an interesting prospect who isn’t your traditional quarterback at Palmerston HS, although his size and weight combination fits the mold. The superb athlete does a ton for Palmerton’s offense, an offense that likes to get its athletes in space utilizing misdirection pre and post-snap. The offense almost exclusively runs zone-read mesh plays between three players behind center, primarily Cole Serfass, who does a terrific job of doing so. He shows the ability to make the correct reads with consistency thanks to the number of reps he has in doing so. I really like his vision through the trenches when carrying the ball. He isn’t elusive, not that many 6’3 prospects are, but gives you subtle change of direction ability that is enough to get him into the second level of a defense. He shows off a really long stride when in full gait. What stands out is his running style. Serfass contributes at linebacker for Palmerston, so it makes sense he would bring a tough downhill style of running. He’s tough to bring down and doesn’t mind bringing all of his 200-pound frame along with him when finishing a run. He’s a bruiser. I wouldn’t label Serfass to be a true dual-threat quarterback just yet because of just how little he is asked to throw the ball. He’s a runner/athlete first who’s tasked with making easy one-read throws which he does fairly well. Quick outs, slants, and screens are his nitch when passing. I really want to see a true role solidified for Serfass. There’s no doubt the kid is super athletic and a productive runner in the open field, I just want to see more in the passing game to truly label him a dual-threat quarterback.
Name: Ryan Zeltt
Measurables: 6’4, 185
School: North Penn HS
There are a ton of big and tall prospects on this list, and Ryan Zeltt is one of them. Standing at 6’4 heading into his junior year is a huge plus. He even has room to grow weighing in at 185. A shortened season led to just five games of tape for Zeltt, but he displayed some promising traits that not too many HS quarterbacks show, especially this early on. He’s fluid and consistent where you want to be. His drop back from under center, his release, throwing motion, and follow-through are all technically sound and smooth, when in a clean pocket. The offense relies on Zeltt being prepared to throw quick and on time, heavily utilizing play-action passing and quick crossers over the middle. He does a good job giving subtle hip movement in the pocket to avoid pressure, all the while keeping his eyes peeled for open targets in front of him. His confidence running the offense shows, his reads are quick and decisive, giving his wideouts room to run after the catch. I like his overall accuracy and deep ball placement. He lets the downfield passes fly effortlessly but it’s the ball placement that sticks out. He shows some semblance of athleticism. He isn’t a statue in the pocket but prefers to move to throw rather than pick up yards with his feet. His accuracy is solid on the run as well. One thing I noticed watching his tape is how flat-footed he is after the snap specifically when in shotgun. Being flat-footed here can tip off passes to seasoned defensive backs and really hurt his timing on all routes. Not sure why he does it but it’s definitely something he should iron out.
Name: Matthew Remash
Measurables: 6’4, 205
School: McCaskey HS
Remash is yet another prospect with awesome size. His height/weight distribution is ideal, and he’s tough enough to stay in the pocket and take on huge big blows without letting said blows affect his passes. I wouldn’t quite label Remash as immobile, but mobility isn’t necessarily his game. He can move his launching point to deliver an accurate intermediate throw, but that’s about it. Remash’s game is tied into his arm strength and deep ball. He flashed next-level arm strength, hitting seams in stride and throwing into tight windows downfield. His deep ball accuracy may be best on this list. His vision downfield is also exceptional. His release is pretty slow, which he makes up for with his arm velocity. The release may be slow but the overall motion and follow-through is pretty clean. One thing I didn’t like when watching the tape was the tendency he has to pick where he wants to go with the ball pre-snap. Would really like to see him trust his arm and decision making to make some reads more often. He’s shown the ability to do so. It could be pre-designed for him to throw to a specific target but would like to see him develop further in this field.
Name: Jeff Hoenstine
Measurables: 5’10, 171
School: Central HS ( Martinsburg )
All the prospects on this list stand at 6’3 or taller, except Hoenstine. Trust me, he may be undersized at the quarterback position, but the kid doesn’t let his build get in the way of being a special player. Hoenstine was nothing short of prolific this past fall, accounting for a whopping 30 touchdowns and just two turnovers in what was an undefeated 8-0 year for Central. He’s the true definition of a dual-threat quarterback. He’s got some serious quick feet and great escapability once facing pressure. This is not purely an athlete who happens to play quarterback, he’s going to hurt you in all ways. He’s elusive enough to make multiple defenders miss and pick up huge chunks of yards with his legs. He’s also talented enough to use the athleticism to roll out, keep his eyes downfield, and hit guys on the run with good accuracy. He showed off some throws on the run that wowed me. Hoenstine has real arm talent, showing he can throw the ball 40+ yards downfield with ease. Combining his natural, RB-like acceleration and vision with this special arm makes for a future player of the year candidate. All this being said, there are a ton of mechanical problems and inconsistencies I’d like to see get tuned up. Hoenstine’s feet are bouncy in his drop back and while in the pocket often to a fault. He’s always ready to run but would like to see him turn that escapability on and off with better transition. He tends to sink his hips when facing pressure, again showing a tendency to get ready to explode in one direction to escape, rather than staying tall and looking for an open target. His initial wind-up starts low and is a tad bit unnatural. These are all things that can be coached up. I look forward to seeing how he continues to develop.
Name: Jason Patterson
Measurables: 6’4, 220
School: Monsignor Bonner HS
There isn’t much tape to watch on Patterson. In fact, his Hudl only has about 3-4 snaps on it! A true report can’t be made on such limited tape but what little was available actually made me excited to see more of the kid. The best build of all prospects on the list, really crisp footwork and throwing motion. His release while in a clean pocket looked promising. Again there is just too little to comment on, but based on his size alone, he will surely keep us at Prep Redzone looking for more.
Name: Garrett Harold
Measurables: 6’3, 185
School: Penn Cambria HS
Garrett Harold is a super smart and highly productive player at Penn Cambria HS. A ton of pre-snap alignment recognition is asked of Harold which will surely help his development going forward. He is also asked to run RPO’s for PC which he does to a tee. Watching the tape on him was a pleasure, with some ridiculous throws right out of the gate. He’s more than willing to chuck the ball all around the field. His accuracy is the best of the group. The windows he fits into can sometimes be pretty spectacular. Wasn’t a route that he couldn’t hit according to the tape. Harold’s a tough runner which may be labeled as deceptive because of his somewhat lanky, long-limbed build. He shows off a compact and efficient delivery. There are instances where Harold is seen looking off his first read, resetting his feet and base to locate a new target, and striking his second read on time. This is an advanced trait that he possesses early on. Harold can 100% be labeled a dual-threat prospect, and he will be a problem if he can put on some more muscle. Looking forward to seeing his continued growth both in build and as a prospect.
Name: Cadin Olsen Cadin Olsen 6'5" | 225 lbs | QB Armstrong | 2023 State PA
Measurables: 6’4, 205
School: Armstrong HS
I would consider Olsen to be the most gifted underclassmen passer in all of Pennsylvania. The 2020 WPIAL passing leader threw just three interceptions in 230 attempts. Olsen is the complete package and will be reeling in offers before we know it. Great arm strength, delivery is mechanically sound and shows off a beautiful over the top release. He can make all the throws even from off-kilter platforms. Really good poise in the pocket. He seems to always be under control. Incredible accuracy at all levels. He’s everything a coach could want in a sophomore quarterback prospect. Love how he keeps guys in stride on most throws downfield and over the middle. He has been seen throwing his targets open which is a highly advanced trait that is shared amongst the most elite QBs. He isn’t necessarily mobile but is mobile enough to avoid the pass rush. We expect big things from Cadin Olsen Cadin Olsen 6'5" | 225 lbs | QB Armstrong | 2023 State PA going forward!