Unsigned Prospects: 2021 Quarterbacks
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With the early signing day for the class of 2021 being behind us, there are still so many talented players who are available to be added to a college roster. In this case, we will be taking a look at…
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Continue ReadingWith the early signing day for the class of 2021 being behind us, there are still so many talented players who are available to be added to a college roster. In this case, we will be taking a look at a few quarterbacks, some of whom could have a tremendous impact on a collegiate team.
The names on this list are not only quarterbacks who have made a lasting impression among their peers, but some are also easily considered to be among the top talent that the state has to offer.
Leslie Richardson III Leslie Richardson III 6'3" | QB Smoky Hill | 2021 State CO | Smoky Hill | 6’3”, 210bs
Richardson III entered his senior year as the state’s returning passing yard leader (2,858 yds) from the previous season. He picked up where he left off by ending his high school career as the leader in passing yards (2,534 yds) in a shortened 2020 Fall season. In addition to leading the state in that category, Richardson III also threw for a state-leading 31 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
The way he plays the game is borderline movie-like. His keen sense of awareness gives him a next-level type of pocket presence, while his athleticism makes his mobility look like a cheat code. If he gets outside the pocket, he can extend the play while keeping his eyes downfield, or he can take off and use his size and speed to pick up yards. As a runner, he finished with a total of 394 yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries.
Richardson III is much more than just a sleeper quarterback; he is an absolute steal for any program that manages to land him on their roster.
Liam O’Brien Liam O’Brien 6'0" | QB Fairview | 2021 State CO | Fairview | 6’1”, 192lbs
O’Brien had a phenomenal season that ended with him being second in passing yards (2,355 yds) and one of four quarterbacks to throw for more than 20 touchdowns (23 TD’s). Out of his 291 attempts, he completed 185 passes with only one interception.
He is a quarterback who can stand in the pocket and pick apart a secondary, or he can use his legs to gash an entire defense. His senior season as a rusher ended with 331 yards and five touchdowns on 71 carries. Everything about O’Brien’s execution on the field makes him the real deal.
Chase Silva Chase Silva 6'1" | QB Skyline | 2021 State CO | Skyline | 6’1”, 195lbs
One quality that immediately stands out about Silva is his ability to work the pocket. He keeps his feet moving while going through his reads and knows when to step up to avoid pressure. His internal clock ensures that he gets the ball out of his hands quickly, but he is also a mobile quarterback who can extend plays to buy extra time for a connection.
Silva throws a nice ball on the money, making one-on-one matchups much more difficult for would-be defenders. Having to cover a receiver is one thing, but covering a receiver who can place the ball in the bullseye is a tall order.
He finished the season completing 76 passes of 116 attempts for 1,196 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He threw for two touchdowns in five of his six games and did not pass for less than 160 yards in a single game all season. Silva scored just as many rushing touchdowns as he did passing, finishing with 444 yards and 11 touchdowns on 61 carries.
The most surprising thing about Silva is that he is a sleeper.
Sean McNair | Valor Christian | 6’1”, 185lbs
McNair checks all of the boxes as a reliable quarterback. He ended his senior year with an undefeated season and a trip to the state championship game. During that season, he filled a role for the Eagles that required selfless play and the ability to see the big picture, making him the ideal choice for a trustworthy game manager.
Having one of the top running backs in the nation on the team can be challenging for gunslingers who want to light up the leaderboards, but it is a part of what helped to make him stand out. McNair has a cannon for an arm that gives him the ability to rifle in darts on slants and wide receiver screens, or he could dump bombs deep downfield.
Being able to understand the balance and ensure the offense is operating as designed is a rare and often overlooked quality in a high school signal-caller, which is what makes McNair an absolute sleeper.
Jayden Lavigne | Cherokee Trail | 6’3, 185lbs
What initially stands out about Lavigne is his size. He is a towering quarterback who has no issues with being able to scan the field. He also possesses the athleticism needed to extend plays by using his legs to maneuver in and out of the pocket.
During his scrambles, he keeps his eyes downfield and continuously looks for a receiver to connect with rather than taking off as soon as he gets out of the pocket. Lavigne ended his high school career with a stat line of 116 completions on 196 attempts for 1,485 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, putting only six quarterbacks ahead of him for total passing yards in the state.
Being on the leaderboards among elite company solidifies Lavigne as a top sleeper in the quarterback position.
Jacob Burr Jacob Burr 5'11" | QB Grandview | 2021 State CO | Grandview | 5’11”, 175lbs
Burr is a true dual-threat quarterback who is the type of athlete that can be used in various ways in just about any scheme.
As a runner, his speed and vision make each rushing attempt look as if he may just break loose and take it to the house. If a defense sells out for the run, Burr is more than happy to show off his arm strength and throw a deep bomb downfield.
With so many offenses favoring some version of a run/pass option scheme, Burr makes for an ideal candidate to plug in at the helm.