Freshmen Signal Callers to Know
The state of Georgia has produced plenty of quarterback talent over the years, including more recent names like Trevor Lawrence & Cam Newton. With that in mind, we decided to look at quarterbacks from around the state, specifically, freshmen who have already flashed potential. Some have already cracked the starting varsity lineup, while others have been standouts at the lower levels. Their unique set of skills should make them compelling prospects for the next level. Here's who to watch for!
Duke Johnson, 6'2", 170, Dodge County On film, Johnson showed some serious arm strength early. He excels on sprint out concepts where he has the option to throw or run. His intermediate throws are right on the money and placed between the holes in zone coverage. Duke has the vision to spot the cutback lane and acceleration to make something happen quickly. Luke Nickel, 6'2", 195, Milton A gifted timing thrower who will catch and release on quick game concepts. Nickel is a swift decision-maker on RPO's and will hit his man in stride. As a runner, he's extremely physical with the ball in his hands and will make you pay if you try to tackle him high. He calmly works through his progression and won't force throws downfield. Antwann Hill, 6'4", 205, Houston County Hill is a natural at improvising and can make throws out of multiple different arm slots. He's got plenty of arm talent and understands the importance of looking off single high safeties. He's accurate on outward breaking routes and will put it where only his man can get it. Hill's touch on vertical concepts is beyond his years as he consistently puts enough air under it so his target can run under it. CJ Franklin, 5'11", 185, Grayson A talented thrower on the move who squares his shoulders towards his target before rifling a ball to his wideout. Franklin shows outstanding mechanics and a twitchy release. He has the ability to throw receivers open and can place the football into tight windows. He's calm and composed against the rush, with quiet feet in the pocket. Marcus Romain, 6', 175, Wheeler A dual-threat with plenty of shake in the open field. Romain shows a compact release and the ability to improvise against free rushers. He can scoot, too, and will pull it on the zone read if a defensive end bites too hard on the run. He's a steady vertical ball thrower who will drop it right into his target's breadbasket.
Duke Johnson, 6'2", 170, Dodge County On film, Johnson showed some serious arm strength early. He excels on sprint out concepts where he has the option to throw or run. His intermediate throws are right on the money and placed between the holes in zone coverage. Duke has the vision to spot the cutback lane and acceleration to make something happen quickly. Luke Nickel, 6'2", 195, Milton A gifted timing thrower who will catch and release on quick game concepts. Nickel is a swift decision-maker on RPO's and will hit his man in stride. As a runner, he's extremely physical with the ball in his hands and will make you pay if you try to tackle him high. He calmly works through his progression and won't force throws downfield. Antwann Hill, 6'4", 205, Houston County Hill is a natural at improvising and can make throws out of multiple different arm slots. He's got plenty of arm talent and understands the importance of looking off single high safeties. He's accurate on outward breaking routes and will put it where only his man can get it. Hill's touch on vertical concepts is beyond his years as he consistently puts enough air under it so his target can run under it. CJ Franklin, 5'11", 185, Grayson A talented thrower on the move who squares his shoulders towards his target before rifling a ball to his wideout. Franklin shows outstanding mechanics and a twitchy release. He has the ability to throw receivers open and can place the football into tight windows. He's calm and composed against the rush, with quiet feet in the pocket. Marcus Romain, 6', 175, Wheeler A dual-threat with plenty of shake in the open field. Romain shows a compact release and the ability to improvise against free rushers. He can scoot, too, and will pull it on the zone read if a defensive end bites too hard on the run. He's a steady vertical ball thrower who will drop it right into his target's breadbasket.
