This list is not in any specific order. I am not ranking these players as much as I am giving them the recognition they deserve. If you have a player that should be on this list, be sure to let me know. Only requirement I have is I need film of that player. One thing I do not like is when people talk about something without the ability to show it. I can tell you all day about how a player does this or a player does that, but without video I have no way to prove what I am saying.
My plan is to eventually go through the entire field of play. If you are reading this and know of a Linebacker you think I may not know of, send him my way. I know a lot about football in our state, but I don't claim to know everything. I do not know a lot of good players for the simple fact they play for small schools. I love the small schools and wish I could give them more coverage, but it is very tough for me to find any information on schools 1A and below. I definitely try though.
Lets get to the Quarterbacks!
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Domenic Rockey, Auburn Mountainview (6'2" 190 lbs)
Having seen Rockey live for the first time, I fully endorse this kid. I understand that I was only watching 7-on-7, but his ability to fit the ball into tight places is unbelievable. Watching his video you will see a few passes where he manages to put it behind the LB and in front of the DB. That is not an easy throw and not many high school QB's have that ability. He has good mobility, but is not flashy. I spoke with him for a few minutes and was very impressed with how he conducts himself. This is a kid that gets it. Domenic had an injury earlier in the offseason that appears to have had no affect on his throwing at this point. I am really expecting big things from his this season. Auburn Mountainview is a name you will see at a few other positions in later previews.
Videos:
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Sefo Liufau, Bellarmine Prep (6'2" 220 lbs)
I got to see Sefo play at the Lakes Passing League for the first time eve and I was VERY impressed! He has above average arm strength and matches it with very good accuracy. His combination of mobility, accuracy and strength might be the best in the state. You might find guys that are better passers, but none that add the mobility like he does. One thing that really stands out when watching his film is his accuracy when he is on the move. Liufau plays on a team that might have its highest expectations yet. They return some great weapons and some good offensive lineman. I can see this team playing in the Tacoma Dome in December and Sefo is a big reason why. I've had people tell me that he will be a Safety at the next level and frankly, I don't entirely agree. I think in the right system Sefo can not only flourish, but he can take his game to a level rarely seen. Liufau has committed to play the 2013 season for the University of Colorado.
Videos:
2011 Junior Season Highlight
2010 Sophomore Season Highlights
2010 Sophomore Season Highlights
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Riley Hilliker, Juanita (6' 175 lbs)
Having seen Hilliker a few times and having spoken with him at the NW Stars Camp, I am a HUGE fan. Riley sports an impressive 3.92 GPA while attending three AP courses. He just finished attending a camp at the Museum Of Flight through the Washington Aerospace Scholars. While at the course he worked with Boeing and NASA engineers as well as local astronaut Bonnie J. Dunbar. Hilliker said "It was a great experience and it helped me with my decision to major in aerospace engineering in college".
With the idea that Juanita is going to throw the ball a lot more this season, as well as going no-huddle, I think Hilliker is a kid that could really put up some big numbers. Watching his video you will see something that might shock you a little bit, Hilliker was Juanita's longsnapper! If my memory serves me correctly, Juanita assistant coach, AJ Parnell did some longsnapping while he was the QB at Juanita in the early 2000's. To me that shows a few things, toughness and leadership. If Hilliker is the best option at longsnapper, I give him full marks for stepping up for his team and doing it. Things like that are why Hilliker will be a team captain for the Rebels in the fall.
Videos:
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Hans Fortune, Inglemoor (6'6" 200 lbs)
Hans is a kid that flies under the radar because he split reps last season. He is a big, athletic kid who also plays basketball. Hans is another kid that is very accomplished in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA and has been a part of the National Honor Society the last two years. I've seen him play three times and came away more impressed each time. Hopefully this season he gets more than half the reps so he can really show his ability. Considering he put up over 1,000 yards with 7 TDs, I can only imagine the number he could put up given the opportunity to play more.
Video:
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Billy Green, King's (6'2" 195 lbs)
Watching Billy closely during the RB/TE/LB portion of the NW Stars Camp, I came away with the impression that this kid absolutely loves football. A missed pass brought a joke and a smile, a reception brought the look that he knew it all along. He has a strong arm, good touch on his passes and great accuracy. As far as throwing the ball goes, I don't see many things he really needs to work on other than just refining his game. He is a pocket passer, but does have the ability to move when needed. This season could be a special one for the Knights who look to build on last years run to the State Quarterfinals. Another smart kid as last season he was part of a King's team that won an Academic State Championship for the 4th consecutive year. While talking with Green at the NW Stars Camp, he asked me about my hat and knew it was the Saskatchewan Roughriders. For that alone, I am a big fan! Green has committed to play his 2013 season at Brigham Young University.
Videos:
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Isaac Dotson, Newport (6'3" 210 lbs)
Just like Sefo Liufau, Dotson is a great all-around athlete. He throws a crisp ball and is almost always on target. Dotson really can "make all the throws". He has a certain leadership quality that you love from your QB. Being a three year starter, he has experience and has played in some big games. Most games in KingCo 4A are big games. Watching Dotson in 7-on-7 recently, he appeared to have developed a great relationship with Junior TE, Drew Sample. I expect those two to connect a lot this season as the Knights looks to get back to the playoffs after missing last season. Dotson has committed to play his 2013 season for the University of Nevada.
Videos:
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Ian Kolste, Oak Harbor (6'2" 190 lbs)
Ian has good size, a good arm and all the determination in the world. Putting up 917 yards in 10 games isn't exactly impressive, then I tell you he plays in a Wing-T which is never good for a QB in terms of passing. Given the opportunity to open up his passing game, I think Ian could really begin to take his game to the next level. I watch his video and it is obvious that he can play, he just needs that opportunity.
Ian is another QB that is a good student. Ian said, "I have always been attracted to numbers. I have a mind for math and it
comes to me with ease". Ian continues with, "Even more than math itself, I
love using these numbers and measurements to create things. This is the
main reason, I have an interest in majoring in architecture in college".
Ian is not only a good student, but also likes giving back to the community. When asked about things he does outside of sports he said "I have always been drawn to helping younger children and trying to be a
role model to them. It amazes me that I can make such an impact on a
kids day just by taking some time out of my day to play football with a
kid at the park or sitting down and helping them with their school work.
It never gets old to me. So for that reason, I joined big brothers."
Videos:
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Reilley Peirce, Franklin Pierce (5'11" 210 lbs)
Reilley is a kid some see moving to DB at the next level, but that doesn't mean he can't play QB. His athleticism is unquestioned. His ability to extend the play with his legs is some of the best in the state. When pressured, he can get on the run and allow his receivers more time to find an opening. He shows good arm strength and surprisingly good accuracy. I think Franklin Pierce is a team that could have a very good year. They return some real quality players on both sides of the ball and Reilley will be expected to lead them deeper into the 2A state playoffs. He is will be a 4 year varsity player this season and is the reigning 1st Team SPSL 2A Quarterback. Last season, Reilley led Franklin Pierce to the SPSL 2A League Chapmionship. Watch his video, you will be impressed.
Video:
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Kolney Cassel, Eisenhower (6'3" 205 lbs)
Unfortunately, playing on the eastern side of the state I really get no chance to see Kolney unless his team makes it to the Tacoma Dome. His highlight tape is incredibly impressive. He is the definition of the term "gunslinger". Cassel is fearless! He has great arm strength and even better accuracy. After setting league records for passing and TD's, Cassel was voted 1st Team All-League while also receiving the Offensive Player Of The Year award. 2012 will be Kolney's third straight season as a team captain. Cassel is will have to have a big year if the Cadets are going to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Cassel has committed to play the 2013 season for Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Videos:
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Conner Richardson, Kennedy Catholic (6'2" 220 lbs)
Knowing very little about Conner before the NW Stars Camp, I was instantly drawn to him because I love left-handed quarterbacks. As the day went on, I liked Conner more with every pass he completed. He has good mechanics and a VERY strong arm. He spent a lot of time last season at WR as Kennedy had Sr, Jason Thompson. This year it is all Conner, all the time. He has a great target in 6'6" TE, Cole Madison that I expect him to use often. He works very hard at to be the best QB he can and I think this year, he will show he is one of the best in the state.
Videos:
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Nick Mitchell, Mount Si (6'2" 170 lbs)
Nick is the only 2014 class QB on this list so far. He played mostly mop-up duty last season at QB, but did see plenty of time on the defensive side of the ball. He shows good arm strength, accuracy. and above average mobility. This season the Wildcats, of Snoqualmie, have some pretty high expectations. They return a lot of offensive weapons that you will see throughout these posts in the next few weeks. In the next two seasons I expect to see Mitchell grow, not only physically, but as a quarterback. He could end up being the top rated QB in his class before he career is over.
Videos:
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Lars Blix, Wahkiakum (6'1" 190 lbs)
Ever heard of the town named Cathlamet? I only have because of Lars Blix. Playing at the 2B level, Lars definitely flies under the radar. He has good arm strength and above average accuracy. Athletically he doesn't jump off out at you, but what he lacks in athletic ability he more than makes up with heart. I think the thing I love most about Lars is his competitiveness. Watching his video, you will see a kid that never gives up on a play. On defense he seems to feed off of a big hit and almost looks for the contact. You won't find many QB's that do that. He is what some people would call a "gamer". Lars is a kid I would love to see get his chance at the next level.
Videos:
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Ryan Fassler, Prosser (6' 170 lbs)
Ryan is a kid I named to my 2012 All-Unknown Offense. He has a big arm and a no-fear attitude. I love the fact that he has the confidence to throw any pass at anytime. Fassler is also an accomplished pitcher in baseball and you can see that on occasions in his throws. With a spread offense and good talent returning, Fassler could put up some pretty big numbers this season. Last season he passed for over 2,300 yards and 27 TD's while earning 1st Team All-CWAC. I see no reason he shouldn't improve on those numbers. Last season Prosser went rolling into the Semi-Finals before getting smacked by Archbishop Murphy, 50-14.
Video:
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Chris Brown, Bonney Lake (6' 170 lbs)
Throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 34 TD's as a Junior will put you on a the map almost anywhere. Chris Brown is still not a household name, but if he continues to improve it will be hard to not talk about him. He has good arm strength and above average accuracy. He shows good mobility and runs a 40 in about the 4.8 range. This season could be a big one for Bonney Lake, who look to make a name for themselves in the always competitive SPSL 3A. Providing the new Bonney Lake coaching staff keeps the offense the same, Brown should be able to get to 3,000 yards this season.
Video:
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Matt Stuart, Lindbergh (6'5" 240 lbs)
I've seen Matt only once, but came away very impressed. He has great arm strength, good accuracy and throws a very tight spiral. He has the confidence to make any pass during any play. I really do not know why he has not received more attention. He has threw for over 3,300 yards and 39 touchdowns while receiving 2nd Team All-Seamount League Honors, behind Jason Thompson from Kennedy Catholic. Matt is also a very accomplished baseball pitched, including throwing a no-hitting in last years regional tournament against Franklin Pierce.
Video:
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Rhys Gervais, Lakes (6'3" 195 lbs)
The Lakes Lancers are typically one of the best teams in the state. This year will be no different. They were already going to be a good team before Gervais transferred from Puyallup High School. He has good arm strength, good accuracy and is surprisingly mobile. He has a chance this season to put up some really big numbers, especially considering he will get to throw to UW commit Sammie Long. Watching him play at the Lakes Passing League, he appears to be fitting in nicely on both sides of the ball. Last season he was the 2nd Team All-SPSL 4A South QB. Moving to 3A this season, you can probably pencil him in a 1st Team to start the season.
Video:
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Ryan Peerboom, R.A. Long (6'1" 195 lbs)
Ryan is a kid I discovered by watching film of other players from the NEI/BFA Camp at Peninsula High School. I couldn't find his film from the event and searched for 3+ hours until I found out who he was. Luckily for me, he was from Washington. He is a solid kid with a pretty big arm and great touch. I love his footwork and the fact that he attends all of the Barton Football Academy stuff. If you are a QB, that is the place to be. Ryan is the second 2014 class QB to make my list and I'm excited to watch him grow over the next two years. R.A. Long doesn't exactly have a football rich tradition. According to my numbers, they have only made the state tournament once, in 2009 and didn't win a game. Hopefully the Lumberjacks can build around Ryan and make a good run the next two season.
Videos:
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Pierre Le Dorze, O'Dea (6'2" 210 lbs)
This is the third and final 2014 class QB. Helping lead your team to the state championship game as a QB is no easy feat. Pierre was the 2nd Team All-Metro League QB last season. Two things Pierre really has going for him, he works with Taylor Barton and his head coach Monte Kohler is one of the best in the history of the state of Washington. As he continues to grow, physically and as a player, I expect Pierre to really rise up the rankings. Pierre is another kid that really excels in the classroom as well, sporting a 3.98 GPA. He is also another QB that excels on the baseball diamond. The sky is the limit with this kid.
Video:
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Josh Kraght, Lynden (5'11" 180 lbs)
Josh is a three sport athlete, also plays baseball(C) and basketball(PG). He has great mobility, a strong arm and very good accuracy. He led the Lions to the 2A State Championship last season while passing for over 2,000 yards and 26 TD's. He also ran for 16 TD's. Josh is a kid that most likely projects to WR/DB at the next level, but don't count him out as a QB. He has a lot of the qualities you want in a QB, including most of all, leadership. In two season at as a QB, he has 75 total touchdowns, 30 rushing and 45 passing!
Videos:
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Stefan Van Horn, Rogers of Puyallup (6'1" 180 lbs)
Stefan is a very accomplished baseball player that has already committed to play 2013 at Washington State. I was told that he has not decided if he will try to walk-on to the football program. Stefan has a very good arm, good mobility and is a good student. He was part of the 2012 Academic State Champions on the Rogers basketball team. If you have a few minutes, spend some time going through the YouTube Channel associated with the video I have posted below. It really is impressive. I hope to do more work with him in the future.
Videos:
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Steffin Church, Kentlake (6'1" 195 lbs)
Church is tough to get a read on. Kentlake runs a lot of read plays with their QB, but that doesn't mean that Church isn't capable of throwing. He has a strong arm, good accuracy and great mobility. He might project to the defense backfield at the next level. I saw him play 4 times last season, he was behind starter Caleb Saulo (Oregon State), but did see plenty of time due to injury and Kentlake being very good. I am not sure if this was the case, but it almost seemed like Church played QB on occasions to give Saulo a break. Saulo is gone now and the job is all Church's. I would imagine Church becomes the focal point of the offense this season as the Falcons were hit pretty hard by graduation.
Video:
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Others:
This section is just a small list of QB's that I do not have film for. If you are on this list and have film, send it to me and I would be more than happy to add you to the upper list.
Brady Austin, Graham-Kapowsin (6'2" 205 lbs)
Connor Reopelle, Bethel (6' 195lbs)
Bennett Gibson, Mount Vernon (6'2" 210 lbs)
Brett Ludeman, Kamiak (5'11" 170 lbs)
Da'Ssaun Surls, Renton (6'1" 170 lbs)
Dillon Sugg, Wenatchee (6'4" 210 lbs)
Kort Skoda, Emerald Ridge (5'11" 195 lbs)
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Kort Skoda, Emerald Ridge (5'11" 195 lbs)
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That is it! As usual, if you see mistakes, please let me know. Tomorrow I will start on RB's, if you have one you think I do not know about, email me Ringerland@gmail.com.
Thank you for reading my blog!
