Washington 2016 QB’s

We begin turning our focus towards the 2016 recruiting class with a look today at the Quarterbacks. The upper portion of this list is based on collegiate projections. While an athlete may put up huge numbers, that doesn’t always mean they project to a high level.

I have personally reviewed film, attended games and/or spoken to coaches for almost every athlete on this list, but as a human, I do make mistakes. If you see a mistake, or feel I have missed someone, feel free to email me, Ringerland@gmail.com, and let me know. Send me film and a small profile, and I will be sure to take a look.

Athletes I feel comfortable reviewing have analysis, those who just have highlight links still need more evaluation, but deserved to be recognized.

To view an athlete’s highlights, simply click their name.

 

 

Jacob Eason – Lake Stevens – 6’6″ 215 (Committed – Georgia)

There won’t be many arguments as to who the top QB in the Northwest is, as Eason is consistently ranked in the top 5 of every national ranking. He has the prototypical size, big arm and smarts that every college coach is looking for. He was voted first team All-State by the AP, following a 2,829 yard, 33 TD season in which he completed nearly 70% of his passes.

This may sound funny, but Eason still has a lot of room for improvement. When all is said and done, he could very well go down as a top 5 quarterback in state history.

 

Harley Kirsch – Eastside Catholic – 6’3″ 221

I can only remember one QB that completed over 70% of his passes in back-to-back seasons, and that was Skyline’s Max Browne. Now, I am not comparing Kirsch to Max Browne, but he has shown a tremendous efficiency over the past two seasons, and still has his senior campaign left. While he threw for fewer yards this season, he finished with more TD’s on about 40 less attempts.

Kirsch loves to study film and it shows in his play. He steadily got better as the season went along, and saved his best performance for last, as he helped guide a Crusader offense that ended the long Bellevue winning streak by putting up 35 points in the championship game.

 

Gresch Jensen – Auburn Mountainview – 6’2″ 200

The term ‘Dual-threat’ seems to give a label to quarterbacks who are athletic, but not great passers. Jensen is a TRUE Dual-threat, as he has the ability to beat you through the air or on the ground. He was a standout last season at Eastern Washington’s one day QB/WR/DB camp, and carried that over to a great junior season, helping Auburn Mountainview finish 9-2.

Jensen finished with 1,834 yards passing with 19 TDs, and added 649 yards rushing with 9 TDs. He was once again voted first team All-SPSL 3A for his offensive efforts. Jensen was also voted 2nd team All-SPSL and All-Area following a 43 tackle, 5 INT season as a defensive back.

 

Liam Fitzgerald – Camas – 6’1″ 185

I am not gonna say Fitzgerald picked up where Reilly Hennessey (Eastern Washington) left off, but he did a tremendous job in his first year at the helm of the high powered Papermaker offense. He finished the season with 2,682 yards and 24 TD’s, while completing just over 67% of his passes.

While Fitzgerald doesn’t use his legs a lot in the Camas offense, he is a very capable runner when needed, and does a great job using his legs to extend plays.

One thing you don’t necessarily seen on his highlights is Fitzgerald gives off the presence of a big time QB. His poise and leadership gives his teammates full confidence, and it shows throughout the entire offense.

 

Jordan Kitna – Lincoln – 6’1″ 195

There might not be a QB in the state with more unfair expectations than Jordan Kitna. Yes, his father was in the NFL for a long time, but people seem to instantly think that means he needs to be a top 5 QB in the nation. Jordan is a very capable quarterback, and does a great job commanding the offense.

Kitna made huge strides from his Sophomore to Junior season, but still has a lot of work left to do. He finished near the top of state stat charts with 3,702 yards passing to go with 55 TD’s, but also threw 13 INT’s. The term ‘Gunslinger’ is generally associated to QB’s with a high risk, high reward mentality, and Kitna is that guy.

 

Brian Campbell – Kentwood – 6’3″ 180

Campbell is one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2016 class. He has a great frame and is still growing. Campbell possess one of the strongest arms in the state, and makes it look almost effortless. His film is not spectacular, but I truly believe there is a lot of upside here.

I look at Campbell as a bit of a tweener when it comes to the traditional “Pocket Passer or Dual-Threat” debate. Campbell is far more athletic than you would think with the eye test, and has the ability to extend plays with his legs, but you probably wont see him running a lot of read option type plays.

 

D’Jimon Jones – Federal Way – 6’2″ 175

Jones has a load of potential as a true dual-threat quarterback. He is no doubt athletic enough to play out at receiver, but also has the tools to be a big time QB. The main focus of the Federal Way offense was Chico McClatcher, and for good reason, but Jones should get every opportunity to showcase his talents next season.

 

Davis Alexander – Gig Harbor – 5’11” 180

Last season Alexander finished with 3,019 total yards (2,160 pass, 859 rush) and 48 total touchdowns (33 pass, 15 rush), on way to being named the Narrows 4A Player of the Year. Alexander will always get knocked because of his size, but at the end of the day, the kid can flat out play.

Everyone wants to compare shorter QB’s to Russell Wilson, and Alexander has a lot of Russell in him. When it comes to leadership, heart and football IQ, Alexander is second just about none in this state. If he was 6-foot-4, he would be on everyone’s radar.

 

Sterling Somers – Lynden – 6’5″ 205

There is a lot to like about Somers. He has led the Lions to two state final games, winning as a Sophomore. He has prototypical size and is more athletic than he gets credit for. He rushed for 500 yards and threw for another 3,000, while completing nearly 70% of his passes, with 27 touchdowns.

If there is a knock on Somers it is that he threw a lot of INT’s this past season (13), but when you factor in the amount of attempts and TD’s passes, it really does become almost an afterthought.

 

Tavin Montgomery – Juanita – 6’0″ 175

What Montgomery lacks in prototypical size, he more than makes up for in ability. He has a little Johnny Manziel to his on field game where at the end of plays you just sit back and say, “How did he do that?” Montgomery is one of those QB’s that just finds ways to win, as does it as a solid dual-threat.

He was given the starting job early in his freshman season, and has steadily improved since then. His junior season was cut short due to a knee injury, but he was still fairly impressive early in the season.

 

Henry Cheney – Charles Wright Academy – 6’1″ 185

Cheney plays at a small school in the 1A classification, but has the ability of a big school athlete and is a lot of fun to watch. He is a dual-threat, throwing for 2,311 yards and rushing for 537, while finishing with 28 total TD’s. He brings tremendous leadership abilities, and commands the respect of his teammates.

He is also a very talented baseball player, and is being recruited by a few Pac12 schools, including Washington and Washington State.

 

Amandre Williams – Tahoma – 6’3″ 225

You will be hard pressed to find a QB that can match the arm strength of Amandre Williams, you would also be hard pressed to find a QB in this state as raw as Amandre Williams. In the end, Williams might end up being a DE at the next level, as he currently projects higher to that spot, but when all is said and done, he could be a very talented QB.

In a week two win over Rogers, Williams threw for 579 yards and 5 TD’s, helping propel him to being the first team All-SPSL NE QB. Williams has NFL genes (Dad – KC/PHI/WASH) and has an older brother playing at D2 National Champion Colorado State-Pueblo.

 

Nathan West – O’Dea – 6’3″ 200

West isn’t your typical O’Dea QB, as he does more damage through the air than on the ground. In a week one win, West through for 248 yards in just barely over a half of play, which was 6 yards from breaking the school record. Nathan shows good arm strength and accuracy, and is a capable runner.

He has NFL genes (Grandfather) and his older brother is currently the backup QB at Eastern Washington University.

 

Justus Rogers – Bellevue – 6’3″ 215

While he probably projects higher as a ATH/DB, Rogers is very deserving of being on this list. He has great arm strength and is a tremendous athlete. If you watch his film, you will see has had a good burst and is tough to catch in the open field. He still has a lot of work to do, but is a very intriguing prospect.

 

Bryce Missey – Bethel – 6’1″ 185

Missey’s has the tools to be a very good quarterback, and the drive and desire that makes him very intriguing. He has good arm strength, accuracy and leadership. Missey is deceptively athletic and does a good job extending the play when needed.

 

Koa Wilkins – King’s – 6’1″ 170

Wilkins is a good all-around athlete, and actually spent some time at receiver, but received Cascade Conference Co-Offensive MVP for his work at QB. He plays small school football, but routinely plays against higher level competition. Wilkins shows good arm strength and accuracy.

 

Blake Gregory – Skyline – 6’3″ 175

Brandon Graves – Wenatchee – 5’11” 170

Devin Willard – Sedro-Woolley – 6’2″ 205

Mason Petrino – Pullman – 6’0″ 170

Donny Ellersick – Ellensburg – 6’0″ 160

Kolby Killoy – Pasco – 6’2″ 193

Zane Jacobson – Foster – 5’10” 160

Scotty Garvin – Enumclaw – 6’4″ 215

Brandon Bea – Evergreen – 6’3″ 220

Devyn Rainbow – Glacier Peak – 6’2″ 165

Jake Taylor – South Kitsap – 6’4″ 195

Nick Fouch – Woodinville – 6’2″ 160

Jake Herzog – Montesano – 5’11” 160