Inside the Huddle: 2016 Quarterbacks-Florida

The Sun-Shine state is known for Skill Players. Every year some of the top receivers, running backs, linebackers and defensive backs from come Florida. This year the State of Florida will be known for their quarterbacks. With Jack Allison -Palmetto High School (Sarasota) and Malik Henry -IMG Academy (Bradenton) there will be two potentially top five rated quarterbacks nationally. This does not even take into account quarterbacks like Felipe Franks who is committed to LSU. There is no question that this season will be one of the best for signal callers in a long time. ESS will break down the quarterback position and give you some insight into what we think about some of the quarterbacks in the state this year. 

1-Malik Henry-IMG Academy-6’3-180-(Committed to Florida State)-Henry transferred into IMG Academy this spring after playing his first three years of high school football in California. We had the opportunity to watch Henry last summer. He has a very good arm, is accurate and his mechanics and footwork are 2nd to none. He is one of the most talented quarterbacks to play in Florida in the past five years. He has all the tools to be a big time quarterback at the next level. (Comparison: Russell Wilson)

2-Jack Allison-Palmetto (Sarasota)-6’5-190-(Committed to Miami)-Allison was a prospect that we first got to watch last summer. The first chance we got to watch him was at University of Miami’s summer camp. We also saw him at USF Sling and Shoot last summer.  He has a big time arm. Allison has one of the best arms in the nation.  He also is very confident in his ability. Allison does not believe there is a throw he can’t make. He is more a pocket passer then one that is going to be running around to make plays. (Comparison: Ryan Mallett)

3-Feleipe Franks-Wakulla-6’6-210-(Committed to LSU)-We have watched film in the past of Franks and came away impressed. Our first look at him live was this past weekend at a 7 on 7 events. One thing is for sure the physical talent is there. He is big and his arm is one of the best in the nation. When you consider that a guy like Blake Bortles had all the physical skills and was very raw, Franks is further along at the same age. Like Bortles, we feel that Franks could one day turn into a 1st round draft pick. (Comparison: Jemarcus Russell)

4- Woody Barrett-West Orange-6’2-210-Barrett is a kid that has flown under the radar while he does not get the hype as the three mentioned above he may be the best athlete of all of them. He has the ability to break off long runs. He has a strong arm and can push the ball down the field. He also has a quick release. Most seasons he is the top quarterback in Florida. (Comparison: Tahj Boyd)

5-Xavier Gaines-Lake Wales-6’2-210-Gaines is a kid that has big time talent. He has a rocket arm and can make almost every throw. He is also one of the better athletes who happen to play quarterback this year. He is a quarterback that is going to have to play in a read-option offense. He can throw the ball but his strength is running with the football. He is a kid that is going to have to work on his consistency. (Comparison: Xavier Lee)

6-Stephen Calvert-Carol City-6’2-175-If there is one prospect that has flown under the radar it is Calvert. He has one of the strongest arms in the state of Florida this year. He can make every throw. Earlier this spring we watched him throw into the wind and the throws were right on the mark. He can wing the football. He is a prototypical pocket quarterback. What he needs is an offense that will put a nice pocket around him and give Calvert time to throw. He is not a mobile quarterback and if you put pressure on him, Calvert will not be as successful. (Comparison: Clint Trickett)

7-Carson Proctor-Vero Beach-6’4-200-Proctor may be the most underrated quarterback in Florida this year. He sat behind another kid who ended up at Kansas. What makes proctor impressive is his arm. He can make the throws. He has very good placement of his throws. He does a very good job of giving his receivers a chance to make a catch and run up the field. Look for Carson to really catch fire this spring. We feel he will draw interest from college coaches during spring football. (Comparison: Aaron Murray)

8-Chirs Oladokun-Alonso-6’0-170 (Committed to South Florida)-Here is a prospect that will grow on you the more you watch him play. He is not the biggest quarterback but there are not many others who will compete with him. He is the type of quarterback that can beat you with his arm or legs. He is a smart kid who understands the game of football. He will step back in the pocket and find a way to make a play. (Comparison: Chris Leak)

9-Rex Culpepper-Tampa Plant-6’3-215-Rex father Brad not only played college football but also in the NFL He comes from a school that has produced some very good quarterbacks from Robert Marve to Aaron Murray. Rex is next in line. He is a big kid with a good arm. He can make the throws asked of him. What he still needs to work on is his throwing mechanics. With the level that he plays at a Plant being one of the powerhouse schools, Rex will get his chance to shine this season. (Comparison: Andy Dalton)

10-Augie Debiase-Fletcher-6’2-220-Augie has been on the scene since his freshman season at Providence High School. He has the size and a pretty good arm. He is more of a pro style quarterback then one you will be asking to take off and run. He has the ability to escape a pass rush but it is best to give him time to throw.

Flying under the radar: Eli Peters-Sandalwood-6’3-190, Matt Dame-Suncoast-6’2-175, Cody Saunders-Arnold, 6’2-200, Blake Dever-Saint Thomas Aquinas-6’4-210, Jacob Huesman-Braden River-6’3-200, Grant Papenfuss-Cardinal Newman-6’3-175, Tyler Huntley-Hallandale-6’0-170, Kobie Jones-Dunnellon-6’1-170, Kato Nelson-Flanagan-6’0-180.