Inside the Huddle: Quarterbacks-Class of 2016
Before the season Malik Henry returned to California. If not for his departure this could have been one of the best years ever for Florida in producing quarterbacks. It still ended up as one of the better seasons for signal callers in the sun-shine state. The top quarterback in Florida is Shea Patterson. The former Louisiana standout made the move to Florida before the season. He took over the top spot from Jack Allison who is committed to University of Miami. There are some other prospects that ESS will break down such as Felipe Franks, Woody Barrett and Tyler Huntley. When we look back this could end up a very good class of quarterbacks 2-3 years down the road?
1-Shea Patterson-IMG Academy-6’2-195-(Committed to Mississippi) –Patterson is a big time talent. He has the arm to make every throw asked of him. We also like his ability to throw with accuracy and to be able to lead receivers. He is also able to break down a defense with his legs. He is one of the more complete quarterbacks you will see in the country this year.
2-Jack Allison-Palmetto (Sarasota)-6’5-200-(Committed to Miami)- Allison may have one of the best arms we have seen from a quarterback. He is a true drop back quarterback. He has great size and there is not a throw that Allison can’t make. Part of his problem is trusted his arm too much and waiting till someone gets open.
3-Felipe Franks-Wakulla-6’5-210-(Committed to Florida)-We had a chance to watch Franks this off-season and in the state title game. There is no question that Franks has a big time arm. He needs to learn to sometimes take something off his throws. We would like to see him continue to improve on the shorter routes. He has the physical tools to become a 1st round pick one day if Franks continues to develop. Franks does need to work on his footwork and mechanics.
4-Woody Barrett-West Orange-6’2-220-(Committed to Auburn)- Barrett may be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. He has the arm to make most of the throws asked of him. He also is able to beat a defense with his legs. He is the true dual threat quarterback. He is a play maker once the ball is in his hands.
5-Tyler Huntley-Hallandale-6’0-180-(Committed to Utah) -Over the past couple of seasons there are not many better quarterbacks that you will see then Huntley. He is very accurate and does a good job of leading his receivers. He also is a team leader on and off the field. Here is a quarterback that makes everyone around him better when he steps on the field.
Best of the rest…..
*Kato Nelson-Flanagan-6’1-185-(Committed to Akron)-One thing you can’t question is Nelson ability to lead. He has now led two different teams to state championships. If Nelson can learn to take what the defense gives him, he will become a very good player in college.
*Carson Proctor-Vero Beach-6’3-200-We had the chance to watch Proctor earlier this year. He has a good arm and can make most of the throws a quarterback needs to make. This was his first season as a starter so there is still room for him to grow.
*Chris Oladokun-Sickles-6’0-170-(Committed to USF)-The Bulls finally turned it around in 2015. A big reason why is they got great production from Quinton Flowers. Chris will get the chance to provide a quality back up for USF next season.
*Xavier Gaines-Lake Wales-6’2-210-Early on in his career it looked like Gaines was going to be a premier quarterback in Florida. He has the physical tools to be a very good player in college. Now it is up to Gaines. If he wants to be a good player at the next level it will be up to him.
*Rex Culpepper-Tampa Plant-6’3-215-(Committed to Syracuse)-Culpepper comes from a football family. His father played for University of Florida and also the Chicago Bears. He looks the part as Rex has the tools you want in a quarterback. He has great size and his arm is solid. He just needs to work on being more consistent.
*Augie Debiasse-Raines-6’1-220-Augie surprisingly moves pretty well for a quarterback. He can beat a defense with both his arm and legs. What Augie needs to learn is that throwing the ball away or taking a sack is not always a bad thing. He has a tendency to want to make a big play and it turns into an interception. If he can learn to work on that part of his game, Augie could end up a solid starter at the next level.
*Eli Peters-Sandalwood-6’3-200-(Committed to Illinois)-Every year there is a quarterback in Florida that sneaks up on us. This year it is Peters. He is a drop back quarterback. One that is going to do best by sitting in the pocket and taking what the defense will give you.
*Stephen Calvert-Carol City-6’2-170(Committed to Liberty)-Calvert has the arm talent you want to see in a quarterback. His biggest attribute is his arm strength. He is a quarterback that needs a good pocket around him. Get pressure on Calvert and he is not as effective. If Calvert stays committed to Liberty there is no question they may have pulled off one of the biggest coups of the class of 2016.
*Jhakari Harrison-Coconut Creek-6’0-180-(Committed to Southern Illinois)-Harrison is not one of the more impressive looking prospects. He is not real big for a quarterback. One thing he can do well is sling the football. He is accurate and his anticipation is what sets him apart from other quarterbacks.
*Isaiah McIntyre-Bloomingdale-6’2-175-Here is a kid that has kind of flown under the radar. Isaiah is a raw prospect but the physical attributes are there. He is a good athlete and there is no question he can throw the football. He is a raw prospect that someone is going to need to be patient with and develop him.
*Billy Cobb-Trinity Christian-6’0-190-Cobb is the leader of a team that has won three state championships. He is also a leader off the field. He would do well in an air raid offense.
*Jacob Huesman-Braden River-6’2-210-(Committed to FIU)-Here is another much underrated quarterback. The Panthers pulled in a quarterback that has gotten better every season under center. He has a good arm, is accurate throwing the football and if given time can pick apart a defense.