Who are best QBs in AAA?

Right or wrong, a team’s quarterback gets most of the attention. A good quarterback can make or break a season, while a poor quarterback can doom an otherwise good team to mediocrity.

With one-third of the season in the book, here’s a look at some of the top quarterbacks in Class AAA:

Kaelan Riley, Calhoun: A big guy (6-4, 205) with a strong arm and strong legs. He can beat you with either.  Riley is an excellent decision maker. Plus, he's just a winner. He led the Yellow Jackets to the state championship last year in his first season as the starter. He's committed to Mercer, which got a steal.

Mecole Hardman, Elbert County: Why is he a five-star recruit? Because they don't give out six stars, that's why. An excellent runner who has a great burst of speed and plenty of quickness and elusiveness that makes him tough to catch. In addition to all that, Hardman (5-10, 170) is one tough hombre who doesn't know what it means to quit. He's going to be an exceptional player at the next level.

Zeb Noland, Oconee County: A big guy (6-3, 215) who fits the mold as the prototypical quarterback. He threw for 1,966 yards a year ago, was only intercepted once, and helped lead the Warriors to the state playoffs. Noland has committed to Appalachian State.

Justin Slocum, Southwest Macon: He's got good size (6-4, 200) but is toiling in a program that has struggled to make headway. Slocum is one of those guys who could surface at a college program in a few years and make people scratch their head and say, "Where did he come from?" Better pay attention.

Vicen'te Thompkins, Laney: The senior (5-11, 170) is the best athlete on the team, but sets up better as a prospect at receiver. He was pressed into the quarterback job when the incumbent transferred, leaving Thompkins under center. He threw three touchdowns last week against Albany.